Friday, September 6, 2013

Aiba Waterway Koi


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The carp-filled Aiba waterway runs through a quiet neighborhood in the southern section of Hagi.

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Originally a stream, it was canalized to prevent flooding and to provide irrigation to paddies. It was later widened and deepened to enable small boats to be used for transporting materials.

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Houses along the waterway built "hatoba", allowing the water of the canal to come into the kitchens and bathrooms where it could be used without having to go outside.

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Several of the houses are open to the public including the childhood home of Taro Katsura, Japans' longest serving Prime Minister.

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2 comments:

  1. Great photos as usual, I really enjoyed my one trip to Hagi.Hope to make it back there next spring when I start a cycling holiday from Niigata down the west coast to Fukuoka.

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  2. This is the way that I love to imagine all of Japan. Unless I'm in Tokyo, then a flash bar will do.

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