Kisogawa

Kisogawa, known in Japanese as Kisōgawa or the Kiso River, is a major river system in central Japan. It forms part of the watershed that drains the Japanese Alps region and flows into Ise Bay. The river's course traverses several prefectures, including Nagano, Gifu, Aichi, and Mie, passing through diverse landscapes from mountainous hinterlands to industrial and urban areas near Nagoya before reaching the bay.

The upper and middle reaches of Kisogawa are fed by tributaries from the prefectures it crosses, and the river's course includes several basins that have been engineered for flood control and irrigation. It supports multiple hydroelectric facilities and irrigation projects, and dams and levees have been constructed to manage seasonal floods and supply water for agriculture and towns.

Historically, the Kisogawa has played a central role in regional development. Towns and villages along its banks prospered through agriculture, transport, and trade. The Kisogawa Valley is also associated with the broader Kiso River valley, which hosts scenic landscapes and historic routes such as the Nakasendō post towns.

Environmental and cultural notes: The river supports diverse ecosystems and faces pressures from urbanization, pollution, and sedimentation, prompting ongoing conservation and river-management efforts.