Preserving the natural environment has always been a strong suit of the Japanese; that’s why the Otowa River Erosion Control Dam was built.
In my last post, I talked about my journey to the summit of Mt. Otowa, a beautiful mountain that rests in between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures.
Along the way, I came across this stunning waterfall which turned out to be the Otowa River Erosion Control Dam. I spent a great deal of time here as it was simply an eye-catching sight that beckoned admiration for both its aesthetic and its functional purpose.
Leveraging the power of nature
In a place like this, residents tap into the power of nature for the daily operations of their homes and businesses. For example, this water mill uses water from the Otowa River to produce clean renewable energy for electricity, a sustainable source of power.
Preserving Kyoto’s natural beauty
Given how much nature provides for us, it’s our obligation to return the favor! The Otowa River Erosion Control Dam was built to protect the natural environment and wildlife in this remote region of Kyoto bordering Shiga.
As you begin the journey up Mt. Otowa, you’ll notice how untouched and beautiful the surrounding forests remain. A great contributor to this is the dam which softens the harsh impact of the gushing Otowa River on the plants, trees, and wildlife, essentially preventing it from turning into a swamp of sorts.
A place to chill
The sounds and sights at Otowa River Erosion Control Dam are truly beautiful in the most serene and calming ways. Personally, I thought it was one of the highlights of the Mt. Otowa hike despite being so early on in the journey.
Nothing like the sound of gushing waters to put the mind at ease. It’s the perfect way to get into the calm and composed mindset required for the challenging ascent to Mt. Otowa’s summit.
Man and Nature are One!
Man and nature truly are one and the same, I mean, we’re basically made of the same stuff in a scientific sense, right? “Take care of nature and nature will take care of you” ought to be the motto of mankind.
All-in-all, it’s amazing to see how much of Kyoto’s natural beauty has been preserved thanks to the Otowa River Erosion Control Dam. Lush green trees and firm natural stones rest along a glorious crystal river as all signs of erosion and decay are kept at bay!
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