Jinzū River

Overview

The Jinzū River is a Class A river about 120 km long that flows from Gifu Prefecture into Toyama Prefecture, forming the main stream of the Jinzū river system. Its watershed covers roughly 2,720 square kilometers, and in its upper reaches within Gifu it is known as the Miya River. Rising in the mountains of Hida, it carves gorges before descending to the Toyama Plain, cutting through the city of Toyama on its way to Toyama Bay.

Highlights

• ●The mighty flow cutting through central Toyama to Toyama Bay
• ●Its two identities, called the Miya River on the Gifu side
• ●Gorge scenery of a river rising in the Hida Mountains
• ●The scale of a system with a watershed of about 2,720 sq km

History

The Jinzū was designated a Class A river on April 1, 1969. The custom of calling the upper course the Miya River and the lower course the Jinzū reflects how a single system has long linked the distinct regions of Hida and Etchū. In the past it served boat traffic and fishing, and as a water source it supported farming and daily life across the Toyama Plain. For detailed history and flood-control developments, please refer to official information.

Map

36.7618, 137.2220 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Start near Toyama Station and stroll along the Jinzū River
2. 2Follow the river upstream toward the gorge country
3. 3Visit the upper reaches called the Miya River on the Gifu side
4. 4Return downstream to enjoy the view at the mouth on Toyama Bay

Did you know?

💡 The Jinzū is a river with two names, becoming the Miya River in its upper reaches within Gifu. Its scale, some 120 km long with a watershed of about 2,720 square kilometers, reflects a great system that gathers the waters of the Hida Mountains and carries them to Toyama Bay. Tracing its cross-regional course can feel like following a journey of water itself.

Nearby spots