GifuLeisure

Chisui Shrine (治水神社)

Flow of the course

About 45 min here

Next stop: A walk along the pine-lined levee planted during the Horeki flood control works

About this spot

Right next to the Kiso Sansen Park Center (木曽三川公園センター), this shrine honors the Satsuma Gishi (薩摩義士) who lost their lives working on the Horeki-era flood control project in the Edo period. It's a place that conveys just how difficult the massive project of separating the rivers was, in a land crisscrossed by three rivers and repeatedly hit by flooding. The grounds, surrounded by pine trees, are quiet, and walking here in the morning makes for a cool, pleasant time. Telling children that 'people came all the way from distant Kagoshima to straighten and divide this river' gives real depth to the view of the three rivers you'll see in the afternoon. Since you can walk here from the park's parking lot, it's convenient to visit while keeping your car parked in one spot.

Tips

Visiting is free. The grounds have gravel and dirt paths, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The pine-lined paths offer shade, but bring drinks along as you walk. Since it's a quiet place, it helps to remind small children beforehand to keep their voices down.