Gōnokawa River


The Gōnokawa River is a river that runs through Hiroshima and Shimane prefectures in Japan. It is the largest river in the Chūgoku region. It is also called the Gōgawa River and, in Hiroshima, the Enokawa River.
The mainstream originates from Mount Asa located in Kitahiroshima, Hiroshima. Its three tributaries including Basen River, Saijō River and Kannose River flows into the mainstream in. The gradients being relatively gentle, the river had been commonly used for boat transport until 1930s, when Sankō Line and trafficways were built and opened. There are some valleys and waterfalls such as, and around the region of the river.
It is known for ukai or cormorant fishing for ayu, which can be found especially in Miyoshi, Hiroshima. According to one theory ukai in Miyoshi has taken place since late Sengoku Period, and is now one of the tourist attractions of the city.

Communities

The river and its tributaries pass through or borders eight cities and seven towns that are located in Shimane Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture as is shown below. As of 2000 according to the national census 278,207 people lived in the drainage basin, including 104,169 from Shimane and 174,038 from Hiroshima.
;Hiroshima Prefecture:
;Shimane Prefecture:

Dams

Major dams located within the basin are shown below.