宮川の鯉 carps of Miya-gawa (Miya-river)

Miyagawa is a river that runs from south to north
passing through the center of the city to the
direction of the Japan Sea.

On the east side of Miyagawa is the old town,
and Miyagawa Morning Market is also a popular spot to visit in Takayama.

And in this Miyagawa, you will see lots of beautiful orange carps
swimming gracefully.

We actually love feeding them!

In the early 1930's, the town and the river
were both losing their beauty due to the rapid civilization.

In the late 1930's, these beautiful carps were first released in Miyagawa
by the local children's association to keep the river clean.
They thought that if such elegant carps were swimming in the river,
the adults would not throw trashes anymore.
What a smart idea!!

Some interesting fact to keep in mind
when taking a stroll along Miyagawa!!

宮川は高山の中心を流れる美しい川です。

古い町並みは宮川の東側に位置し、
宮川朝市もまた有名なスポットのひとつです。

そして、この宮川では無数の鯉が優雅に泳いでいます。

子供たちと、よくこの鯉にエサをあげて楽しみます。

昭和９年に高山線が開通し、近代化が進んだため
町や川が汚れてきてしまいました。

これをなんとかしようと立ち上がったのが
子供会だったそうです。
美しい鯉が泳いでいれば、大人は川にゴミを
捨てないだろうと考え、宮川の鯉の放流が始まったそうです。
なんて素敵な考えでしょう！！

宮川を当たり前のように泳ぐ鯉たちに
そんなエピソードがあったんですね。