17. Yodogawa (Shiga, Mie, Nara, Hyōgo, Kyoto, Osaka)

Photographer’s comments: The pond-like areas of water separated from the main branch of the river are known as wando. This is where sand and silt has accumulated on the stone piles built for ferrying things across the river and flood control. On weekends and holidays, these pools are popular recreation spots, and laughter fills the air. The area has become a paradise for animals and plants.

River data: Rises in Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, and then passes through the center of the Kinki region before emptying into Osaka Bay. It is known as the Setagawa in its upper stretches, as the Ujigawa in its middle reaches, and as the Katsuragawa in its lower reaches. After merging with the Kizugawa, it becomes known as the Yodogawa. Length: 75 km; Grade-one river.