The Urauchi River: Japan’s Most Biodiverse Waterway

At 19 kilometers, the Urauchi is the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture, and it holds more fish species than any other river in Japan, over 400 in total, including more than 40 endangered species. Mangrove forest lines the lower banks, providing shelter for fish fry among the roots. Boats can navigate the first 8 kilometers before rocks and waterfalls block further progress; beyond that, brackish water gives way to fresh water and subtropical jungle thickens. About 6 kilometers from the sea is the site of Inaba, a hamlet that prospered on rice and charcoal until it was abandoned in the early 1970s, its children once walking 12 kilometers over mountain paths to reach school.