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Catchment-Based Flood Management
for Sustainable Society Study Tours
About our Study Tours:
Our tours offer educational experiences in the Kuma River basin, which suffered severe flooding in July 2020. Participants will learn about “Catchment-Based Flood Management,” a concept aimed at creating a safe, secure, and sustainable region where the environment thoughtfully maintained, and young people can thrive. Our tours are regularly visited by government officials as well as specialists in flood and distaster management to give them an opportunity to learn directly from our community’s experiences.
Catchment-Based Flood Management for Sustainable Society:
The torrential rainfall in July 2020 led to severe flooding in the Kuma River basin, causing widespread damage over a stretch of approximately 40 km. This disaster resulted in flood damage to around 1,020 hectares. Including both flooding and landslides, about 7,400 buildings were impacted. In response, industry, government, and academia were brought together to develop solutions in rebuilding and creating a more resilient region.
As a result, an emphasis has been placed on “Catchment-Based Flood Management” which involves a comprehensive approach that includes not only structural measures such as runoff suppression, flood control, and zoning but also educational and regulatory measures. This approach incorporates environmental perspectives, contributing to sustainable regional development and environmental conservation.
Location of the Kuma River Basin
Hitoyoshi-Kuma is located in the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, in the heart of the Kyushu region. This area lies at the southern tip of Kumamoto, stretching across a mountainous landscape. The city of Hitoyoshi serves as the central hub, with the Kuma River flowing through the basin. It borders Kagoshima Prefecture to the south and Miyazaki Prefecture to the east.
Access from Major Cities within Japan
You can reach Hitoyoshi-Kuma from across Japan by taking a plane or the Shinkansen, followed by a car or train.
- From Fukuoka:approximately 2.5 hours by car
- From Kumamoto Airport / JR Kumamoto Station:approximately 1.5 hours by car
- From Kagoshima Airport:approximately 1 hour by car
Courtesy of: Kuma Shochu Distillers Association
Photo by: Joe Keating
About the Hitoyoshi-Kuma Region:
Nestled in the heart of southern Kumamoto Prefecture, Hitoyoshi-Kuma is a region defined by its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
At the heart of the region is the Kuma River and its tributaries, which form the focal point of the community’s lifeways, agriculture and even tourism, attracting thousands of visitors every year to participate in activities such as river rafting. The fertile lands of Hitoyoshi-Kuma yield a bounty of agricultural products, including the renowned Kuma Shochu, a type of distilled spirit unique to the region and produced by 27 local distilleries.
Hitoyoshi-Kuma also boasts a rich cultural tapestry of history dating back to the rule of the Sagara clan, which governed the area continuously for over 700 years. Their legacy is evident in the many temples, shrines, and the Hitoyoshi Castle ruins that dot the landscape.
Download Materials
2023 Catchment-Based Flood Management Educational Tour Materials
These materials are exclusively for tour participants and require a password for access.
Please note that some files may be large and may take time to download.
・Download Materials (153 MB)
Book Your Study Tour Here
This tour is an educational experience focused on creating a safe, secure, and sustainable region, where young people can thrive and the environment is thoughtfully maintained for future generations. We encourage those interested to join.
Option 1: Immersive Learning Plan
This option provides hands-on experience in building safe and secure communities through activities like tree planting, creating planter-style rain gardens, and managing wetlands.
Details and reservations hereOption 2: Relaxed Learning Plan
This option offers an enjoyable way to learn about green watershed management while also incorporating other local experiences, such as visiting Kuma Shochu distilleries and engaging in forest therapy.
Details and reservations here