Kanda River Walk (3): June 12, 2010

I took the third and the last part of Kanda River Walk. It was about 8 kilometers from Takadanobaba to Sumida River, to which Kanda River flows into.

It was urban and historical.

There are many schools around Takadanobana.　I found computer programming, design and other schools along the river. Waseda University and other famous schools have their campuses in the area.

Chinzanso (Four Seasons Hotel) stands along the river. The flow (of the river) becomes slower here. It looks like a moat rather than a river in the lower part of the river.

Highway Ikebukuro Line runs over the river from Edogawabashi to Suidobashi.

The river meets with the moat of the Imperial palace at Iidabashi. Roads run over the meting point. The traffic is heavy here.

JR Chuo Line runs along the river from Iidabashi to Ohanomizu.

The river flows down to Akihabara. Advertising boards of electronic shops are displayed along the river.

Fishing and sightseeing boats stayed in the lower river. Some boars have small restaurants in them and people enjoy parties inside. The boats are called “Yakata-bune”.

Kanda River was seen as a lifeline of Edo residents hundreds years ago. We feel the history while walking along the river.

Sengawa River Walk(1): June 6, 2010

Sengawa is a river which flows in the western part of Tokyo. It originates in Chofu City, runs through Setagaya ward, and flows into Nogawa. Nogawa flows into Tamagawa River.

I had a walk along the upper half of Sengewa. The river is protected with concrete walls. The walk ways are well arranged and nice houses are along the river.

Soshigaya Park is the biggest park around Sengawa. Nice residential area spreads around the park, but a terrible murder, which shook the nation, occurred in 2000. It is still unsolved.

Kanda River Walk(2): June 5, 2010

I took the 2nd part of Kanda River walk (following May 22nd walk). It was about 8 kilometers from Shimotakaido (Suginami ward) to Takadanobaba (Shinjuku ward).

The river (as well as I) went through residential areas in the first 2-3 kilometers. Construction works were under way in several places. The concrete banks have been renovated in some parts of the river, but they are still old and dirty in some parts. I also found water-control facilities along the river.

I proceeded to Nakano ward and found skyscrapers over the river. It was quite near to Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest business areas.

Tens of skyscrapers stand near Shinjuku Station. However, we also find old small houses a few blocs from skyscrapers. Kanda River flows through such areas.

The river goes into the Yamanote Line, which runs around central Tokyo, at a point near Takadanobaba Station.

Japanese Manga giant Osamu Tezuka had his office in the area. (One of managing companies of his works is still here)

One of his most popular works is Mighty Atom (Tetsuwan Atom, Astro Boy in English TV program). The Science and Technology Ministry in “Atom” is in Takadanobaba.

So, Takadanobaba has strong relations with Tezuka and Atom.

Atom and other important characters in Tezuka’s manga are drawn in a wall in front of the station. Artom’s song is used on the platform to inform passengers of the departure of the trains in Takadanobaba Station.