river

[Fukushima Prefecture] The Abukuma River: A River Close to People's Lives | Tracing Its History and Landscape

This time, the Abukuma River, a first-class river , and introducing the magnificent scenery that spreads across the river basin in Fukushima Prefecture.

The Abukuma River has appeared in songs since ancient times, irrigating countless rice fields and being used for transporting goods. With numerous scenic spots, it has captivated visitors since ancient times. Come and see the Abukuma River, which has continued to be an integral part of people's lives

What kind of river is the Abukuma River?

Abukuma River

The Abukuma River is a Class A river that flows from Fukushima Prefecture to Miyagi Prefecture. Its total length of 239 km makes it the sixth longest in Japan. Its source is in Nishigo Village, Nishishirakawa District, Fukushima Prefecture. It flows from south to north through the central Nakadori area of ​​Fukushima Prefecture, joining the Shakado River, Otakine River, Arakawa River, and Surikami River. It then passes through the narrow Abukuma Valley and passes on to Miyagi Prefecture. The Abukuma River flows between the rugged Ou Mountains and the gentle Abukuma Mountains, and its banks are rich in natural soil, which has helped to cultivate rice and other crops. In areas where the flow is gentler, the Abukuma River has a history of being used for transporting people and goods by boat. Fukushima City is also famous as a swan migration site

On the other hand, the Abukuma River has experienced numerous large-scale floods due to its large water flow. For this reason, people living along the Abukuma River have long been working on flood control measures, and levees have been constructed from the Showa era through to the Heisei era. However, nature sometimes displays incredible power. A recent example is the record-breaking heavy rains caused by Typhoon Hagibis in 2019, which caused the Abukuma River to overflow in Sukagawa City, Koriyama City, Motomiya City, and Fukushima City, resulting in extensive damage

For the people who have lived alongside the Abukuma River, the river has historically been a partner in their lives, but also an object of awe

The word Abukuma: its origins and literary works

There are several theories about the origin of the name Abukuma. One theory is that it comes from the large bear (blue bear) that lived in the river basin, and another is that it comes from the river flowing in a "big curve." Another theory is that it comes from the Ainu word meaning "to lie leisurely."

The Abukuma River has long appeared in literary works, often written as "Aokuma" or "Yukuma." The poem "Even if the mist rises over Aokuma and the sky does not clear, I will not wait for you, and there is no end to it," , also uses the Abukuma River as a utamakura (pillowcase). The name's inclusion of the word "au" (to meet) may have contributed to its popularity, as it offers a convenient allusion to the love between a man and a woman. "Night on the Galactic Railroad," during his visit to Fukushima City: "However, I left the flock for a moment and came to the shore of Abukuma , and a cricket cried." It is clear that the Abukuma River has been used as a motif in a variety of literary works throughout the ages.

Nishigo Village, Nishishirakawa County, Fukushima Prefecture, where the source of the Abukuma River is located

Saigo Village is where the source of the Abukuma River is located. The river originates from Mount Nasu and Mount Koshi, and gradually picks up speed as it descends the Nasu mountain range. The source area of ​​the Abukuma River is home to many waterfalls known as the Koshi 88 Waterfalls, including Kirifuri Falls, Akataki Falls, Tengu Falls, Otaki Falls, and Metaki Falls. Of these, Otaki Falls, with a drop of 40m, and Metaki Falls, with a drop of 10m, are known as phantom waterfalls, as the path to the falls is steep and dangerous, and a guide is required to visit them

Koshi Ohashi Bridge carries National Route 289, connecting Saigo Village and Shimogo Village. The Abukuma River continues to flow through the valley about 60 meters below. Not far from the bridge, on the banks of the Abukuma River, stands the sole inn of Koshi Onsen, "Daikokuya ." This hot spring resort is said to have been beloved by Matsudaira Sadanobu, the lord of Shirakawa Domain. This secluded hot spring allows you to relax while enjoying the pure murmuring of the Abukuma River.

Information ＜Ryokan Daikokuya＞

  • Facility name: Motoyu Koshi Onsen Ryokan Daikokuya
  • Address: 1 Terahira, Mafune, Nishigo Village, Nishishirakawa District, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0248-36-2301
  • Website: http://www.kashionsen.jp/index.html

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Introducing the scenic spots of the Abukuma River, which flows leisurely through the Nakadori area of ​​Fukushima Prefecture

The Abukuma River flows leisurely north through the Nakadori region, which is the middle section of Fukushima Prefecture when it is divided vertically into three parts. We will introduce you to some of the scenic spots created by the flow of the Abukuma River

Otojigataki Falls (Tamagawa Village)

Otsujigataki Falls

Otojigataki Falls, located in Tamagawa Village, Ishikawa County, is one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls. The waterfall, which stretches across the entire 100m of the river, resembles the Japanese character "Otsu," and is sometimes called the "Little Niagara Falls" due to its shape. Matsuo Basho, famous for his haiku, also visited the waterfall and left behind the poem, "The May rain falls, and the water rises high."

Information＜Otsujigataki＞

  • Name: Otsujigataki
  • Location: Takiyama, Tatsuzaki, Tamagawa Village, Ishikawa County, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Map

Children's Stage (Nihonmatsu City)

Chigo Stage Observation Deck

This scenic spot, with its series of rocks carved out by the flow of the Abukuma River, is counted as one of the prefecture's top ten scenic spots. A little ways away, on a small hill, there is an observation deck where you can view the series of strangely shaped rocks and bizarre stones

this Chigo Stage , related to Minamoto no Yoshiie, who was active during the Heian period. When a conflict broke out here between the Minamoto clan and the powerful Abe Sadato, a Minamoto soldier , "In the capital of Kyoto, even the children dance, but you country folk can't even do that ." Sadato became enraged and had his two daughters dress up as children and perform a magnificent dance. Both armies applauded, but the two daughters lamented the humiliation they had suffered and threw themselves off a cliff. Yoshiie felt sorry for the couple and built a grave for them, which is why the Chigo Stage is said to have been named after them.

Information <Chigo Stage Observation Deck>

  • Name: Chigo Stage Observation Deck
  • Address: 57 Takihata, Kamikawasaki, Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Map

Abukuma Gorge (Matsukawa Town)

This gorge is lined with strangely shaped rocks, carved out by the erosion of the Abukuma River. A walking trail has been established that takes about two hours to complete, and it is a secretly popular spot for strolling and taking photos. The trail starts at Kami-Horai Bridge, where there is a parking lot. Why not take a leisurely stroll around the area, enjoying the natural scenery, such as Horai Rock and Ayu Falls, which have been carved out over time by the Abukuma River?

Information <Abukuma Gorge>

  • Name: Abukuma Gorge
  • Location: Kanazawa Senba, Matsukawa-cho, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Map

The narrow section passing the baton to Miyagi Prefecture

After flowing through Fukushima Prefecture, the Abukuma River the narrow Abukuma Valley Abukuma Valley Prefectural Natural Park located in Marumori Town, Miyagi Prefecture , you can see the magnificent scenery of the hills carved out by the Abukuma River. This naturally rich environment is a cradle for many plants and animals, including rare insects and wild boars, which have limited habitats.

summary

, we introduced various trivia about the Abukuma River, a first-class river that originates in Fukushima Prefecture and flows into Miyagi Prefecture

The Abukuma River has created a rich landscape and had a major impact on people's lives. As it flows north to south through Fukushima Prefecture, it shows off a variety of different faces. If you're visiting Fukushima Prefecture, it might be interesting to enjoy a journey along the Abukuma River

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