Hattori Pond, reservoir in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Hattori Pond is a small reservoir in Hiroshima Prefecture created by an earth dam about 190 meters long and 15 meters high, holding up to 650,000 cubic meters of water. The water serves local farms for irrigation while being surrounded by trees that reflect in the still surface.
Construction of the dam began in 1989 and was completed in 1997 to support irrigation in the rural region. This was part of Japan's late 20th century efforts to develop water systems and balance nature with human needs.
The pond is woven into the daily life of local people, showing how nature and work come together in this rural area. The quiet paths and simple surroundings reflect the pace and values of farming communities here.
Visit early morning or late afternoon when light falls softly on the water and the area is quietest. The open grassy spaces near the pond work well for picnics and walks, and the location is accessible by car or public transportation.
The pond demonstrates on a small scale how Japan manages water in rural areas through simple dam systems that have operated reliably for over two decades. This understated approach quietly supports farming communities while remaining largely unnoticed by most visitors.
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