Hiji River

The Hiji River rises near the Tosaka Pass in Uwachō, Seiyo in Ehime Prefecture. First it flows to the south, turning eastwards in southern Seiyo. In Nomura, it turns to the north, thereafter snaking across the Shikoku Mountains. The river flows faster as it passes through Ōzu, where the Garyū Sansō villa is perched on a bluff above a bend in the river.

The middle reaches of the river formed the Ōzu basin. Here the river opens up and flows more smoothly, forming part of the defences of Ōzu Castle. In its lower reaches, the Hiji passes through a valley and flows directly into the Seto Inland Sea. With a length of 103 km, it’s relatively long, although its headwaters and river mouth are only 18 km apart in a straight line, indicative of the very winding course that the Hiji River takes.

There are many ways to enjoy the river including swimming, canoeing, SUP, and various pleasure boats. At Ōzu, the river is the scene of traditional cormorant fishing.

Information

Name in Japanese: 肱川
Pronunciation: hijee-kawa
Address: 3030 Hijikawacho Uwagawa, Ōzu, Ehime Prefecture 797-1503