Japan’s 7 longest rivers

Japan is a magnificent destination with fabulous scenery and nature. But the country is also blessed with some fifty rivers that criss-cross the landscape. As well as being essential to the lives of its inhabitants, these rivers, large and small, are deeply rooted in their culture. Let us take a look at our selection of the 10 longest rivers in Japan.

What are the characteristics of Japanese rivers?

1 Mogami

Photo of the Mogami river/Shutterstock

To begin this selection, let’s talk about a rather picturesque river in the Mogami Gorge. It is located in Yamagata prefecture and is one of the fastest rivers in Japan. It is 229 kilometres long and was an important trade route, carrying goods as far as Osaka and Edo (formerly Tokyo). A number of Japanese artists have been inspired by the river’s great reputation and beauty. Boat trips along the river are available all year round, and some offer lunch as a bonus. Reservations for meals are compulsory, however. You can therefore choose the season that suits you best, so that you can admire this magnificent setting.

Here are a few things to do in the area:

2 The Ishikari

Photo of the Ishikari River/Shutterstock

The Ishikari is the largest river in the Hokkaido region, rising from Mount Ishikari at an altitude of 1,967 metres. It winds its way through the landscapes of this northern region, which are absolutely sublime, particularly during the cherry and lilac blossom season. It flows through the towns of Sapporo and Asahikawa. The river is now 268 km long, but was once almost as long as Shinano-gawa, Japan’s longest river. Work had to be carried out to reduce its length by around a hundred kilometres in view of the numerous meanders that were formed in the Ishikari plain. This is how the river got its name.

3. Yoshino-gawa

Photo of the Yoshino River/Shutterdtock

The Yoshino River is a Japanese river on the island of Shikoku. It is 194 km long and has its source at Mount Kamegamori. The Yoshino Valley attracts many hikers and nature lovers with its picturesque waterfalls and suspension bridges. As far as bridges are concerned, the Yoshino River has several that have been submerged by the waters. The river has its mouth in the Pacific Ocean and its main settlements in Otoyo and Tokushima. Finally, the river’s clear waters are, for some, a reflection of the prefecture’s serenity.

4 The Tone

Photo of the Tone River/Shutterstock

At 322km long, the River Tone is one of Japan’s largest river basins and also its second longest. Nicknamed Bando Tarro, it is located in Kanto on the island of Honshu, and rises in the Echigo (Ominakami) mountains before flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Its waters offer a wide range of activities (kayaking, rafting) and attract many tourists.
If you travel along the river, you can discover a variety of landscapes and ecosystems. In the north-east of Saitama prefecture, for example, there is a wetland area with reed beds and artificial ponds that is home to several species of animal. This area is home to over 150 species of bird, as well as rare varieties of plant. You can also spot animals in the river, and come face to face with silver carp. During the period from June to July, when they swim upstream to lay their eggs, the carp jump out of the water at Kurihashi. A chance to see this spectacle!

5 Chikugo-gawa

Photo of the Chikugo-gawa river/Shutterstock

Known as the Chikugo River, this is one of Japan’s most important rivers. It is located on the island of Kyushu (the third largest island) and flows through the prefectures of Kumamoto and Fukuoka. The river is 143 kilometres long, making it the longest in Kyushu. The river crosses a variety of landscapes, from mountains and plains to farmland. Chikugo-gawa is lined with cherry blossom trees in spring, a major feature of Japanese culture. Known for its clear waters and varied biodiversity, the river is also a great place for recreation. This magnificent landscape is also a place where locals and tourists alike can try their hand at fishing.

6 Shinano-gawa

Photo of the Shinano-gawa river/Shutterstock

This river is one of the longest and most picturesque in the country, stretching for 367 kilometres through the prefectures of Nagano and Niigata. Rising from Mount Kobushi, the river plays a vital role in the daily life of the region. It supplies many towns with water, and ensures that the land along its banks is fertile and can be used for agriculture, particularly for growing rice, a mainstay of the Japanese economy. It’s also a must-see for tourists, with sanctuaries, museums and parks along its banks, giving visitors a chance to discover the culture of the land of the rising sun. River cruises are also available, ideal for contemplating the picturesque landscapes of the Shinano.

7. Kitakami

Photo of the Kitakami River/Shutterstock

The Kitakami River flows peacefully through the Tohoku region on the island of Honshu. It flows through the prefecture of Iwate, although its basin also encompasses the surrounding prefectures. With a length of 249 kilometres, this river offers a magnificent natural setting to contemplate. There are mountains, but also plains, and its banks are often bordered by lush green forests. The Kitakami Valley is also a popular destination for tourists, with its impressive rock formations and sheer cliffs. It also boasts a rich biodiversity of fish and bird species.

These rivers are just some of Japan’s natural wonders. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a lover of the rivers’ biodiversity, you’ll be equally amazed. It’s also a great way to learn a little more about this magnificent Japanese culture. So don’t hesitate any longer, and plan your next adventure along the rivers that embody the soul of this country.

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