Nagara River Middle Stream Springwater Group Gifu Prefecture: The Charm of Clear Streams Selected as One of Japan’s Top 100 Waters and Tourism Guide
The Nagara River flowing through Gifu Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s three most pristine rivers, and its middle stream area was designated as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Waters” by the Ministry of the Environment (then the Environment Agency) in 1985. The Nagara River middle stream springwater group is not merely a beautiful river; rather, the abundant groundwater flowing underground sustains the lives of residents throughout the basin including Gifu City and has nurtured a unique river culture. It represents a precious water resource.
This article provides a thorough explanation of the charm of these famous waters, covering the characteristics, history, tourist attractions, and the culture rooted in the region of the Nagara River middle stream springwater group.
What is the Nagara River Middle Stream Springwater Group?
Reasons for Selection as One of Japan’s Top 100 Waters
Behind the designation of the Nagara River middle stream springwater group as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters lie several important factors. The Nagara River originates from Mount Dainichi (elevation 1,709m) in Takasu Town, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, and is a first-class river that spans 166 kilometers running north to south through Gifu Prefecture.
In the middle stream area, particularly around Gifu City, abundant groundwater flows underground along with the river’s flow, and this groundwater is of exceptionally high quality. The major characteristic is that water quality has been preserved because there are no dams or large industrial complexes in the area.
Mechanism of Groundwater
In the subsurface of the Nagara River middle stream area, water that has percolated along with the river’s flow is stored as groundwater. As this groundwater passes through the sand and gravel layers of the riverbed and banks, it is naturally filtered and becomes clean groundwater.
In Gifu City, this groundwater is pumped up and supplied as tap water, serving as an important water source for residents’ daily water use. Additionally, in some areas, households pump groundwater from private wells and use it as drinking water, playing a role directly connected to daily life.
Water Quality Characteristics
The water in the Nagara River middle stream has the following characteristics:
- High transparency: True to its reputation as a clear stream, the water has extremely high transparency, allowing visibility of the river bottom
- Stable water temperature: Groundwater maintains relatively stable temperatures throughout the year, feeling cold in summer and warm in winter
- Mineral balance: Contains moderate minerals and possesses excellent quality as drinking water
- Biodiversity: The clean water quality supports diverse aquatic organisms, particularly providing an environment ideal for sweetfish habitation
Overview of the Nagara River and Basin Characteristics
Geography of the Nagara River
The Nagara River is one of the Kiso Three Rivers (Kiso River, Nagara River, and Ibi River) and is a representative river of Gifu Prefecture. Originating from Mount Dainichi, it flows southward while merging with numerous tributaries. It ultimately merges with the Ibi River in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, and flows into Ise Bay.
The basin area spans approximately 1,985 square kilometers, with approximately 830,000 people residing in the basin. The basin is characterized by diverse topography, with mountainous terrain in the upper reaches, urban areas such as Gifu City in the middle reaches, and flatland in the lower reaches.
Municipalities in the Basin
The following major municipalities are included in the Nagara River basin:
Upper Stream Area
- Gujo City: The region where Mount Dainichi, the source, is located, known for clear streams and the Gujo Odori dance
- Mino City: A production area for Mino washi paper with a 1,300-year history
- Seki City: A town known for cutlery and one of the world’s three major cutlery production centers
Middle Stream Area
- Gifu City: The prefectural capital and the center where Nagara River cormorant fishing is conducted
- Yamakata City: A region with clear streams and abundant natural environment
Lower Stream Area
- Hashima City, Kaizu City, and other municipalities in flatland areas
These municipalities have developed unique cultures and industries while benefiting from the bounties of the Nagara River.
History and Culture of the Nagara River Middle Stream
History of Flood Control
Flood control of the Nagara River has long been an important issue for the region. During the Edo period, water diversion projects for the Kiso Three Rivers were conducted, and efforts to mitigate flood damage continued.
Following the Meiji period, modern river improvements progressed, with implementation of levee maintenance and riverbank reinforcement projects. However, the fact that no large-scale dams were constructed in the Nagara River middle stream area became an important factor in preserving water quality as a clear stream.
In modern times, the concept of “rural rivers” has become established, based on the idea that through appropriate human management, resources are preserved and a favorable environment is created.
History of Water Use
The waters of the Nagara River have long been utilized as agricultural water, domestic water, and industrial water. In particular, in Gifu City in the middle stream area, groundwater utilization began in the Meiji era and now serves as a major water source for tap water.
Many wells utilizing groundwater exist throughout Gifu City and are known affectionately as “Gifu water” by residents. This abundant groundwater has also been utilized in local industries such as brewing and food processing, supporting the regional economy.
Cormorant Fishing Tradition
One cannot discuss the Nagara River middle stream area without mentioning “Gifu Nagara River Cormorant Fishing,” which has a history of over 1,300 years. This traditional fishing method, conducted annually from May 11 to October 15, is still preserved today by cormorant fishing masters who hold positions as officials of the Imperial Household Agency.
Cormorant fishing is not merely a tourist event but rather a cultural heritage that can only exist because of the Nagara River’s clear waters. The sweetfish caught by cormorants also serve as evidence of clean water quality, symbolizing the importance of environmental conservation of the Nagara River.
World Agricultural Heritage “Sweetfish of Clear Stream Nagara River”
Significance of Designation
In December 2015, “Sweetfish of Clear Stream Nagara River” was designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This was the first-ever designation for a river basin system in Japan, signifying that the sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries system of the Nagara River basin was internationally evaluated.
The designated area spans four cities—Gifu City, Seki City, Mino City, and Gujo City—encompassing a wide range from the upper to middle reaches of the Nagara River.
Value of the Rural River System
The reason for designation as a World Agricultural Heritage lies in the Nagara River functioning as a “rural river.” A rural river is one in which human involvement is appropriate, leading to environmental preservation while simultaneously fostering regional industry and culture.
Specifically, the following elements were evaluated:
- Water source forest development: Continuous forest conservation activities by fishery workers and citizen organizations
- River cleaning: Regular cleaning activities by community residents
- Inheritance of traditional fishing methods: Maintenance of sustainable fishing methods including cormorant fishing
- Coexistence with agriculture: Development of agriculture utilizing clear streams
- Formation of regional culture: Inheritance of unique culture centered on the river
Sweetfish Fishing and Food Culture
Sweetfish from the Nagara River are known nationwide for their deliciousness. Sweetfish raised in clear streams possess a distinctive aroma similar to watermelon and are also called “fragrant fish.”
Sweetfish fishing is conducted using various traditional methods including friend-fishing, cast-net fishing, and weir-net fishing, with each method employed according to season and location. The caught sweetfish become important food ingredients enriching the region’s food culture, prepared as salt-grilled sweetfish, sweetfish in sweet soy glaze, and sweetfish rice soup.
Tourist Attractions in the Nagara River Middle Stream
Cormorant Fishing Viewing
A must-experience activity when visiting the Nagara River middle stream is viewing cormorant fishing. The cormorant fishing conducted near Nagara Bridge in Gifu City allows visitors to enjoy the fantastical sight of a cormorant fishing master operating cormorants to catch sweetfish in the light of bonfire.
Viewing from an observation boat to witness cormorant fishing at close range is truly a cultural experience made possible only by the Nagara River’s clear waters. Advance reservations fill up quickly during peak tourist season, making early planning essential.
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, exit at Nagara Bridge bus stop
Mount Kinkazan and Gifu Castle
Mount Kinkazan (elevation 329m) adjacent to Gifu City in the middle stream area of the Nagara River has Gifu Castle standing at its summit—a historically significant mountain. From this castle, which Oda Nobunaga named “Gifu,” visitors can overlook the flow of the Nagara River and the Gifu cityscape.
The ropeway reaches the summit in approximately 3 minutes, and the view of the Nagara River from above is magnificent. Viewing the clear stream from above allows understanding of the geographical characteristics of the Nagara River middle stream area.
Kawara Town’s Traditional Streetscape
Along the Nagara River, Kawara Town is a district where traditional townscapes from the Edo period are preserved. Streets lined with traditional latticed-window merchant houses offer enjoyment of the traditional atmosphere.
In this area, there are Japanese confectionery shops and breweries utilizing Nagara River groundwater, where visitors can purchase specialty products taking advantage of the stream’s bounties. While strolling through, visitors can feel the water culture firsthand.
Nagara River Promenade
The “Nagara River Promenade,” a riverside walking path, is a popular spot for experiencing the clear stream up close. Visitors can enjoy spring cherry blossoms, summer green foliage, and autumn foliage in their respective seasons.
The promenade is suitable for cycling and jogging and has become a gathering place for local residents. Visitors can truly appreciate the river’s water quality and observe the beauty of the clear stream up close.
River Environment Paradise
A facility for learning about the nature and culture of the Kiso Three Rivers, visitors can gain detailed knowledge about the Nagara River’s ecosystem and history. The aquarium displays fish species inhabiting the Nagara River, allowing observation of clear stream fish including sweetfish.
This popular destination for families has high educational value in teaching children about the importance of water.
Industries in the Nagara River Middle Stream
Mino Washi Paper
Mino washi paper produced in Mino City has a history exceeding 1,300 years and was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014. Washi paper produced using the clear waters of the Nagara River is known for its beauty and strength.
In particular, “Hon-Mino-Shi,” made from 100% mulberry fiber, is the finest quality washi paper and is also used in cultural heritage restoration. This traditional craft could not exist without pristine water.
Seki Cutlery
Seki City is one of the world’s three major cutlery production centers, alongside Solingen in Germany and Sheffield in England. Cutlery making, continuing since the Kamakura period, has relied on Nagara River’s high-quality water for important roles in the tempering and sharpening processes.
Today, various cutlery products including kitchen knives, scissors, and razors are produced, with their quality receiving international evaluation.
Brewing Industry
The abundant groundwater of the Nagara River middle stream is also utilized in brewing industries for sake, miso, and soy sauce. Multiple breweries within Gifu City produce sake brewed with clear stream water, characterized by a crisp taste.
In the brewing industry, where water quality directly affects product quality, Nagara River groundwater is an irreplaceable resource.
Nature and Ecosystem of the Nagara River Middle Stream
Biodiversity of Aquatic Organisms
The clear stream of the Nagara River middle stream is home to diverse fish species including sweetfish, charr, Japanese char, crucian carp, and roach. Sweetfish in particular is important as an indicator species demonstrating the river’s water quality.
Numerous aquatic insects inhabit the riverbed, serving as food for fish and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Observing aquatic organisms found only in clear streams provides valuable opportunities for nature education.
Birds and Wildlife
Various water birds including kingfishers, heron species, and duck species inhabit the Nagara River areas. The kingfisher in particular is an emblematic bird of clear streams, and its beautiful appearance fascinates many birdwatchers.
The riparian forest also provides habitat for mammals including foxes, raccoon dogs, and weasels, forming a rich ecosystem centered on the river.
Vegetation and Riparian Forest
The riparian zone of the Nagara River middle stream develops riparian forest vegetation including willow species, Enoki elm, and Japanese hackberry. This vegetation prevents riverbank erosion and has water quality purification functions.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom magnificently along the river, and in autumn, foliage creates beautiful scenery. The seasonal changes in vegetation represent one of the Nagara River’s charms.
Conservation Activities in the Nagara River Middle Stream
Citizen Cleaning Activities
Regular cleaning activities are conducted by community residents, businesses, schools, and other groups to maintain the beauty of the Nagara River. Events such as the “Nagara River Clean Campaign” involve thousands of participants in picking up trash from the riverbanks.
These activities serve to raise environmental conservation awareness while also strengthening community bonds.
Water Source Forest Protection
Protecting the water source forests in the upper reaches is essential for maintaining the Nagara River’s clear waters. Fishing cooperatives and citizen organizations undertake reforestation and thinning work to maintain healthy forests.
As the saying goes “forests are lovers of the sea,” the nutrient-rich water supplied to the river by upper-stream forests supports the ecosystems downstream.
Environmental Education Initiatives
Environmental learning using the Nagara River is actively promoted in school education. Through practical environmental education including aquatic organism observation, water quality surveys, and sweetfish release experiences, children develop understanding of the region’s treasure—the Nagara River—and cultivate awareness to protect it.
Access to the Nagara River Middle Stream and Tourism Information
Transportation Access
By Train
- From Tokyo: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes via Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then approximately 20 minutes via JR Tokaido Main Line to Gifu Station
- From Osaka: Approximately 50 minutes via Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then approximately 20 minutes via JR Tokaido Main Line to Gifu Station
- From Nagoya: Approximately 20-30 minutes via JR Tokaido Main Line or Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line
By Car
- Approximately 30 minutes from Gifu-Hashima IC on Meishin Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from Gifu-Kakamigahara IC on Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
Tourism Base
Gifu City serves as the center for Nagara River middle stream tourism. Numerous hotels are located around Gifu Station, and the Nagara River hot spring area offers accommodation in riverside inns.
Nagara River hot springs are popular for combining cormorant fishing viewing with hot spring bathing, and bathing while viewing the clear stream offers an extraordinary experience.
Best Seasons
The Nagara River middle stream offers charm throughout the year, but particularly recommended times are:
- May to October: Peak cormorant fishing season with the most tourist visitors
- June to August: Sweetfish fishing season, popular with fishing enthusiasts
- April: Cherry blossom season when riverside cherry tree rows are beautiful
- November: Foliage season when the Mount Kinkazan area displays autumn colors
Contact Information
- Gifu City Tourism and Convention Association: 058-266-5588
- Nagara River Cormorant Fishing Observation Boat Office: 058-262-0104
- Gifu Prefecture Tourism Federation: 058-273-1111
Future of the Nagara River Middle Stream Springwater Group
Sustainable Use
To pass the Nagara River middle stream springwater group to future generations, sustainable use is important. Efforts continue to avoid excessive groundwater pumping, protect water source forests, and preserve river environments.
The designation as a World Agricultural Heritage has also drawn international attention, creating the challenge of balancing environmental conservation with tourism use.
Response to Climate Change
In recent years, climate change has increased risks of torrential rain and drought. The Nagara River basin faces the demand to achieve both flood control measures and stable water resource availability.
Comprehensive water management throughout the basin and awareness among individual citizens about cherishing water are keys to protecting the clear stream.
Connection with Regional Revitalization
The Nagara River’s clear waters are an important tourism resource and the foundation supporting the regional economy. Efforts toward regional revitalization utilizing the clear stream are advancing, including ecotourism promotion, local product branding, and transmission of traditional culture.
By enhancing the brand value of “clear stream Nagara River,” the aim is to realize a sustainable regional society.
Conclusion
The Nagara River middle stream springwater group is not merely a beautiful river but rather a lifeline supporting the region’s life, culture, and industry. Its clear waters, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters, have been preserved through appropriate conservation activities and regional residents’ efforts.
The World Agricultural Heritage designation of “Sweetfish of Clear Stream Nagara River” demonstrates that this region’s sustainable coexistence with the river has been internationally recognized. Cormorant fishing, Mino washi paper, and Seki cutlery—cultures and industries fostered because of the clear stream—tell of the Nagara River’s value.
By visiting the Nagara River middle stream, one can touch the essence of Japan’s clear stream culture. Experience the flow of transparent water, rich ecosystems, and the lives of people living with the river. The Nagara River middle stream springwater group is a treasure of Japan and a precious natural heritage to be preserved for the future.
When visiting Gifu Prefecture, be sure to touch the Nagara River’s clear waters and experience their bounties with all five senses. You will surely understand the reasons for its selection as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters.
