Kako River (Japan)

This article is about the river in Japan. For the river in Guyana, see Kako River.
Kako River
加古川
The Kako River, viewed from a bridge in Ono.
Map
Native name
Location
CountryJapan
PrefectureHyōgo
Physical characteristics
SourceMount Awaga
 • locationHyōgo Prefecture
 • coordinates35°15′43″N 134°54′58″E / 35.26194°N 134.91611°E / 35.26194; 134.91611
 • elevation962 m (3,156 ft)
MouthHarima Sea
 • location
Hyōgo Prefecture
 • coordinates
34°43′57″N 134°48′27″E / 34.73250°N 134.80750°E / 34.73250; 134.80750
 • elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length96 km (60 mi)
Basin size1,730 km2 (670 sq mi)
Discharge 
 • locationKakogawa
 • average51.82 m3 (1,830 cu ft)
Basin features
Population640,000
[1][2][3]

The Kako River (加古川, Kako-gawa) is a river that flows through Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.[1] It is the largest river system in Hyōgo Prefecture by basin area, encompassing 21% of the prefecture's land area.[1] It rises at Mount Awaga, and flows 96 kilometres (60 mi) south, reaching the Harima Sea and forming part of the border between Kakogawa and Takasago cities.[2] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has designated the Kako River system as Class A.[2]

Since the Yayoi period, the river has been used for water, irrigation, recreation, transportation, defense, and trade.[4] The Toryu-nada rocks near Kamitakino are a popular tourist spot.[5] The river hosts a diverse ecosystem, and is known for its ayu sweetfish, for which there is an annual festival.[5]

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