It is described that Murayama Rokkamura-segi irrigation canal was first built at the southern foot of Yatsugatake Mountain 1000 years ago for irrigation and domestic use. This steep area is located at 600 to 1,000 meter elevation and it does not have large rivers. The average yearly temperature is 11 degree Celsius and the annual rainfall is 1,150mm. As just described, conditions for agriculture in this area were very severe. Its water sources are springs and Doryu waterfall at 1,200 meter elevation.
For efficient water use, facilities to decrease the flow velocity in the canal were essential. So, the canal was properly designed to conform to contour with unlined tunnel, diversion gate, an aqueduct bridge and so on.
Now, the canal supplies water to 550 hectare of farmland and many villages as an indispensable irrigation facility.
It is said that the irrigation rules among 30 communities were established in the 1700s covering the matters of maintenance, repair, water conflict, governance and annual events. Furthermore, cropping plan and yield amount of rice, wheat, soybeans and other millet were settled in the rules. It is noteworthy that water quantity and water due were determined based on these plan etc.. In spite of the severe agricultural conditions in this area, the farming community was well developed and their living standards were well improved with their solid water management. The incomes of the farmers were improved by high valued highland vegetables enabled by the irrigation water. These days, the canal plays roles in fire protection and domestic water use.