Takase River (Aomori)

The Takase River (高瀬川) is a Class A river system that flows through Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It flows from Mt. Yahata, through Lake Ogawara into the Pacific Ocean.

The river is very important to the economy of the region. Approximately 80,000 people live in the river's catchment area.

Every July, the annual Lake Festival (湖水まつり) is held along the banks of the Takase River. The Takase River Office uses the opportunity to exhibit the "creatures that live in Lake Ogawara", which is popular with families. They also raise awareness about flood control, and water quality improvement of the lake.

In Japanese, takase means "shallow river".

Geography
The river has a length of 64 km and a catchment area of 867 km2. The basin area contains 2 cities, 4 towns, and 1 village.

Upstream from Lake Ogawara, the slope of the river ranges between 1:50 and 1:2000. Between the river and the Pacific Ocean, the slope is 1:30000 (almost horizontal). The water flows backwards from the sea into Lake Ogawara, causing it to be slightly brackish.

Environment
Many species live in the Takase River system, such as river lamprey, killifish, and Japanese smelt. Lake Ogawara, located downstream, contains many brackish and freshwater aquatic plants like Braun's stonewort, and Ruppia maritima. Freshwater clams can also be found in the area.

Lake Ogawara is designated as one of Japan's 500 Important Wetlands by the Ministry of the Environment.

Flooding
Since the Shōwa era, eight major floods have been observed. The most recent was in 2007.