Climb on the wall of a huge dam! Dynamic climbing at Yoko Segawa Dam

Yoko Segawa Dam Climbing Wall, Japan's first dam climbing facility, opened in July 2020 at Yokosegawa Dam in Sukumo City in western Kochi Prefecture. Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences students who learn about economic development and regional revitalization through sports will experience activities that make use of local environmental resources.

Birth of Japan's first attempt, Yoko Segawa Dam Climbing Wall

Yoko Segawa Dam Climbing Wall, as its name suggests, is Japan's first climbing facility that uses the walls of the dam. There are two courses, beginner and intermediate, with a height of 8m, on the wall on the downstream side that does not store water. It was hot before the opening because you could experience "sports climbing" in which you climb a wall with a protruding called a hold and compete for the speed and height of climbing on the dam wall.

From the time of the dam construction plan, Sukumo City and Tourism Association plan to promote "infrastructure tourism" that utilizes large public facilities such as dams and bridges, which are expanding recently for sightseeing. During the construction, a tourist association sponsored a “night construction tour” where you can observe rare construction conditions, and we have been working to enliven the area using dams. Meanwhile, with the popularity of sports climbing, which became an official event at the Tokyo Olympics, the idea of turning the dam wall into a climbing wall emerged. Japan's first attempt was realized with the cooperation of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

What is Yoko Segawa Dam that protects the living and environment of local residents?

Yoko Segawa Dam is a dam installed in Yoko Segawa, which flows into the Nakasuji River, the right tributary river of Shimanto River. In the Nakasuji River basin, where the slope of the land is gentle despite the heavy rain area, the surrounding rivers repeatedly flooded each time it was heavy rain, so it was built together with the Nakasuji River Dam, which had already been built, to prevent floods. Was.

Yoko Segawa Dam, which was born to protect the lives of local people, is also known as an eco-friendly dam that takes into account the surrounding natural environment. The area around Yoko Segawa Dam is a place where the traditional satoyama landscape of Tanada continues, as well as many natural forests such as Shii and Oak remain. It is said that a water god dwells just below the dam, and there are famous places such as "Todoro Falls" and "Ame Begging Shrine". In order to protect these, we have adopted the "side waterway reduction method" that saves water flow during water discharge for the first time in the world. The shape of the dam, which is integrated with the surrounding mountains, is also eye-catching.

Experience dam climbing

Yoko Segawa Dam, which students visited, is located in Sukumo City, about 2 hours and 40 minutes by car from Kochi Station. I have experienced a thrilling climbing that can be enjoyed on a magnificent scale.

There are two climbing courses: beginner and intermediate. From a location about 63m above the ground to the top of the dam, 25 natural stone holds are set on both sides. The hold of the beginner course is rough and angular, so it is easy to grasp, and the intermediate course is large and round, so it is a little difficult to grasp.

In addition, the intermediate course has a random set position of the hold, and it is necessary to climb while instantly thinking about where to grab and where to put your foot, so it is a little more difficult. 

The flow of experience is as follows. First of all, fill out the application form and pay the fee, go to the climbing wall through the dam inspection passage on the wall. If you infiltrate the back of a dam that you do not usually step into, you will feel like an explorer and you will overflow with adventure.

After attaching a dedicated harness, shoes, helmet, and autobi Rei (lifeline), move to the outside of the dam, which is the starting point of the climbing course. There is a solid scaffolding, but it is already quite high.

After listening to the guide's explanation, the climbing finally started. I try to climb with only the power of my arm, but I'm battered, so the trick is to climb using the power of my feet. With the feeling of climbing a ladder, the hands are enough to support the body. You don't have to worry because you are wearing a lifeline, but just thinking "if you fall" increases your fear.

Unlike indoor climbing facilities, the scale of the scenery that spreads below your eyes is magnificent. Near the top is about 70 meters from the ground .... Even if you look up or look down, you will tremble at its height. The women were about to retire several times on the way, but somehow everyone managed to climb to the top. Once you've climbed, you'll get down slowly along the rope to the starting point. There is no sense of accomplishment and relief when your feet reach the ground.

I asked the students who finished the experience, "How did you try dam climbing?"

Ayaka Takahashi

"It's the first time I've seen this kind of scenery at a scale dam not found in Osaka! It was nice to be here that the dam, which was just like a place to store water, would be such a fun place.”

Hinata Nishisaka

"I can't climb it, I can't go on the way! Who told you to build a climbing wall on the dam? And I was desperate... When I thought about it, I thought it was a great idea to use some of the dams full of walls for climbing walls.”

Mr. Shiraiwa

"The beginner course was relatively easy, but the intermediate course had to be considered more than I thought and climbed, so it was difficult. I wanted to try more climbing.”

Ms. Hiroshi Yamashita

"It was the first time I came to Kochi and saw a dam, and I was surprised at the size. It was shocking because I never thought of making an activity using a dam. When I actually climbed, I used my head and body more than I imagined, so it was fun, but I was tired.”

Intermediate courses require a little physical strength and tricks, but according to the guide, most people can climb the beginner course. It is said that some people have experienced it from the fourth grade of elementary school to the age of 60. Climbing while enjoying plenty of thrills in a location beyond imagination. For beginners and climbers, there is no doubt that there is an extraordinary experience.

Enjoy "Yoko Segawa Dam Curry" at the long-established cafe rest "Swarlow Kaikan"

Lunch is about 30 minutes by car from Yoko Segawa Dam, and at Swarow Kaikan, a cafe and restaurant near JR Hirata Station. The Swallow Hall, which was renewed in 2019 with more than 50 years of experience, is a facility that continues to be loved by local residents. In a retro cute atmosphere, you can enjoy the taste of Japanese, Western, and sweets from the time of establishment.

"Yoko Segawa Dam Curry" was added to the menu with the birth of Yoko Segawa Dam. The shop's special moderately spicy curry expresses the dam lake, rice expresses the rich nature of the surrounding area with rice, green vegetables, and there are many colorful and ingredients. It's a must-have after dam climbing.

Sukumo City, where the dam I experienced this time, is also working on revitalizing the town using bicycles, and activities that take advantage of the local environment are also thriving. In 2022, the Japan Cycle League, the first professional road race in Japan to use motorways, was also held.

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Facility information