A Trip Down Arakawa River

As I mentioned earlier in a couple of posts about the western parts of Saitama prefecture I spent a little time on or near Arakawa River (I know kawa means river but it seems easier to be specific with geographical names in English). The river’s name means “Wild River” but after being used to seeing much further downstream in Tokyo I always thought the name was a little bit over the top. Luckily, it is a tad bit wilder up in Saitama where it also originates. From the pictures you wouldn’t believe it when I tell you that it eventually becomes the biggest river in Japan: 2537 meters at its widest point.

If you go to Chichibu and then a few stations up the line to really get into deep Saitama you can catch one of the river cruises. The cruise is a good way to see a different part of Japan than the concrete of Tokyo, but it is a little bit short: it is announced as lasting about 30 minutes but with the rapid flow of the river at any other point in time than in near drought season, the tour is much shorter than that. Still, it was worth every yen to see the scenery around the river.

Now, it should be known by now that I am not a good nature photographer. I have no idea how to make cliffs and whirling water look interesting so forgive my rather bland photos. I did manage to get some wildlife and two ridiculously handsome Saitama Prefecture River Police officers. It that the best job in the world? Considering that they spend a lot of the day watching over water-inexperienced tokyoites in mini-bikinis at the other side of the river. Great job, if you can get it.

Oh, and please, if you can identify the species of bird in the last picture I would be very happy indeed!