The Present Conditions and Characteristics of Springs and Watercourses Remained at the East District of Matsushiro in Nagano

Matsushiro in Nagano city is known as the castle town where the watercourses and garden ponds realised originally in Edo era remain. Especially at the south of town, Nagano City designated 4 streets as the Traditional Environment Preservation Area. But at the east of town, it remains too the watercourses, garden ponds and water springs. And their present conditions are not known. This study aims to clear their present conditions and their characteristics in comparison with the present conditions of 4 streets of the south of town and the castle town map made at the end of 18th century. As a result, it clears the points as follows. The sources of water are only water springs, and there exist 21 springs. The distinction of watercourses which we can recognise at the Traditional Environment Preservation Area is not clear. There are a few garden watercourses which are characteristics at Matsushiro. But water springs and watercourses drawn on the map of 18th century are almost found in the present conditions. In conclusion, these water springs and watercourses, even if some garden water courses were lost, they have the historical value, and it is considered that they deserve to be preserved.