February 17, 2000. "Dragon Land" in Obana, Kawanishi City, Hyogo. This is completed last December under the Hanshin Expressway, which is newly extended-Ikeda Line. Spacious gate to Hyogo Prefecture turned into a riverside promenade.Kawanishi City, whose geographical features like a dragon, has many legends associated with dragons. Legend says dragons made some effort for the development of the city. Therefor the expressway of Kawanishi side has shaped after these stories as a symbol of vitality and development of Kawanishi. Body of the dragon: Main body of expressway Scales are added to the sound barrier. Head of the dragon: Lighting of the bridge Front paw: Entrance to Obana, Kawanishi City Hind leg and claw: Pedestrian overpass Tail of the dragon: Called "Big Harp" with its beautiful shape. It locates along the Ina River, 2km-long and 8 hectare-wide, including two parks, four parking lots, two gateball fields and two rest rooms. Local citizens' group, including Pastor Moriwaki, negotiated with the Japan Highway Public Corporation and the Ministry of Construction for 20 years, and finally won this beautiful "oasis". Without their effort, it would be just a dreary area under the expressway.

	Many people usually enjoy walking, jogging and cycling (there also has a cycling road), although few people could be seen on the day for it was rather cold.		Pupils of the neighboring kindergarten are playing.
	This stream was created through the combined efforts of Mr. Kan'no, (the president of the group) and the Pastor Moriwaki.		This is the tail of the "Dragon".
	Several kinds of birds including oyster birds, blue herons and wild ducks can be seen here.
	The illustration shows whole image.