Mogami River

Overview

The Mogami River is the main stream of the Class A Mogami River system in Yamagata Prefecture, flowing into the Sea of Japan. At 229 km, it is the longest river in Japan whose basin lies almost entirely within a single prefecture. Its basin covers 7,040 square kilometres, and it is counted among Japan's three most rapid rivers.

Highlights

• ●At 229 km, the longest river in Japan whose basin lies within a single prefecture
• ●A drainage basin covering 7,040 square kilometres
• ●A current counted among Japan's three most rapid rivers
• ●The main stream, also called the Matsukawa in its upper reaches

History

As the main stream of the Mogami River system, it flows through Yamagata Prefecture and into the Sea of Japan. The poet Matsuo Bashō is known to have visited the Mogami River and left the famous haiku beginning "Gathering the summer rains, swift is the Mogami River," and the area has long been a subject of literature. In its upper reaches it is also known as the Matsukawa.

Map

38.9222, 139.8092 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1View from the riverbank the current counted among Japan's three most rapid rivers
2. 2Observe the main stream, also called the Matsukawa in its upper reaches
3. 3Take in the river scenery that inspired Matsuo Bashō's celebrated haiku
4. 4Learn about the Mogami River and its basin at a nearby visitor facility

Did you know?

💡 Matsuo Bashō left a famous haiku evoking the swift Mogami River swollen by the summer rains.

Nearby spots