Three rivers—the Nagara-gawa, the Yoshida-gawa and the Kodara-gawa—flow through the Hachiman district in the city of Gujo. Gujo Hachiman, as the district is generally called, is in Gifu Prefecture, and happens to lie practically in the center of the Japanese archipelago. Natural springs in about 107 locations release ample amounts of fine water, and thanks to their presence a town developed here about 400 years ago. Wells, some for individual homes, some for communal purposes, take advantage of the spring waters. They have long supplied water for daily living, and they stand ready to supply water for fighting fires when necessary. Using water without wasting it has helped residents develop a good life, and their know-how promotes harmony with water to this day.