14. Shinanogawa (Nagano, Gunma, Niigata)

Photographer’s Comments: The mighty Shinanogawa flows from the ancient province of Shinano (modern-day Nagano) to Echigo (Niigata), gathering strength and speed from snowmelt as it flows. The river’s course takes it through the most important rice-growing area in Japan. In a sense, this is the river that waters the crops of Japan’s staple.

River data: The longest river in Japan. Known as the Chikumagawa in its upper reaches, the name changes to the Shinanogawa after the river merges with the Azuzagawa and Saigawa and enters Niigata Prefecture. Flows through the Echigo Plains of Niigata, a famous rice-growing area, before entering the Sea of Japan at the city of Niigata. Length: 367km; Grade-one river.