18. Miyagawa (Mie)

Photographer’s comments: This is an area famous for its prodigious rainfall. The locals say its rains 35 days a month. Despite the fact that it was supposedly spring when I visited, I was treated to sleet, rain, and sunshine all in the same day. It is the abundant rainfall that is to thank for the beautiful emerald green of the river.

River data: From its source in Mt. Hide in Miyagawa, Mie Prefecture, the river flows down the mountainsides, merging with countless small streams before reaching the plains and flowing into Ise Bay. The upper stretches of the river are an important ecosystem for alpine plants and freshwater fish. Length: 91km; Grade-one river.