Abe River

Overview

The Abe River is a Class A river flowing through Aoi and Suruga wards of Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is the main stream of the Abe River water system. It rises in the Akaishi Mountains and flows into Suruga Bay. Known for its clear stream, its subsurface flow forms part of the water supply for Shizuoka city.

Highlights

• ●A relatively short course of 53.3 km despite being a major river
• ●A rare river with no legally designated dams on its main stream or tributaries
• ●A flow that rises in the Akaishi Mountains and empties into Suruga Bay
• ●Known for its clear stream, with subsurface water used for Shizuoka's supply

History

The route of the lower course of the Abe River is said to have been shaped into its present form through extensive construction carried out by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Abekawamochi, a mochi rice cake dusted with kinako soybean flour, has been a local specialty sold near the river since the Edo period. There are many hot springs in the upper reaches, which are also known for the Abe Great Falls, one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.

Map

34.9297, 138.3938 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from central Shizuoka City toward the banks of the Abe River
2. 2Take in the flow of the river, known for its clear stream
3. 3Proceed toward the upper reaches to experience the surrounding nature and hot-spring areas
4. 4Sample the local specialty Abekawamochi and enjoy the riverside scenery

Did you know?

💡 The Abe River is listed among the "100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters of the Heisei Period."

Nearby spots