Okozu Bunsui Levee

The Shinano River is a large, class A river which has caused flood disasters since ancient times. This levee was built in order to divert a portion of rising waters to the Sea of Japan, thus preventing catastrophic flood damage on the Echigo Plain. This levee was completed in 1922 on a section of the river closest to the Sea of Japan where it makes a drastic turn to the east. Cherry tree planting began in the area even before the levee was complete, and today it has become known as one of the top cherry blossom viewing destinations in Niigata. When the flowers are in full bloom, the trees are also lit up at night, enabling visitors to enjoy their beautiful blossoms in the evening as well. From October through March, over 1,000 swans also migrate and overwinter here.