20. Kuzuryūgawa (Gifu, Fukui)

Photographer’s comments: This area has produced more dinosaur fossil finds than any other region in Japan. It is easy to imagine herds of iguanadons grazing along the banks of the river while carnivorous dinosaurs lay in wait and prepare to pounce.

River data: From its source in the Aburasaka Pass on the border between Gifu and Fukui Prefectures, the river passes through the Kuzuryū Valley before entering the Fukui plains and emptying into the Sea of Japan. The river provides a habitat for many rare bird species, including the goshawk and Brant goose. Length: 116 km; Grade-one river.