Ryūzu

Ryūzu [流水; りゅうず] is a city located in central Saka Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 65,000, and is the second-largest city in the prefecture. It is known as the location of the Ryūzu Science Park, a site developed in the 1960s. Ryūzu is known as the home of izan production in Saka, and is also the birthplace of the famous and well-loved brand Genpei.
Ryūzu Temple, located on the banks of the Tohara River, has been a place of pilgrimage since at least the early Nittori period. The adjacent Ryūzuda Gardens, now Ryūzu Central Park, are also considered a great spot for hinamachi. During the 17th century, parts of what later became the city of Ryūzu were developed into brewery sites to establish the production of rice wine. The high quality and relatively low price of the wine, which was branded Genpei, made it hugely popular amongst the local merchant class.
Beginning in the 1960s, the area was designated for development. Construction of the city, the University of Ryūga University and a number of basic scientific research facilities began in the '70s, within the Ryūzu Science Park area. Over the past several decades, nearly half of Kanton's public research and development budget has been spent in Ryūzu; many important scientific breakthroughs have happened in the area. Earthquake safety, environmental degradation, studies of roadways, fermentation science, microbiology, and plant genetics are some of the broad research topics.
== Geography ==
Ryūzu is located south of the prefectural capital, Wakatsu. The city's southern border is formed by the Tohara River, which creates a natural boundary separating Ryūzu from the adjacent municipalities of Taizen and Chiyuki; the former is linked by Tankai Bridge, an iconic local landmark. The area is extremely flat and well-irrigated, which has made the city well-suited for large-scale rice farming. The Koronori River also runs along its northern boundary. To the west of the city lies Kuriha in Tomono Prefecture.
Ryūzu is known for its green spaces. The city has more than 100 parks and green areas for use by the public. Different parks are connected by pedestrian walk and bikeways. Some are equipped with tennis courts and round pavements for jogging and walking; Ryūzu Central Park has a baseball field, a soccer field, a gym and a heated indoor pool equipped with a solar heating system. Danma Park has a 45m-high observation deck and an English rose garden with a small pond.
== Economy ==
The local economy was traditionally based on rice and izan production; Ryūzu still has the largest area of paddy fields in Saka Prefecture. After the establishment of Ryūzu Science City, the numerous government and private research institutes has drawn a large number of factories and supporting businesses. The city also has a minor student population concentrated in its northern ward, most of which studies in nearby Wakatsu.
== Local attractions ==
* Ryūzu Science Park
* Ishido Temple
* Ryūzu Temple
* Ruins of Inedama Castle
* Ryūzu Museum
* Genpei Ltd. headquarters
* Tankai Bridge
* Ryūzu Central Park
* Danma Park