Translation guide
Refers to the part of a river or stream near its source. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the word 上流 (じょうりゅう).
The section of a river closer to its source, often in mountainous areas.
The standard term for the upper reaches of a river. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
この川の上流にはダムがあります。
There is a dam in the upper reaches of this river.
上流の水はとてもきれいです。
The water in the upper reaches is very clean.
Literally 'upstream' or 'upper part of a river'. More common in everyday speech than 上流, but can also refer to the direction upstream.
Refers specifically to the source or headwaters of a river. More technical or literary.
川上の方へ行くと、水が冷たくなります。
If you go toward the upper reaches, the water gets colder.
その川の源流は深い森の中にあります。
The source of that river is deep in the forest.