Geography and River Course
The Kuwano River rises near the northern foothills of Mount Yahazu in Arano-cho, close to the boundary between Anan City and Naka Town. From its source, it flows northeast through Anan, passing through Kuwano-cho and Chosei-cho before joining the Naka River at Tomioka Floodgate.
The river has helped shape the local landscape and supports the natural environments found along its banks. Its waters and surrounding waterways form an important part of Anan’s river system.
Main Tributaries
Several smaller rivers join the Kuwano River along its course, contributing to the area’s interconnected waterways. Major tributaries include Hatae River, which joins in Arano-cho; Kitatani River in Yamaguchi-cho; Hiruchi River in Kuwano-cho; Otsuda River in Chosei-cho; and Oka River in Takarada-cho.
Scenic Landscapes and Nearby Mountains
The area around the Kuwano River offers opportunities to appreciate the natural scenery of southern Tokushima. Nearby mountains include Mount Kajigamine, which rises 228 meters above sea level, and Mount Tsunomine, at 284 meters. Both are known for their natural surroundings and hiking opportunities, with elevated viewpoints overlooking Anan and the river landscape.
Nearby Places of Interest
The river basin is also within reach of cultural and religious attractions. One notable destination is Byodoji Temple, the 22nd temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Located along the Kuwano River, the temple offers pilgrims and other visitors a peaceful place for reflection amid the quiet surroundings.
The June 29, 1999 Flood Disaster
The Kuwano River has also played a significant role in the region’s history of flood prevention. On June 29, 1999, torrential rain associated with the seasonal rainy front caused the river to overflow, resulting in extensive flooding. Known as the June 29 Heavy Rain Disaster, the event caused flooding inside 48 buildings, flooding beneath the floors of another 194 buildings, and inundation across approximately 215 hectares.
Homes and agricultural land near the river were particularly affected. The disaster highlighted the need for improved flood control and greater preparedness for extreme rainfall.
River Improvements and Flood Protection
Following the disaster, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Tokushima Prefecture worked together on river restoration and flood mitigation measures. In 2002, the Kuwano River Special Emergency Project for Preventing Above-Floor Flooding began. The project included river improvements and reinforcement of embankments to reduce the risk of similar damage in the future.
These efforts also helped raise awareness of disaster preparedness among local communities, emphasizing the importance of managing the river while protecting the people and farmland along its banks.
Wildlife: The Japanese Perch
The Kuwano River basin provides habitat for the Japanese perch (Coreoperca kawamebari), a freshwater fish belonging to the family Sinipercidae. It can grow to approximately 15 centimeters in length and has a greenish yellow-brown body with distinctive vertical markings along its sides.
In Japan, this species occurs in selected river systems, including parts of western Honshu and northeastern Shikoku. It typically inhabits the middle and lower reaches of rivers, tributaries, and waterways where the current is relatively gentle. Areas with aquatic vegetation and sandy or muddy gravel beds provide suitable habitat.
Behavior and Breeding
The Japanese perch is territorial and generally lives alone, feeding on insects and small crustaceans. Its breeding season extends from April to September, with spawning commonly taking place in May and June. Females lay eggs on plant stems, and males guard the eggs as they develop.
Conservation of a Threatened Fish
River engineering, embankment construction, and urban development have contributed to the loss and fragmentation of suitable habitats for the Japanese perch in Japan. The species is listed as Endangered (EN) in the national Red List, making the protection of its remaining habitats an important conservation priority.
Rivers such as the Kuwano, where suitable natural environments remain, are valuable for maintaining freshwater biodiversity. Protecting aquatic vegetation, water quality, and river habitats can help support the continued survival of this distinctive fish.
Access and Exploring the River Area
Tokushima Prefectural Routes 24, connecting Hanoura and Fukui, and 35, connecting Anan and Aioi, run alongside sections of the Kuwano River. These roads make it convenient to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions by car.
Travelers using the JR Mugi Line can also enjoy views of the river while traveling between Awa-Nakashima Station and Anan Station. The river is a pleasant feature of the local landscape, linking natural scenery, rural communities, and places of cultural interest.
Discover the Natural and Cultural Side of Anan
The Kuwano River is more than a tributary of the Naka River. It is an integral part of Anan’s landscape, supporting local ecosystems and agriculture while connecting visitors with nearby mountains, pilgrimage sites, and rural scenery. Its history of flooding and subsequent river improvements also illustrates the ongoing relationship between the community and its waterways.
For travelers exploring southern Tokushima, the river and its surroundings offer a quieter perspective on the region, where natural habitats, local history, and everyday life come together.