Series 1　Hitokura and Kurokawa

Enjoy the pictures that automatically fade in and fade out in order.

1. Kunisaki area which sunk due to the Dam construction.(February 1981)
2. Hitokura Dam at work.
3. Hitokura Dam at present
4. Kurokawa public hall

Hitokura

In 1982, Hitokura Dam was constructed at the confluence of two rivers, the Tajirigawa and Hitokura-Orojigawa River. Mt. Chimyo in the north of the dam used to be called Mt. Kimyo, whose meaning "a mysterious mountain" is derived from the fact that it yielded silver and copper. Lake Chimyo, a manmade lake at the time of the construction, expands its surface area into 1.4 sq. kilometers, about 93 times the width of Koshien Ballpark, at the time of full capacity.
32 houses were sunk due to the Dam construction. But two old houses were rebuilt as Historical Folklore Museum in Miyama-ike park. A thatched roof and doma (Room with packed-earth floor) tell the lifestyle in the Edo era to the visitors.
In November, when mountains around the dam take on color, many citizens compete in Run Around Hitokura Dam (Hitokura Dam Marathon). In Summer, children enjoy outdoor-life at Lake Chimyo Camp Site. Thus we can get acquainted with nature there, as a place of recreation and relaxation, in all seasons.

Kurokawa

The Kurokawa district lies in the clough separated on both sides by the Kurokawa River. In Spring, it is covered with Chinese milk vetch all around. In Summer, fireflies fly about and beetles gather on a kind of oak.
Kurokawa public hall used to be Kurokawa Elementary School founded in 1873. The smell and wood in corridor tell us the image of the Meiji era.
Some activities including Agricultural experience and camping are held there. People also enjoy walking on the 'Prefectural Nature Path for Hiking Trail, through the Kurokawa district to Mt. Myoken from the Lakefront of Hitokura Dam.
Hitokura Charcoal is produced from a kind of oak. Material is fired for 50 hours and roasted for 4 days in winter at the hillside coal pit in a 2 meters tall charcoal-grilled kiln.
Hitokura Charcoal is named "Kiku-zumi" (a chrysanthemum charcoal), derived from the fact that its cut end is similar to a Chrysanthemum, and prized for a tea ceremony as high quality charcoals.