Visit the river and think about history. Let’s go on a wonderful trip.
Hokkaido’s rivers have strong ties to the ancient Ainu culture, and many of today’s river names are derived from Ainu words. 2018 is the 150th anniversary of Hokkaido’s naming, and much attention has been paid to Takeshiro Matsuura’s journey, who explored the Teshio River with the Ainu. In the past, the river supported people’s lives and the economy, as water transportation flourished throughout Hokkaido. Why don’t you go on a “Kawatabi” trip through its history?

Starting with Takeshiro Matsuura, who explored Hokkaido in the Edo period, our modern lives are based on many great people’s achievements.

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◎Takeshiro Matsuura, the Explorer Who Named Hokkaido. vol.1

Water transport was the mainstay of transportation and distribution in the pioneer era. The river was lined with millet ships and paddle steamers, and warehouses and stores lined the riverbank. Before the bridge’s construction, many ferryboats carried people and goods back and forth between the two banks of the river, and the ferry ports were a busy place.

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◎The Ishikari River, a Major Artery That Supported the Economy and Culture of Central Hokkaido.
◎Ishikari River Ferry “Jube Watashi”

Rivers have always been closely connected to our lives. This section introduces the industries, lifestyles, and cultures that the blessings of rivers have nurtured.

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◎Sheep Grazing and the Origin of Jingisukan

In recent years, rivers have been flooding all over Japan, causing serious damage. In the past, Hokkaido has been repeatedly hit by large-scale floods.

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◎The 1898 Floods Triggered the Formulation of a Flood Control Plan.

The floods of 1898 triggered the history of flood control projects in Hokkaido. To reduce the damage caused by repeated floods, flood control work has been carried out on all Hokkaido rivers to this day.

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◎[A Journey into the History of Rivers and Watersides ◆ Flood Control in Hokkaido]　History of Flood Control on the Tokachi River -1
The Tokachi River, Which Tormented Benzo Yoda, a Pioneer of Tokachi

◎［川と水辺の歴史旅◆北海道の治水］十勝川の治水の歴史-2
約10年にわたる大事業・統内新水路