Water of the Yoshino River Source Stream, Nara Prefecture | Forests and the Initiatives of Kawakami Village at the Water Source Originating from Odaigahara
Kawakami Village, located deep in the Kii Mountains in the southeastern part of Nara Prefecture, is known as a village that protects the source stream of the Yoshino River, one of Japan’s most pristine rivers. In the uppermost reaches of the Yoshino River and Kino River, which originate from Odaigahara and flow into Wakayama Prefecture, vast primeval forests have been preserved untouched for over 500 years. This article provides a detailed explanation of the water of the Yoshino River source stream and the initiatives of Kawakami Village that continue to protect it.
What is the Yoshino River Source Stream – The Beginning of the Kino River
Clear Water Originating from Odaigahara
The Yoshino River is a first-class river with its water source at Odaigahara, which straddles the border between Nara and Mie prefectures. Odaigahara is known nationwide as one of the most rainy areas, with annual precipitation exceeding 4,000 millimeters, and in 1938 (Showa 13), it recorded a historic precipitation of 7,744 millimeters. This abundant rainfall supports the rich water volume of the Yoshino River.
In the source stream area, it flows northwest through the Kii Mountains as the “Yoshino River,” and when it enters Wakayama Prefecture, it changes its name to the “Kino River,” eventually flowing into Kino Bay near Wakayama City. This river, stretching 136 kilometers in total length, brings the blessings of water to many people living in its watershed.
Geographical Characteristics of the Yoshino River Source Stream
The source stream of the Yoshino River originates from the Takakayama Range and spreads across the Sannokou District of Kawakami Village in Nara Prefecture. This area is characterized by high elevation and rugged terrain, and the difficulty of human access has consequently helped preserve the primeval forest.
The upper stream area features continuous ravine sections, and is characterized by large fluctuations in water flow due to water intake and discharge from power stations and the inflow of tributaries. However, the clear water quality plays an important role as a source for domestic water use and agricultural water in the lower reaches.
The Water Source Forest – Primeval Forest Preserved for Over 500 Years
Overview of the Sannokou Virgin Forest
In the remote Sannokou District of Kawakami Village, an untouched forest has remained for over 500 years. This forest is called the “Sannokou Virgin Forest” and is a precious primeval forest located at the source stream of the Yoshino River and Kino River.
Kawakami Village, inheriting the nature and will left by its predecessors, purchased approximately 740 hectares of this forest (equivalent to about 160 Tokyo Domes) and protects and manages it as the “Yoshino River Source Water Source Forest.”
Ecosystem of the Water Source Forest
The water source forest features a rich forest ecosystem centered on deciduous broadleaf trees such as beech, Japanese oak, and Japanese horse chestnut. These trees play an important role in storing rainwater and allowing it to slowly permeate underground, maintaining stable water volume and clear water quality.
Forest soil retains water like a sponge, and through gradual filtration, removes impurities and produces mineral-rich fresh water. This natural purification system supports the high quality of water in the Yoshino River source stream.
Water Source Recharge Functions of Primeval Forests
Primeval forests possess higher water source recharge functions compared to artificial forests. Through the mixture of diverse tree species, a thick layer of leaf litter forms on the ground surface, efficiently storing rainwater. Additionally, deeply extending root systems increase soil water retention capacity and contribute to flood mitigation and securing water volume during dry seasons.
Behind Kawakami Village’s decision to purchase and protect the water source forest lies a strong determination to perpetually maintain this valuable water source recharge function.
Water Source Conservation Initiatives of Nara Prefecture’s Kawakami Village
Kawakami Declaration – Mission as a Water Source Village
As a village living at the source stream of the Yoshino River (Kino River), Kawakami Village has articulated a clear mission. It is “to protect the cedar and cypress artificial forests and primeval forests that have continued for 500 years, and to continue delivering the blessings of water born from them to downstream areas.”
To embody this mission, Kawakami Village issued the “Kawakami Declaration” and has undertaken water source village building. The declaration establishes three pillars: continuing to protect forests, continuing to deliver the blessings of water, and continuing to pass on abundant living.
Initiatives to Continue Protecting Forests
Approximately 95% of Kawakami Village’s area is covered with forests, most of which are cedar and cypress artificial forests inheriting the tradition of Yoshino forestry. The village continuously conducts appropriate thinning and pruning to maintain healthy forests.
Beyond managing artificial forests, the village also focuses on protecting primeval forests like the water source forest. By restricting development and maintaining the natural state, it balances biodiversity conservation with the maintenance of water source recharge functions.
Activities Continuing to Deliver the Blessings of Water
Water flowing from Kawakami Village is used as domestic water and agricultural water for the Nara Basin and Wakayama Plain. In particular, the Yoshino River diversion becomes important infrastructure supplying water from the Ootsako Dam over 60 kilometers away to various areas of the Yamato Plain, including Kashiba City.
The village regularly conducts water quality monitoring and continues efforts to deliver clean water downstream. Moreover, through exchange with downstream municipalities and residents, it seeks to share the importance of water source conservation and improve environmental conservation awareness throughout the watershed.
Continuing to Pass On Abundant Living – Source Stream Tourism
Kawakami Village has developed “source stream tourism” to widely communicate the value of the water source. Using the Forest and Water Source Hall as a base, it conducts various experience programs throughout the year, including water source forest tours.
Through these programs, participants can visit the actual water source forest and experience primeval nature. The aim is to have participants experience the importance of water source conservation through their five senses by learning what kind of place the irreplaceable source stream forest is that delivers essential water.
The Forest and Water Source Hall – Facility Communicating the Charm of the Source Stream
Overview and Role of the Facility
The Forest and Water Source Hall is a base facility introducing the nature and culture of the Yoshino River and Kino River source streams, as well as Kawakami Village’s initiatives. At the exhibition corners, visitors can learn about the ecosystem of the source stream forest, water circulation, and the history of Yoshino forestry in an easy-to-understand manner.
The facility also handles reception and guidance for various experience programs, including water source forest tours, playing a central role in source stream tourism. Additionally, as a local information dissemination center, it provides tourism information and information related to moving and settling in the region.
Water Source Forest Tour
The water source forest tour is a popular program where visitors can tour the water source forest, which is normally off-limits, with a guide. During the tour, while walking through the primeval forest, visitors can observe up close ancient giant trees spanning centuries, clear streams, and rich ecosystems.
From guides, visitors receive detailed explanations about the water source recharge functions of forests, ecosystem mechanisms, and Kawakami Village’s forest conservation efforts, allowing for a deeper understanding of the importance of water source conservation.
Year-Round Experience Programs
The Forest and Water Source Hall implements various experience programs throughout the seasons in addition to water source forest tours. The charm of the source stream in four seasons can be experienced: new greenery in spring, clear streams in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Various programs are available, including forestry experiences, woodworking experiences, stream play, and nature observation walks, allowing both children and adults to learn about the source stream’s nature and culture while enjoying themselves.
Water Quality and Characteristics of the Yoshino River Source Stream
Natural Environment Supporting Clear Water Quality
The water of the Yoshino River source stream is known for its purity. Abundant precipitation from Odaigahara naturally undergoes filtration as it passes through the soil of the primeval forest, removing impurities. As it passes through the leaf litter layer of the forest, appropriate mineral content dissolves, creating water with a smooth taste.
Water temperature remains relatively stable throughout the year, staying cold even in summer and resistant to freezing in winter. This is because water stored as groundwater slowly wells up.
Impact on Downstream Areas
The clean water of the Yoshino River source stream brings significant blessings to life and industry in downstream areas. In the Nara Basin, it is used for agricultural and domestic water as the Yoshino River diversion, in Wakayama Prefecture, it flows as the Kino River nourishing paddy fields throughout the watershed, and serves as an important water source for Wakayama City’s water supply.
Water quality also affects the quality of agricultural products in the region, with rice, vegetables, and fruits produced in the Yoshino River and Kino River watershed receiving high evaluations for their quality.
Yoshino Forestry and Water Source Conservation
500-Year Tradition of Yoshino Forestry
The Yoshino region, including Kawakami Village, is the center of Yoshino forestry, counted among Japan’s three major beautiful forests. For over 500 years, using unique forestry techniques of dense planting and multiple thinning, the region has produced Yoshino cedar and Yoshino cypress with fine, dense growth rings and beautiful appearance.
This traditional forestry not only produces timber but also plays an important role in maintaining water source recharge functions through appropriate forest management. Through regular thinning, light reaches the forest floor, undergrowth develops, and soil water retention capacity increases.
Harmony Between Artificial and Primeval Forests
Kawakami Village achieves both the management of artificial forests through Yoshino forestry and the protection of primeval forests like the water source forest. In artificial forests, it conducts sustainable forestry management, while in primeval forests, it maintains natural conditions, adopting management policies appropriate to the characteristics of each type of forest.
Through this balanced approach, both economic value from timber production and public benefit functions from water source recharge are realized.
Yoshino River Diversion and Water Supply to the Nara Basin
History and Mechanism of the Yoshino River Diversion
The Yoshino River diversion is a water utilization system constructed to supply water from the water-abundant Yoshino River to the Yamato Plain, which has suffered water shortages. Starting from the Ootsako Dam, it delivers water over 60 kilometers through tunnels and waterways to various areas of the Yamato Plain, including Kashiba City.
At Kashiba City, there is a facility called the “Cylindrical Water Distributor,” where water from the Yoshino River diversion is fairly distributed to each region. This cylindrical water distributor has an ingenious mechanism for equal water distribution and has become an important local water utilization facility.
Water Supporting Agriculture in the Yamato Plain
Water supplied through the Yoshino River diversion has become indispensable for agriculture in the Yamato Plain. In the Yamato Plain, where annual precipitation is relatively low, stable agricultural production would be difficult without the water diversion from the Yoshino River.
Conversely, the Yoshino Mountains, which form the water source area of the Yoshino River, are among the country’s high-rainfall regions with annual precipitation of 2,000 to 4,000 millimeters, and this abundant water resource nourishes the Yamato Plain. Kawakami Village’s water source conservation activities form the foundation supporting agriculture and living in downstream areas.
Yoshino River Source Stream as Japan Heritage
Components of Japan Heritage “Yoshino”
The water source forest of the Yoshino River source stream has been certified as one of the important components of Japan Heritage “Yoshino.” Japan Heritage is a system that certifies stories through which the historical charm and distinctive characteristics of regions communicate Japan’s culture and tradition, and the value of the Yoshino region’s nature and culture has been internationally recognized.
The water source forest is not merely a natural environment but also a cultural landscape that people have protected for over 500 years. The reverence for nature and the wisdom of sustainable resource utilization of predecessors have protected this forest to this day.
Cultural and Historical Value
The Yoshino River source stream area has long been known as a place of ascetic practice for mountain monks, with sacred sites such as the Omine Okugake trail scattered throughout. Clear water and deep forest served as places for spiritual cultivation and objects of nature worship for ascetics.
Such religious and cultural backgrounds have also contributed to the long-term protection of the water source forest. A unique cultural landscape where nature and human spirituality are connected continues to exist today.
Challenges in Water Source Conservation and Future Outlook
Contemporary Challenges
Kawakami Village’s water source conservation activities face several challenges. Serious forestry worker shortages have emerged due to population decline and aging, making the continuation of appropriate forest management increasingly difficult. Additionally, increased wildlife damage is hindering forest regeneration.
The impact of climate change cannot be ignored. While the frequency of heavy rainfall is increasing, the risk of drought during low-rainfall periods is also rising, making forests’ water source recharge functions increasingly important.
Importance of Watershed Collaboration
Water source conservation is not merely Kawakami Village’s issue. Downstream municipalities and residents, as beneficiaries of water, must cooperate in conservation activities. In fact, some downstream municipalities have implemented water source conservation cooperation payment systems and watershed exchange programs.
Going forward, it is important to further strengthen collaboration throughout the watershed and establish a system where upstream and downstream work together in water source conservation.
Initiatives Toward Sustainable Village Development
Kawakami Village advances various initiatives to achieve both water source conservation and sustainable community development. Through source stream tourism expanding exchange populations, promoting migration and settlement, and the sixth industrialization of forestry, the village seeks revitalization.
It also challenges new value creation through specialty product development leveraging forest and water resources and renewable energy utilization. Efforts continue to fulfill the mission of being a water source village while passing on abundant living to future generations.
Access and Visitor Information
Access to Kawakami Village
The typical route to Kawakami Village is heading south on National Route 169 from Nara City. Bus access is possible from the Kintetsu Yoshino Line’s final station, Yoshino Station, but with limited frequency, private vehicle access is more convenient.
From the Osaka region, access via the Minami-Hana-Nara Expressway and Kyo-Nara Expressway takes approximately two hours. The route offers beautiful scenery of the Kii Mountains.
Usage Information for the Forest and Water Source Hall
The Forest and Water Source Hall, located in central Kawakami Village, serves as an information dissemination center for the Yoshino River source stream area. At the facility, visitors can view exhibits and participate in experience programs such as water source forest tours.
Many tours and programs require advance reservation, so inquiring with the facility before visiting is recommended. Additionally, since the water source forest is a protected area, access outside of tours is restricted.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
The area surrounding Kawakami Village is rich in natural and historical attractions, including Yoshino Mountain, Omine Mountain, and Odaigahara. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery across four seasons: spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow landscapes.
Facilities where visitors can learn the history of Yoshino forestry and hot spring facilities are scattered throughout, and visitors can fully enjoy the charm of the Yoshino region in combination with source stream visits.
Conclusion – Passing On Clear Water to the Future
The water source forest of the Yoshino River source stream spreading across Nara Prefecture’s Kawakami Village is a precious natural heritage protected for over 500 years. Through abundant precipitation originating from Odaigahara and the water source recharge functions of primeval forests, clear water is created, supporting the lives of downstream people.
Under the “Kawakami Declaration,” Kawakami Village undertakes water source village building with the mission to continue protecting forests, continue delivering the blessings of water, and continue passing on abundant living. Source stream tourism centered on the Forest and Water Source Hall plays a role in communicating the importance of water source conservation to many people.
Water supplied to the Yamato Plain through the Yoshino River diversion is the water of life supporting the region’s agriculture and living. Collaboration between upstream and downstream, with watershed-wide engagement in water source conservation, becomes the key to sustainable water use.
Knowing the source of the water we use daily and taking interest in its conservation is the first step toward passing clear water on to future generations. By visiting the water source forest of the Yoshino River source stream and experiencing its rich nature and the efforts of people protecting it, one can gain renewed appreciation for the preciousness of water.
