Kiso River

Kiso River

The Kiso River is a first-class main stream of the Kiso River system, originating from Mount Hakusan in Nagano Prefecture, flowing through Gifu, Aichi, and Mie Prefectures, and finally emptying into Ise Bay. Together with the Ibi and Nagara Rivers, it is known as the “Three Kiso Rivers.” Its upper reaches are also called the “Miso River.” The Kiso River is 229 kilometers long, making it the seventh-longest river in Japan. The areas it flows through not only provide irrigation water for both banks but have also become famous sightseeing spots and venues for many local folk events.

In 1913, Japanese geographer Shiga Shigetaka likened the beautiful scenery of the Kiso River to that of Germany’s Rhine River and named it the “Japanese Rhine.” Since then, the “Rhine of Japan” has become widely known. The Kiso River features both fast-flowing rapids and calm, gently flowing sections. Within the Hida Kiso Valley National Park, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Kiso River's Japanese Rhine section—one of Japan’s Eight Views—as well as natural gorge landscapes such as Meotoiwa (Husband and Wife Rocks) and Shishiiwa (Lion Rock). The scenery also changes with the seasons, from the blooming mountain cherry blossoms in spring, refreshing splashes of water in summer, to the fiery red maple leaves along the riverbanks in autumn.

The Kiso River flows through the city of Inuyama, where cormorant fishing shows are held. Cormorant fishing is an ancient fishing method in which cormorant fishermen board fishing boats and train cormorants to catch fish in the river. This activity has a history of over 1,300 years and has become one of Inuyama City’s proud traditional events.

Kiso River

Reason to visit: One of Japan’s most important rivers

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan

Province/State where the attraction is located: Nagano, Gifu, Aichi, and Mie Prefectures