Complete Guide to Sankagetsu Pond (Fukui Prefecture): Thorough Explanation of Lesser-Known History and Charm
Fukui Prefecture is dotted with many beautiful ponds and lakes, each possessing its own unique history and natural charm. This article provides detailed explanations of the origins of the name “Sankagetsu Pond,” its characteristics, and Fukui Prefecture’s agricultural reservoir culture in general.
What is Sankagetsu Pond: Understanding Fukui Prefecture’s Agricultural Reservoir Culture
Sankagetsu Pond is one of the agricultural reservoirs existing within Fukui Prefecture. Even in the Reiwa era, numerous agricultural reservoirs continue to exist throughout Fukui Prefecture, functioning as important water sources supporting the region’s agriculture.
Historical Background of Agricultural Reservoirs in Fukui Prefecture
Fukui Prefecture has long been a region where rice cultivation thrives, and numerous agricultural reservoirs have been constructed to ensure stable water sources. Particularly in preparation for periods of low rainfall or drought, agricultural reservoirs built for the purpose of storing irrigation water have functioned as the lifeblood of regional agriculture.
The name Sankagetsu Pond likely derives from the pond’s capacity to store water for approximately three months, or from its important role during a specific three-month period (such as the busy farming season). In various regions, there exist numerous pond names derived from seasons or usage periods.
Regarding Fukui Prefecture’s Agricultural Reservoir Map
Fukui Prefecture provides an “Agricultural Reservoir Map” that comprehensively manages information about agricultural reservoirs existing throughout the prefecture and discloses it to residents. This map is accessible through the Fukui Prefecture website, allowing users to confirm location information and basic data for each reservoir.
How to Use the Reservoir Information Fukui System
“Reservoir Information Fukui,” which began operation in October of the fifth year of Reiwa (2023), is a system allowing residents to access detailed information about reservoirs. The following information is provided through this system:
- Reservoir location information: Confirm precise locations on maps
- Scale and capacity: Basic data such as water volume and embankment height
- Management information: Responsible managers for each reservoir
- Disaster prevention information: Risk evaluations and evacuation information during disasters
The introduction of this system has made information about agricultural reservoirs in Fukui Prefecture, including Sankagetsu Pond, more transparent and has contributed to enhancing disaster prevention awareness among local residents.
Regarding Priority Disaster Prevention Agricultural Reservoirs
Fukui Prefecture designates “Priority Disaster Prevention Agricultural Reservoirs” that meet the selection criteria indicated by the national government. This is a system for identifying agricultural reservoirs that could cause casualties if they were to breach, and for implementing disaster prevention measures on a priority basis.
Selection Criteria for Priority Disaster Prevention Reservoirs
Priority Disaster Prevention Agricultural Reservoirs are selected based on the following criteria:
- Embankment height and water storage capacity are above a certain scale
- Residences or public facilities exist downstream
- Residences exist within the assumed flood inundation area in case of breaching
- Risk of breaching from earthquakes or torrential rain is high
Whether Sankagetsu Pond is designated as a priority disaster prevention reservoir can be confirmed by referring to the latest list published by Fukui Prefecture. Since the Reiwa era, in response to the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall disasters resulting from climate change, revisions to selection criteria and expansion of target reservoirs have been advancing.
Regarding Changes to the “Disaster Prevention Project Implementation Plan for Priority Disaster Prevention Agricultural Reservoirs”
Fukui Prefecture regularly formulates and updates the disaster prevention project implementation plan to enhance the safety of priority disaster prevention agricultural reservoirs. This plan includes the following:
- Embankment seismic reinforcement construction
- Flood spillway improvements
- Enhanced surveillance systems
- Creation and dissemination of hazard maps
- Establishment of emergency contact systems
Through these initiatives, the safety of agricultural reservoirs throughout the prefecture, including Sankagetsu Pond, is gradually improving.
Regarding Designation of Specified Agricultural Reservoirs
Based on the “Law Concerning Management and Preservation of Agricultural Reservoirs,” Fukui Prefecture designates specified agricultural reservoirs. This designation requires stricter management for agricultural reservoirs where damage from breaching is particularly anticipated.
Management Obligations for Specified Agricultural Reservoirs
When designated as a specified agricultural reservoir, the following obligations arise:
- Notification by owner or manager is mandatory
- Implementation of periodic inspections and reporting
- Early detection and repair of deterioration or damage
- Implementation of disaster prevention construction work (as necessary)
- Prohibition of unauthorized alteration or abandonment
Through this law, proper management of agricultural reservoirs such as Sankagetsu Pond is legally guaranteed, contributing to improved regional safety.
Geographic Features and Surrounding Environment of Sankagetsu Pond
Specific details regarding the location and scale of Sankagetsu Pond can be confirmed by referring to agricultural reservoir maps and related files published by Fukui Prefecture. Generally, agricultural reservoirs in Fukui Prefecture possess the following characteristics:
Characteristics of Fukui Prefecture’s Agricultural Reservoirs
- Distributed mainly in mountainous and hilly areas: Utilizing topography for construction
- Mostly constructed from the Edo period through the early Showa period: Historical value
- Important infrastructure supporting the region’s paddy field agriculture: Currently in use
- Contributing to ecosystem preservation: Habitats for aquatic organisms and waterfowl
Sankagetsu Pond is believed to possess these general characteristics of Fukui Prefecture’s agricultural reservoirs. It is highly likely that paddy fields surround the area and that the pond functions as an irrigation water source from spring through fall.
Comparison with Representative Ponds and Lakes in Fukui Prefecture
Understanding Sankagetsu Pond is facilitated by comparison with other prominent ponds and lakes within Fukui Prefecture.
Karikomi Pond [Currently Closed to Access]: A Scenic Autumn Foliage Destination with Legends of a Sealed Great Serpent
Karikomi Pond is a mystical lake located at a high elevation of 1,075 meters in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture. It is situated at the upper reaches of the Utanami River, on the foothills of Mount Ganikyo, on a plateau called Habakami surrounded by virgin forests of beech and mizunara oak.
Legend of Karikomi Pond
According to legend, the great Buddhist priest Taicho once divided the great serpent inhabiting Hakusan Senjya Gaike and sealed it within Karikomi Pond. This legend is deeply rooted in the local community, and the pond possesses a mystical atmosphere.
Natural Environment and Scenery
- Circumference: Approximately 400 meters
- Water depth: Maximum 4.5 meters
- Elevation: 1,075 meters
- Features: Serene water surface reflecting Hakusan Mountains’ Sanno Peak
- Vegetation: Virgin forests of beech and mizunara oak
- Autumn foliage: Known as one of the prefecture’s finest autumn foliage destinations
Karikomi Pond is located within Hakusan National Park, an area with nature among the most preserved in the prefecture. In autumn, the virgin forest takes on fall colors, and the sight of their diverse hues reflected on the water’s surface is magnificent.
※Currently in the Reiwa era, access roads to Karikomi Pond are closed to traffic, so confirmation of the latest information is necessary before visiting.
Mikatagoko: Five Lakes Registered under the Ramsar Convention
Mikatagoko is a collective term for five lakes in Mikata-Kaminaka District: Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, Lake Kukushi, and Lake Hyuga. It is a scenic destination representing the Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park and was registered under the Ramsar Convention in November 2005.
Reason for Being Called the Five-Colored Lakes
Each lake possesses different water depths and salinity levels, giving the lake surfaces different colors, which is why they are also called the “Five-Colored Lakes.” A variety of fish from saltwater to freshwater fish inhabit the lakes, and they are important habitats for waterfowl.
Yasha Pond: A Mystical Lake with Legends of Rain Prayer
Yasha Pond, located on the border between Fukui and Gifu Prefectures on the mid-slope north of Mount Mikunigadake, is known as a rain-prayer pond. The area around the pond is home to alpine flora that form a unique ecosystem.
Kuzuryu Lake: Functions as a Dam Lake and Tourist Resource
Kuzuryu Lake is a dam lake created by damming the Kuzuryu River. While it serves functions in power generation and flood control, it is also popular as a tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery.
Access to Sankagetsu Pond and Visitor Information
When visiting Sankagetsu Pond, attention to the following points is necessary:
Items to Confirm Before Visiting
- Confirmation of location: Confirm the precise location using Fukui Prefecture’s agricultural reservoir map
- Condition of access roads: If on private land or management roads, entry restrictions may apply
- Season and weather: Dangerous during heavy rainfall or snowmelt periods
- Consideration for managers: Understanding that agricultural reservoirs are production infrastructure
- Safety measures: Approaching embankments or the water’s edge may involve risks
Etiquette for Visiting Agricultural Reservoirs in Fukui Prefecture
When visiting agricultural reservoirs, please observe the following etiquette:
- Always take trash with you
- Do not enter areas marked as off-limits
- Avoid actions that would pollute water quality
- Be considerate not to interfere with agricultural work
- Show consideration for private property when taking photographs
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Enjoying Nature and Culture in Fukui Prefecture
When visiting Sankagetsu Pond, you can also enjoy nearby tourist spots.
Points of Interest in the Ono City Area
If Sankagetsu Pond is located in the vicinity of Ono City, the following tourist attractions are nearby:
Echizen Ono Castle
Known as the “Castle in the Sky,” its appearance floating in sea clouds is fantastic. The charm of the castle town can also be enjoyed.
Kuzuryu Gorge
Known as a scenic autumn foliage destination, the gorge’s beauty can be fully appreciated.
Mana Gorge
A beautiful gorge where the clear stream of the Mana River and unique rock formations weave together.
Lake and Pond Tours in Fukui Prefecture
There are numerous attractive lakes and ponds throughout Fukui Prefecture, and touring each is also recommended:
- Karikomi Pond: Spectacular autumn foliage scenery (after closure is lifted)
- Mikatagoko: Views from Rainbow Line
- Yasha Pond: Trekking and alpine flora observation
- Kuzuryu Lake: Driving and lakeside walks
Reference Information Regarding Reservoirs and Contact Information
Detailed information about Sankagetsu Pond and Fukui Prefecture’s reservoirs can be obtained from the following sources.
Related File Downloads
The following materials are available for download on the Fukui Prefecture website:
- Priority Disaster Prevention Agricultural Reservoir List
- Specified Agricultural Reservoir Designation List
- Reservoir Hazard Maps
- Agricultural Reservoir Management Manual
Contact Information
Fukui Prefecture Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Rural Development Division
- Location: 3-17-1 Oote, Fukui City
- Telephone number: Through the Fukui Prefecture Government main switchboard to the Rural Development Division
- Reception hours: Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)
- Reference: Access through the site map on the Fukui Prefecture website
The Future of Fukui Prefecture’s Agricultural Reservoir Culture
Agricultural reservoirs in Fukui Prefecture, including Sankagetsu Pond, are not merely water supply facilities but important resources supporting the region’s history, culture, and ecosystems.
Balancing Preservation and Utilization
In the Reiwa era, agricultural reservoirs are expected to fulfill the following multifaceted roles:
- Stable supply of agricultural irrigation water: Maintaining original functions
- Enhancement of disaster prevention functions: Flood control and landslide prevention
- Preservation of biodiversity: Habitats for aquatic organisms and waterfowl
- Utilization as scenic resources: Tourism and environmental education
- Serving as a community center: Community cooperation through management
Passing on to Future Generations
In some cases, reservoir management becomes difficult due to aging agricultural workers and population decline. Fukui Prefecture is working to pass on agricultural reservoir culture to the next generation through the following initiatives:
- Support for organizing management systems
- Subsidies for disaster prevention construction work
- Information system development (such as Reservoir Information Fukui)
- Implementation of environmental education programs
- Promotion of collaborative management with local residents
Conclusion: The Value of Sankagetsu Pond and Fukui Prefecture’s Agricultural Reservoirs
Sankagetsu Pond, as one of the numerous agricultural reservoirs scattered throughout Fukui Prefecture, plays an important role in supporting regional agriculture. Details regarding the origins of its name and its specific characteristics can be confirmed by referring to official information sources provided by Fukui Prefecture, such as the “Agricultural Reservoir Map” and “Reservoir Information Fukui.”
Agricultural reservoirs in Fukui Prefecture possess diverse characteristics, ranging from tourist resources known for legends and autumn foliage scenery such as Karikomi Pond to Ramsar Convention-registered wetlands such as Mikatagoko. Sankagetsu Pond is also a precious existence that tells the history and culture of the region, and it is important that its value be passed on to the future through proper management and preservation.
While the designation of priority disaster prevention agricultural reservoirs and the specified agricultural reservoir system are working to improve safety, management systems through cooperation with local residents are also advancing. From the perspectives of adaptation to climate change and biodiversity preservation in the Reiwa era, the importance of agricultural reservoirs is increasing.
When visiting Sankagetsu Pond, please understand its function as agricultural infrastructure, observe proper etiquette, and experience the rich nature and culture of Fukui Prefecture. Furthermore, it is important that each of us maintains interest in ensuring these reservoirs are passed on to future generations.
