The implemented process and maintenance system of rain gardens in Kyoto City

Focusing on relationships between actors and disaster mitigation effects

Abstract

Recently, due to increased number of occurrences of brief heavy rain, risk of flooding is increasing. As a countermeasure, this study focuses on rain gardens, a type of green infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to clarify achievements and challenges in implemented process and maintenance of rain gardens in Kyoto, relationships between actors and disaster mitigation effects. Through location analysis using GIS, interviews and field surveys, this study found: 1) Rain gardens can handle daily levels of rainfall but they have little relationship with extreme water hazards. 2) The Kyoto Landscape Architecture and Construction Association suggested that Kyoto City take the initiative in maintaining rain gardens, which is now being maintained by local volunteers. 3) The implementation is still in process, and there is a gap between the government and volunteers in terms of maintenance and management.