Minami River


The Minami River is a river in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. It is designated Class B by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It empties into Obama Bay, a sub-bay of Wakasa Bay on the Sea of Japan about southwest of the mouth of the Kita River.

Geography and development

The source of the Minami River is found near Amaki Pass on the slopes of Tokinzan about above sea level. Minami River Sabō Dam is located a few kilometers below the headwaters of the river. The river travels for through the municipalities of Ōi and Obama before emptying into Obama Bay right next to the mouths of the Kita and Tada Rivers.
The drainage basin for the river covers. The Fukaya, Kubotani, and Kuda Rivers in Ōi, and the Makitani, Okutanawa, Sakamoto, Somegatani, Sunawa, and Tamura Rivers in Obama are all tributaries. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism designated the Minami a Class B river. Japan [National Route 162] runs alongside the Minami River from just below the Buddhist temple Dankeiji to near the river's mouth at Obama Bay.
Obama Castle was built on the narrow delta formed by the mouths of the Minami, Kita, and Tada Rivers, giving the castle natural protection due to the rivers and Obama Bay protecting it on three sides.

Flooding

In September 1953, heavy rainfall from Typhoon Tess caused major flooding along the Minami River and its tributaries, destroying many fields, damaging ships, and injuring or killing almost nearly 500 people. 1971 [Pacific typhoon season#Typhoon Trix|Typhoon Trix] in 1971 also caused major flooding, crop damage, and loss of life.

Tributaries

The Minami River has several main tributaries.
  • Fukaya River
  • Kubotani River
  • Kuda River
  • Makitani River
  • Okutanawa River
  • Sakamoto River
  • Somegatani River
  • Sunawa River
  • Tamura River

Flora and fauna

The Minami River is home to many types of fish and other animals.