Ogata Village | Hachirogata Reservoir Pond

[Akita] “Hachirogata” was once the second largest lake in Japan after Lake Biwa

NEFT Editorial Department
2017.03.14
Last updated: 2023.06.20

table of contents

1 Japan's second largest lake disappeared due to reclamation projects

Japan's second largest lake disappeared due to reclamation projects

Akita PrefectureHachirogataonce covered an area of 220 square kilometers,The second largest lake in Japan after Lake BiwaIt was known as.

The origins of Hachirogata

In the distant past, sandbars were formed due to sedimentation from the Yoneshiro River on the north side and the Omono River on the south side.Mt. Kanpu, located in what is now Oga City, was a remote island.It is said that the Oga Peninsula, a double land-linked island, was formed. remained between the two sandbars Lake Kaitois Hachirogata.

It was once a treasure trove of marine resources, but has disappeared due to large-scale reclamation projects.

Also known as Koto Lake, it is a brackish water lake that was connected to the Sea of Japan by the Funakoshi Railway. Although it is shallow at 4 to 5 meters deep, it is home to an abundance of fish such as smelt, whitebait fish, and gobies, as well as a large amount of algae. , was an indispensable resource as fertilizer.

However, in 1955,National project called National Reclamation ProjectWith the beginning of the lake, Hachiro Lagoon was reclaimed and turned into a vast agricultural land, and the land that was once the bottom of the lake was destroyed.Ogata village with lush countryside sceneryI was reborn as. After that, it became famous not only for its rice production, but also for its melons and apples, and continues to this day.

Hachirogata Reservoir Pond seen from the summit of Mt. Kanpu in Oga City

Hachirogata Reservoir Pond where you can feel the atmosphere of Hachirogata

There are places where you can see the remains of when it was the second largest lake in Japan. It remains in the southern part of Ogata village Hachirogata Regulating PondIt is also famous for fishing for black bass and smelt, and you can often see elegant singing boats.Although it is a remnant lake, it is quite large and retains a strong vestige of the past.

It is also 20 minutes by car from Hachirogata Station on the JR Ou Main Line.Ogata Village｜Sakura/Nanohana RoadEvery year around Golden Week, it is popular because you can see the spectacular collaboration of gorgeous cherry blossoms and rape blossoms that goes on forever.There is a cherry blossom viewing parking space called Sakura Spot on the side of the road, so you can park your car. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your leisure.

A tower with longitude and latitude intersection points with neat numbers for latitude and longitude and a mountain at sea level?

In addition, there are many unique spots unique to Ogata Village.Latitude and latitude intersection marking toweris a monument built at the intersection of latitude and latitude, but although there are many points where latitude and latitude intersect,40 degrees north latitude, 140 degrees east longitudeThis is the only place in Japan where these beautiful numbers intersect.

Also,Ogata Fuji, the lowest Mt. Fuji in JapanThis Mt. Fuji is known as Mt. Fuji with a height of 0 meters above sea level.

The legend of Hachiro Taro passed down in Hachirogata

That kind of thingHachirogatastraddles Aomori Prefecture.Lake Towada, of Semboku CityLake TazawaA magnificent legend that spans the three lakes ofHachirotaro legend” has been reported.

Hachirotaro, who was a Matagi, became a non-human due to an incident and became the master of Lake Towada, but he lost a battle with a high priest and fled to Lake Tazawa, where he was married to Princess Tatsuko of Lake Tazawa, and after that he continued to escape from his pursuers. The story can be summarized as follows: He arrived at Hachirogata and became a dragon god there.

Isn't it quite rare for a legend to be passed down over such a wide area?

Article link: [Akita] What is the legend of Hachirotaro? Introducing three episodes that even Akita residents don't know much about.

Article link: [Akita] What is the mysterious legend of Japan's deepest lake, Lake Tazawa?

summary

Hachiro Lagoon can no longer be seen. Even now, I find it hard to believe that such a lake existed in the Tohoku region. Why did we do land reclamation? There is also a feeling of regret. However, at that time, it was probably necessary for the people living in that area.

It's not far from the center of Akita city, so when you visit Akita, it might be a good idea to take a short trip and see what remains of the huge lake that once existed.