Saigawa District is surrounded by mountains and the Imagawa and Haraigawa rivers flow through it. Fukuoka Prefectural Road 34 and the Heisei Chikuho railway run east and west through the district. The Shinto god Sai no Kami was enshrined at a crossing place along the Imagawa. The town takes 'Sai' from Sai no Kami and 'gawa' from 'kawa' or 'river'.
History
In 1905 East Saigawa Village, West Saigawa Village, and Minami Saigawa Village merged to form Saigawa Village. In 1943 Saigawa Village became Saigawa Town. In 1956 Irahara Village was annexed by Saigawa Town. In 2006 Saigawa merged with Katsuyama and Toyotsu to become Miyako.
Irahara
Irahara is located in Miyako town near Yukuhashi in Fukuoka. It is 253m above sea level, 33°42'N, 130°55'E.It is along Route 496 and about 40 minutes by car to the South from Yukuhashi. It is surrounded by nature. The area is 2356km2. The population of the area is 284.
History
People began to live in Irahara during the Jōmon period about 3000 years ago. Most of Irahara is underwater following the completion of the Irahara Dam in 2017.
Landmark Architecture
A historical building is the Naganuma House. It was built in 1839. It shows the way of life in the Edo era.
Wildlife
We can see wild animals. They are deer, boars, and rabbits.
Kagura
Irahara is famous for a traditional Noh dance called Kagura. It is offered for the gods of Shinto. The actions show the stories of Japanese myths. It has been passed down from parents to children for generations.
Irahara Dam
Miyako Town has been suffered from floods. A multi-purpose dam was built in Irahara in order to prevent floods and hold tap water. This dam is called Irahara Dam and construction was finished in 2017.
Harai River
Harai River flows through Irahara to Yukuhashi City. The length is 31 km. It is famous for fire flies in early summer and many people visit to enjoy swimming in the hot summer.
Festivals
Many festivals are held through the year. They are mainly concerned with agriculture. The festival called Jinkosai in May is the largest. At that time we enjoy kagura very much.
Food
The famous foods are hawasabi and rice. Hawasabi is very hot, and the rice is delicious.
Climate
In spring the mountains are full of fresh greens. In summer the river water is very clean, so people can swim there. In autumn the whole forest turns red. In winter there are very pure snow scenes.
Irahara Junior High's school buildings will be sunk under the Irahara Dam. So, Irahara Junior High School will be moved and re-built. The new building is designed by Mr Ando Tadao, an architect well known in the critical regionalism style. The plan is for the construction of a wooden building, with construction beginning in 2015.
