Shinano River

Overview

The Shinano River flows through Nagano and Niigata Prefectures before emptying into the Sea of Japan at Niigata. With a total length of 367 km, it is the longest river in Japan and one of the country's three great rivers. Its drainage basin of 11,900 km² ranks third in Japan.

Highlights

• ●Japan's longest river, extending 367 km in total
• ●Called the Chikuma River in Nagano and the Shinano River in Niigata
• ●A drainage basin of 11,900 km², the third largest in Japan
• ●A tributary source lies near Lake Nozori in Gunma, so the basin spans three prefectures

History

The river takes its name from the former Shinano Province. Under Japan's river law, the main stream including the upstream Chikuma River is designated as the Shinano River, which makes it the longest river in the country. Of its total length, 153 km is called the Shinano and 214 km the Chikuma.

Map

37.9433, 139.0655 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Take in the upper reaches known as the Chikuma River on the Nagano side
2. 2Follow the stretch where the name changes to the Shinano near the prefectural border
3. 3View the broad downstream flow crossing the Niigata Plain
4. 4Check the vicinity of the Ōkōzu diversion channel branch point built for flood control

Did you know?

💡 Because the source of the Nakatsu River, a primary tributary, lies near Lake Nozori in Gunma, the basin extends across Niigata, Nagano and Gunma Prefectures.

Nearby spots