昔ながらの水車がいまも１６基稼働…田植えシーズンを迎えた倉敷市祐安地区　かつては約５０基稼働【岡山】 (26/06/09 18:00)

With the rice planting season underway, waterwheels are turning in the Yuya district of Kurashiki City to supply water to the rice paddies. The waterwheels installed in the irrigation canals are turning vigorously. In the Yuya district, located north of JR Kurashiki Station, the rice paddies are higher than the river level and the sandy soil doesn't retain water well, so waterwheels are still used to supply water to the fields. In 2026, they began full operation in late May, with waterwheels approximately 180 centimeters in diameter turning vigorously, irrigating the rice paddies. While there were once around 50 waterwheels, the number has decreased to 16 due to a decline in farmers. Even so, having so many waterwheels on a single river is rare nationwide, and it creates a peaceful, old-fashioned landscape in the rural area. The waterwheels in the Yuya district of Kurashiki City will continue to turn until September, before the rice harvest begins.