A Multipurpose Dam on the Upper Iinashi River
Construction of Fube Dam began in 1964 and was completed in March 1968 as part of the Iinashi River Comprehensive Development Project. The dam is approximately 55.9 meters high and has a crest length of about 190 meters.
The reservoir has a total capacity of approximately 125,200 cubic meters. The project cost at the time was approximately 1.62 billion yen, making it a major infrastructure project for the region.
Supporting Local Communities Through Water and Power
Fube Dam serves several important functions, including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and the supply of water for domestic and industrial use. Its water supplies not only Yasugi City but also parts of Matsue City.
Approximately 34,000 cubic meters of water per day are supplied for industrial use, while around 16,000 cubic meters per day are supplied for municipal water services. The dam therefore plays an important role in supporting both everyday life and local industry.
Three prefectural hydroelectric power stations have also been built downstream, making use of the difference in elevation created by the dam. The First Power Station has a maximum output of 3,000 kW, the Second Power Station produces up to 1,400 kW, and the Third Power Station produces up to 250 kW.
The electricity generated by these facilities is supplied to industrial areas in and around Yasugi, linking the natural resources of the region with its modern infrastructure.
Shiratsubaki Ohashi: One of the Largest Suspension Bridges in the Chugoku Region
One of the most distinctive landmarks around Fube Dam is Shiratsubaki Ohashi, a large pedestrian suspension bridge spanning Shiratsubaki Lake.
Completed in 1993, the bridge is approximately 128 meters long and about 2 meters wide. It is considered one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges of its kind in the Chugoku region.
Views from Above the Lake
Shiratsubaki Ohashi connects the lakeshore with the long, narrow peninsula-like Nakano-shima Park. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy expansive views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
In spring, cherry blossoms add bright color to the landscape, while autumn brings vivid foliage reflected on the calm surface of the lake. Crossing the bridge also offers the distinctive experience of feeling its gentle movement beneath your feet.
A Lakeside Walking Trail Filled with Seasonal Flowers
A nature park has been developed around Fube Dam, with walking trails that allow visitors to explore the lakeside at a relaxed pace. The landscape changes with the seasons, offering a different experience each time of year.
In spring, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and kobushi magnolias bloom around the lake. In early summer, hydrangeas add beautiful color to the scenery, while autumn brings brilliant maple foliage.
Various trees, including birch trees, have also been planted around the lake, creating a landscape that is attractive throughout the year.
Dragonflies, Fireflies, and Fishing
The area downstream from the dam’s spillway is also an important natural habitat. It is home to Hatcho-tombo dragonflies, considered one of Japan’s smallest dragonflies, as well as fireflies.
The lake is also enjoyed by anglers, with carp and crucian carp among the fish found in the area. These natural attractions make Fube Dam a place where outdoor recreation and nature observation can be enjoyed together.
The White Camellias of Fube
The Fube district has long been known as an area where white camellias grow naturally. Along one of the walking trails, a short distance into a valley, stands a magnificent white camellia tree with a trunk circumference of approximately 2 meters.
Known as Kawaoku Shiratsubaki, this tree is considered the original plant of a distinctive white-flowering variety of wild camellia. Pink-flowering camellias can also be seen in the surrounding area.
Large maple and katsura trees grow nearby, creating a quiet and almost mysterious atmosphere in the forest.
Why Camellias Became Important to the Community
Several theories have been passed down about why camellias came to be valued in this region. They include connections with traditional beliefs concerning mountain deities, the use of camellia oil to help prevent rust on blades, and the use of local woodland resources for producing charcoal needed for ironmaking.
Camellia oil, extracted from the seeds of the plant, has long been regarded as a valuable product. It has traditionally been used in cooking, hair care, and cosmetics.
Even today, camellia seedlings and camellia oil are sold as local specialties of the Fube area.
The History of Tatara Ironmaking and Nodetara
The Fube district has a long connection with tatara ironmaking, Japan’s traditional method of producing iron. The surrounding mountains are composed largely of granite, making them a source of high-quality iron sand that melts relatively easily at lower temperatures.
The area also had abundant forests that provided charcoal, while the Iinashi River supplied a plentiful source of water. These natural conditions made the region well suited to traditional iron production.
Traditional Ironmaking in the Mountains
Nodetara was a small-scale form of ironmaking practiced in mountainous areas. Iron sand was heated and melted to produce iron using traditional techniques.
The tamahagane produced through traditional ironmaking became particularly valued as a material for Japanese swords, knives, and other blades because of its excellent cutting qualities.
Even today, dozens of former nodetara sites and deposits of ironmaking slag have been identified around Fube. Numerous place names and family business names associated with the character for “gold” also remain, providing clues to the area’s long history of iron production.
Fube Dam Park: A Gateway to Local Tourism
The area around Fube Dam includes Dam Park, which features a parking area, management facilities, walking trails, and observation points. The park was developed from 1988 as part of a wider tourism initiative centered on the theme of “Myths and Iron.”
Nakano-shima Park hosts an annual Dam Festival, featuring local food, entertainment, and other community events. The festival attracts many visitors and provides an opportunity to experience the local culture in a lively setting.
Approximately 2,000 camellia trees have been planted throughout the park. Around the middle of April, they reach their peak flowering period, creating an especially beautiful landscape along the lakeshore.
The Iinashi River and the History of the Region
Fube Dam was built on the upper reaches of the Iinashi River, a first-class river that originates around Mt. Tamamine in the mountainous southern part of Yasugi City before flowing into Lake Nakaumi.
The river is approximately 38 kilometers long and has a drainage basin of about 208 square kilometers. It was formerly known as the Tomita River and has been closely connected with the lives and history of local communities for centuries.
From Gassan Toda Castle to the Coastal Plain
The middle reaches of the river are home to Gassan Toda Castle, which flourished as the stronghold of the Amago clan during Japan’s Warring States period. Further downstream are attractions such as Saginoyu Onsen and the Adachi Museum of Art.
The lower reaches have developed into a broad delta landscape where agriculture, including dairy farming and strawberry cultivation, is an important local industry.
The river basin has also been inhabited since ancient times, and numerous burial mounds remain in the region, including the Nakasenji Kofun Group and Miyayama Kofun.
A River Shaped by Floods and Changing Landscapes
The course of the Iinashi River has changed repeatedly throughout history. Records describe a major flood in 1666, when large quantities of sediment buried parts of the town surrounding Gassan Toda Castle.
These historical events demonstrate how closely the river has been connected with the development, challenges, and changing landscape of the Yasugi region.
Access to Fube Dam
Fube Dam is approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Yasugi Station and about 30–35 minutes by car from Yasugi Interchange.
Visitors using public transportation can take a Yellow Bus from JR Yasugi Station or Ara-shima Station and transfer at Hirose Bus Terminal. From there, take a bus to the Fube Dam bus stop, which is just a short walk from the destination.
Surrounded by mountains, forests, and the tranquil waters of Shiratsubaki Lake, Fube Dam offers many ways to enjoy the Yasugi countryside. Visitors can take a leisurely walk, photograph the changing seasonal scenery, observe wildlife, or explore the region’s long history of tatara ironmaking.
The peaceful surface of Shiratsubaki Lake, colorful seasonal flowers, historic ironmaking sites, and impressive Shiratsubaki Ohashi make this a rewarding destination for travelers who want to experience a quieter and more natural side of Shimane.