daiku 
“A valuable facility where you can learn about the world’s first underground dam technology”
The Miyakojima City Underground Dam Museum is a rare spot where visitors can learn about the world’s first large-scale underground dam. Located next to the Fukuzato Underground Dam, the museum offers in-depth insights into Miyakojima’s unique water resource management technologies and their historical development.
Due to the lack of rivers on the island’s surface, Miyakojima relies heavily on groundwater as a vital resource. Underground dams were developed to make effective use of this groundwater, serving as an innovative solution to water shortages on the island. An underground dam works by constructing impermeable walls beneath the ground to store and utilize groundwater. Miyakojima has three such dams: the Fukuzato, Minafuku, and Sunagawa Underground Dams, which together support the island’s water supply.
The museum provides easy-to-understand explanations of the dam’s construction techniques and structures through videos and narration, making it an engaging educational experience for both children and adults. It’s also an excellent spot for summer research projects or field learning, offering a deeper understanding of how underground dams work and why they are important.
Additionally, the museum distributes dam cards for the Fukuzato, Minafuku, and Sunagawa Underground Dams, which are popular among collectors. By visiting the museum and the actual dam sites, you can truly grasp the scale and technological brilliance of these structures.
If you’re visiting Miyakojima, be sure to stop by the Miyakojima City Underground Dam Museum to discover the remarkable engineering and history behind the island’s water resources.
Address: 1645-8 Fukuzato, Gusube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-77-7547