UCHIKOGENIC

Join us at the Kawanobori River Festival!

From the late Edo period, rafting timber from the mountains was a common sight in Uchiko. Rafts called "komata" were made by tying together around ten logs, each about four meters long. They carried timber downstream to Nagahama at the river mouth.

In 1948, forest roads were built in the mountains. Trucks soon replaced river transport, and the rafts gradually disappeared from the Oda River.

For decades, the river flowed without them. Then, 45 years later, local residents decided to bring the tradition back. They organized a community rafting event to restore this once familiar scene.

At the event, visitors can watch rafters in traditional straw capes (mino) and sedge hats (sugegasa) guide long chains of raft downstream. You can also ride the rafts yourself and experience the river up close.

Along the riverbank, you'll find "tarai" udon, a local specialty served in large wooden tubs. Enjoy it with a rich dipping broth made from soybeans and shiitake mushrooms.

Date
April 26, 2026 (Sunday)

Schedule
10:00 - Opening ceremony
11:00 - Food stands open
14:10 - Rafting demonstration

Location
Rural Life Interaction Center "Ikadaya"
3581 Ose-higashi, Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun, Ehime, Japan