Hirose River

Overview

The Hirose River is a first-class river flowing through the center of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, a tributary of the Natori River system. It retains a landscape where rugged river terraces and riverside vegetation exist in harmony, and it has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters.

Highlights

• ●An urban river running through the heart of Sendai, retaining a landscape where rugged terrace cliffs and riverside vegetation coexist.
• ●Water quality near Atago Bridge in the city center has remained good, supporting sweetfish (ayu) and kajika frogs that favor clear streams.
• ●In the early modern period, feudal lord Date Masamune used the river as the outer moat for Sendai Castle, and a castle town developed on the river terrace above it.
• ●Recognized as one of Japan's Selected 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters.

History

In the early modern period, Date Masamune made use of the Hirose River as a natural outer moat when he built Sendai Castle. A castle town grew on the river terrace facing the water, forming the origin of what is now central Sendai. Despite flowing through the heart of a major city, the river has maintained relatively good water quality.

Map

38.3821, 140.5748 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from central Sendai toward the banks of the Hirose River.
2. 2View the harmonious landscape of terrace cliffs and riverside vegetation near Atago Bridge.
3. 3Observe the clear-stream wildlife, including sweetfish and kajika frogs.
4. 4Walk the townscape atop the river terrace while reflecting on Date Masamune's use of the river as Sendai Castle's moat.

Did you know?

💡 Near Atago Bridge, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) averaged 0.9 mg/L in 2006, a good level for a river flowing through a major city.

Nearby spots