Narubuchi Dam: The Best of Both Worlds with Scenic Walks and Water Play! A Waterfront Spot Defined by Its Massive Wall

On a recent holiday, my wife and I were discussing where to take Elmo. She was scrolling through her phone and said, “How about this place? It looks nice,” pointing to Narubuchi Dam in Sasaguri, Fukuoka.

To be honest, whenever I heard the word “dam,” I used to just picture a giant wall holding back water. But after visiting, my perspective did a total 180. What we found was a refreshing space with a fantastic walking course that any dog lover would appreciate.

It’s only a little over a 30-minute drive from Fukuoka City, making it the perfect destination for a quick getaway. Here is the lowdown on the charm of Narubuchi Dam—based on our experience walking, playing, and soaking it all in.

A Double-Shot of Scenic Views! The Thrilling Panorama from Atop the Dam

Upon arriving at Narubuchi Dam, we decided to start by walking along the top. As we stepped out of the car and headed toward the “crest” (the very top of the dam), we were greeted by a landscape of incredible scale! The contrast between the modern, multi-layered road structures, the beautifully maintained park, and the surrounding lush mountains was simply exquisite. I couldn’t help but let out a “Wow…” in awe.

While walking along the top, we came across a few monuments. Set against the stark, inorganic concrete of the dam, they really caught the eye, so I made sure to snap a photo.

It’s quite a height when you look straight down, so those who are afraid of heights should be a bit careful, but the breeze blowing through was incredibly refreshing and put me right at ease. Elmo seemed to be enjoying the view too (I think?), twitching his nose and leaning forward to take it all in. Walking the full loop provides a substantial distance, making it more than enough for a good workout.

The Lower Plaza is the Best! Looking Up at the “Wall” and Enjoying Blissful Water Play

After enjoying the view from the top, we drove down to the plaza below. In my opinion, this “lower plaza” is the absolute highlight of Narubuchi Dam. First off, looking up at the dam wall from below is awe-inspiring—it’s just massive! I’ve been to a few dams where you can appreciate the scale, but I don’t know any other spot this close to the city and just off a main road where you can experience this kind of impact.

Right next to this towering wall is a spacious, grassy plaza. The moment Elmo’s paws hit the ground, he was overjoyed, immediately pulling me toward the river! Seeing your dog so eager to explore really makes you glad you brought them.

Elmo Had a Blast! Splashing Around in the Perfect Current

The biggest draw of this plaza is that you can enjoy “water play” safely. There is a river with just the right flow, and next to it, a small, gentle channel where water trickles along. For a dog, this is the ultimate playground.

Elmo didn’t hesitate to approach the channel on his own, happily splashing around and cooling off. While larger rivers can have fast currents that make you worry, a shallow and calm waterway like this allows you to let your dog play with peace of mind. Especially during the hotter months, having even a little bit of water like this doubles the fun of the walk.

Camping Too? More Ways to Enjoy the Area Around Narubuchi Dam

While we were strolling through the plaza, I noticed there’s a campsite nearby as well. My wife and I got excited talking about how fun it would be to come back for a family camping trip. Waking up in the morning, zipping open the tent, and having a giant dam and crisp air right in front of you—that sounds like a perfect holiday. We might just have to pack the camping gear next time.

As a side note, while the paths around Narubuchi Dam are well-maintained, there are stairs and some inclines in certain areas. If you’re walking with your dog, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Also, there aren’t many shops in the immediate vicinity, so it’s best to prepare drinks in advance.

Immersed in Sasaguri’s Nature: A Day that Deepened Our Bond with Elmo

We originally visited Narubuchi Dam with the casual thought of “stopping by during a drive,” but by the end of the day, I, my wife, and Elmo were all completely satisfied.

• A grand panorama from atop the dam
• The overwhelming presence of the giant wall from below
• A perfect little waterway where your dog can splash to their heart’s content

With all these elements combined—and a spacious parking lot to boot—it’s a truly valuable spot. Whenever Elmo feels like splashing around again, this is exactly where I’ll be bringing him!