On the morning of April 6, 2024, in Hida Furukawa, located in the northernmost part of Gifu Prefecture, a "relocation" was held at the popular spot "Seto River" in which carp that had been moved to a nearby pond for the winter were returned to the river. The long winter is over, and the spring tourist season is upon us.
The Seto River, which had been used for agricultural water and vegetable washing since ancient times, became conspicuous after the war due to domestic wastewater, so about 50 years ago, carp were released for the purpose of beautifying the river. Today, the Seto River, where about 1,000 carp swim, and Shirakabe Dozo Street are known as photo spots that symbolize the Hida Furukawa River. In winter, it is a seasonal tradition to move the carp to the nearby Tenjin Pond in November every year and return them to the river in April in order to wash away the snow that accumulates on the roofs of houses.
On the morning of Saturday, April 6, about 50 people, including tourism associations, local junior high school students, and volunteers, gathered at Tenjin Pond to scoop up carp from the pond with nets and repeatedly transport them to the Seto River in a light truck. Returning to the Seto River, the appearance of the carp swimming in groups is graceful. From early May to early November, when the carp become accustomed to the river, food boxes are set up along the river, and tourists can be seen feeding the carp (100 yen) and enjoying it.
Mr. Watanabe, chairman of the Hida City Tourism Association, said, "I want spring to come to Hida Furukawa and for visitors to feel the beauty of the townscape."
References: 【Travel Report】Hida Furukawa To the Moving Spectacle of Koi (3 episodes)
