Hida City, Gifu Prefecture (Mayor: Junya Tsuruhashi) will hold its spring tradition, the "Setogawa River Carp Migration," on Saturday, April 4th. To protect the carp from snow removal operations for the Setogawa River, which is used as a snowmelt channel during winter, approximately 1,000 carp that overwintered in a nearby pond will be returned to the river by citizens and volunteers. Against the backdrop of the white-walled storehouse district, the sight of colorful large carp swimming leisurely is a symbolic landscape of Hida Furukawa. This event signals the full start of the castle town's tourism season and its beautiful spring attire.

Spring and Autumn Tradition: "Setogawa River Carp Migration" The "Setogawa River," a tourist spot in Furukawa Town, Hida City, was created over 400 years ago for new land development and has been used for agricultural water and washing vegetables. After World War II, the river's pollution became noticeable due to garbage and domestic wastewater. The tradition began about 50 years ago when local residents released carp into the river with the aim of beautifying it.

Over 1,000 large carp of various colors such as red, white, yellow, and black swim leisurely in the Setogawa River, loved by citizens and tourists alike. The Setogawa River has become a popular photo spot in Hida Furukawa.

In winter, snow accumulated on rooftops is flowed into the Setogawa River. Therefore, every November, the carp are moved to the nearby Tenjin Pond (Masujima Castle Ruins), and in April, they are returned to the river, making it a seasonal tradition. *Last year, the move was made in mid-October due to construction.

The first group is scheduled to be released around 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 4th, behind Enkoji Temple (11-11 Tonomachi, Furukawa-cho, Hida City). This may vary depending on the progress of the work and the movement of the carp.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: event