THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
August 23, 2023 at 07:00 JST
People enjoy standup paddleboarding on the Niyodogawa river in Niyodogawa, Kochi Prefecture, on July 21. (Kazushige Kobayashi)
As sweltering temperatures continue to smother the Japanese archipelago, many seek to escape the heat wave by hitting the beach. However, in addition to being surrounded by the ocean on all sides, Japan is rich with lakes, ponds and more than 30,000 rivers across the country.
These scenic spots off the beaten path offer great opportunities to cool down and enjoy the summer.
AQUATIC SPORTS AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
In central Kochi Prefecture, the Niyodogawa river is famous nationwide for its crystal-clear water, nicknamed “Niyodo Blue.” It has been selected eight times for the land ministry’s annual list of rivers with the highest water quality, winning first place in 2012.
Tourists from overseas are also attracted to the river, which has become a popular spot for standup paddleboarding. The water is so transparent that paddleboards appear to be floating in the air.
In Gujo, Gifu Prefecture, locals and tourists alike play in the beautiful Kodaragawa river all summer long. The river is fed by “Sogi-sui” spring water, which was the first to be selected by the Environment Ministry for its list of Japan’s 100 exquisite waters.
In Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture, visitors can take a cool dip in the Inazumi underwater limestone cave, one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Sauna sessions can be enjoyed in tents outside the cave, while the water within stays 16 degrees year-round.
This experience has become so popular that reservations are hard to come by. The municipal government declared itself as Japan’s first “town of sauna” in July 2021.
WONDERFUL WILDLIFE IN RIVERS
The Kozagawa river in Kozagawa, Wakayama Prefecture, is home to the Japanese giant salamander.
The amphibian is referred to as a “living fossil” because its appearance hasn’t changed from its fossil record in 30 million years. The creature has been designated by the central government as a special natural monument.
In Kuromatsunai in Hokkaido, it is common to see anglers fishing for “yamame” (masu trout) and “ugui” (Japanese dace) in the Shubutogawa river system between June and October. The river system, located between Sapporo and Hakodate, has more than 120 tributaries.
SERENE SCENIC BEAUTY CREATES COOL ATMOSPHERE
The Nabegataki waterfall in Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a UNESCO Global Geopark site. It likely formed during an eruption of Mount Aso about 90,000 years ago.
The 10-meter-tall, 20-meter-wide waterfall is also known as “Urami no taki” (seen-from-behind waterfall) because visitors can walk behind it. With sunlight seeping through the curtains of falling water against the backdrop of the fresh green, visitors can enjoy the cool chill.
In late July, small, white flowers called “Mishima-baikamo” sway in the clear current of the Kakitagawa river in Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
The aquatic plant’s population had been drastically reduced during the 1970s due to construction of water facilities, housing developments and other projects. Fortunately, local residents formed a civic group to conserve the natural environment of the river in 1975.
“We have a duty to conserve the Kakitagawa river as long as it exists,” said the group’s president, Nobuaki Urushibata, 87.
Thanks to their efforts, we can still appreciate this lovely river flower.
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