Nagara River

Nagara River
The Nagara River flowing through Gifu
Native name	長良川
Country	Japan
Basin
Main source	Mount Dainichi
River mouth	Ise Bay
River system	Kiso River
Basin size	1,985 km2 (766 sq mi)
Physical characteristics
Length	166 km (103 mi)
Discharge	Average rate: 120 m3/s (4,200 cu ft/s)

The Nagara River (長良川, Nagara-gawa^?) has its source in the city of Gujō, Gifu Prefecture, and its mouth in the city of Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Along with the Kiso River and Ibi River, the Nagara River is one of the Kiso Three Rivers of the Nōbi Plain. Previously, the river was named Sunomata River (墨俣川 Sunomata-gawa). With a length of 166 km (103 mi), it drains an area of 1,985 square kilometres (766 sq mi) in the Chūbu region and empties into Ise Bay. The government of Japan classifies it as a Class 1 river.

Also, famous for being a clear-flowing river, it has been named one of the "Three Clear-Flowing Rivers in Japan," along with the Kakita River in Shizuoka Prefecture and the Shimanto River in Kōchi Prefecture. In 1985, the middle section of the Nagara River was named to "Japan's 100 Famous Waters." Also, it was included among Japan's top bathing areas in both 1988 and 2001. The river is also a popular tourist destination because of Nagaragawa Onsen, a collection of natural hot springs (mostly in the city of Gifu) that are known for their high iron content.

Downstream, the Nagara River converges and diverges with the Kiso and Ibi rivers at multiple times. Though the Nagara River is considered part of the Kiso River system, various construction projects over the years have kept the two rivers separate all the way to the mouth of the river.