Kako River (Japan)
| Kako River 加古川 | |
|---|---|
The Kako River, viewed from a bridge in Ono. | |
| Native name | |
| Location | |
| Country | Japan |
| Prefecture | Hyōgo |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Mount Awaga |
| • location | Hyōgo Prefecture |
| • coordinates | 35°15′43″N 134°54′58″E / 35.26194°N 134.91611°E |
| • elevation | 962 m (3,156 ft) |
| Mouth | Harima Sea |
• location | Hyōgo Prefecture |
• coordinates | 34°43′57″N 134°48′27″E / 34.73250°N 134.80750°E |
• elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 96 km (60 mi) |
| Basin size | 1,730 km2 (670 mi2) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Kakogawa |
| • average | 51.82 m3 (1,830 cu ft) |
| Basin features | |
| Population | 640,000 |
The Kako River (加古川, Kako-gawa) is a river that flows through Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. It is the largest river system in Hyōgo Prefecture by basin area, encompassing 21% of the prefecture's land area. 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. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has designated the Kako River system as Class A.
Since the Yayoi period, the river has been used for water, irrigation, recreation, transportation, defense, and trade. The Toryu-nada rocks near Kamitakino are a popular tourist spot. The river hosts a diverse ecosystem, and is known for its ayu sweetfish, for which there is an annual festival.