Boats like the one on this photo, reconstructed in the Hiyoriyama Park in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, were called kokai-bune and were used during the Edo Period to transport merchandise on the Mogami River, from the large ships in the harbour to the warehouses. They were about 15 meters long and 2 meters wide, being able to carry 50 bales of rice.

Kokai-bune, Hiyoriyama Park, Sakata, Yamagata

EXIF Info:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Sakata Honma garden