Shima Onsen is rich in nature
Do you know how rich in nature Shima Onsen is?
Shima Onsen is located in the northwest mountains of Gunma prefecture, and it is spread along the Shima River Valley.
There are 42 sources of hot spring water along the Shima River.
You can literally enjoy soaking in an onsen surrounded by mountains, and listening to the sound of river.
Once you come to Shima Onsen, you might be fall in love with this beautiful nature.
To preserve and to utilize resources our mountains and clear river, we have a few hydroelectric dams in this area.
Hydroelectricity in Shima Onsen
Shima Onsen has dams to generate hydroelectricity.
Each of the dams is also known as sightseeing spot.
Shimagawa Dam
Shimagawa dam is also called “Okushima Lake.”
The hydroelectric generation capacity of this power plant can reach approximately 1,000kw (Quoted from 群馬県庁).
It has started operating in 1999.
The role of Shimagawa dam is not just hydroelectricity, but also reducing flood damage, tap water distribution, and river environmental protection.
And of course, this dam create spectacular view of Shima Blue.
Shimasyusui Dam
Shimasyusui Dam is located near Momotaro Waterfall.
This is intake dam to send water to another hydroelectricity lies downstream of Shima River.
Momotaro waterfall, right nearby this dam, is one of the spot to see Shima Blue.
The hydroelectric generation capacity of the power plant which utilizes water from this dam can reach approximately 5,000kw (Quoted from 群馬県庁).
*Currently, Shimasyusui Dam is under construction, so it is not running .
Nakanojo Dam
Nakanojo Dam is also called “Shima Lake.”
The hydroelectric generation capacity of this power plant can reach approximately 51kw (Quoted from 群馬県庁).
It has started operating in 1998.
On Shima Lake, you can enjoy canoeing and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard).
It’s just like a killing two birds with one stone!!
There is another power plant which utilizes water from this Nakanojo Dam.
The hydroelectric generation capacity of it can reach approximately 11,000kw (Quoted from 群馬県庁).
How much power generated from Shima River?
The total amount of the power generated by these four power plant which utilize the water from Shima River is about 17,000kw.
Based on the average operating rate of hydroelectric power plants and average household electricity consumption, it appears that power plants generate enough electricity for about 7,000 households.
Currently, the number of households in Nakanojo town is 6,678 (as of January, 2025 Quoted from 中之条町).
Which means that Hydroelectricities of Shima River can make up for all the households’ electricity in Nakanojo town.
Why don’t you get away from city life, and feel the power of nature in Shima Onsen?
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