Canals in Koto City

There' re a lot of waterways in Koto City. One of these is of course the Sumida-gawa River. It' s a famous wide, tidal river with grand views and historical large bridges. While canals are narrow and quiet with comparatively little scenery. Canals date back to early seventeenth century, it was built to facilitate the transportation of goods across Edo (old name of Tokyo) City. By 1960' s the transport industry shifted towards roads, canals fell into relative uselessness. Some of them have been reclaimed and replaced by houses and roads.

I like to walk along now remaining canals. In the morning, I bring the map of Koyo City and begin to walk to one of those including the Shiohama Canal and the Oyoko-gawa River. After thirty minutes of walk I get there. There' s few large buildings visible and little noise from traffic. People who are jogging or walking a dog come along the bund. Other people are sitting on the bench seeing the surface. Sometimes they and I say “Good morning” each other.

 In early spring magnolia blossom buds unfold, then cherry blossom come to bloom. A wild ducks' family swim on the surface (see pictures). In summer a wasen boat (Japanese style of small fishing and transporting boat) passes by smoothly. In autumn a black musing great cormorant stands on the top of a mooring stake. In winter several yakata-bune boats (a roofed pleasure boat) stay still on the cold water. 

When a blow of gentle wind pass over, canals are restful places in the large city of Tokyo.

By Shoichiro

How do you like walking along canals in Koto city? In our Course B, you can enjoy walking along Sendaibori canal after visiting Kiyosumi-Teien park. Please contact us from here and join our free walking tours!