For the purpose of finding correlation between the characteristics of the rural residents and the maintenance activities of naturally favorable waterside spaces, this paper has conducted a research with the focus on the three model case regions in Japan. The methods of the research included surveys, interviews, and documents. The research confirmed that the three regions in focus have characteristics distinct from one another. The rate of participation in group activities was high in a region, with members that belong to groups most active in the maintenance activities. Reasons for their participation included: to manage the local area themselves; and to promote cooperation and friendships among the residents. This proves that participation in the maintenance activities has also attributed to the formation of close communities in the regions. According to the analytic conclusion of the factors related to participation, the residents' experience to have been involved in a professional education program which induces communal participation, acted more as the major factor than the individual ones.