The Saigawa, which runs through West Kanazawa, is referred to as masculine in comparison to the Asanogawa, a smaller, feminine river.   Saisei Muro (1889-1962), who spent most of his childhood near this river, loved it dearly.   Beside the river, there stands a red granite monument in the shape of a NAGASHIBINA (such dolls were set afloat on the river with the prayers to protect family members from illness in the old days). It is engraved with one of his poems, Anzu Yo. Along with the poem you can enjoy the beautiful apricot blossoms in the spring.

Anzu yo hana tsuke chizo hayani kagayake Anzu yo hana tsuke anzu yo moe yo