Tokaido Walk(2) Omori-Kawasaki: Oct.11, 2010

Today is National Sports Day (2nd Monday of October).

Newspapers reported sports and health-related news. Many sports events were held throughout the nation.

I had the second part of my Tokaido walk. it was from Suzugamori (near JR Omori Station) to Kawaseki, the second shukuba station of the route.

Most part of Old Tokaido has been converted into the National Route 15 in the area. Still, some parts keep the old atmosphere.

About 1 kilometer-long Mihara Street is one of such example. There are small shops and restaurants along the narrow street. Traffic signs show “it is old Tokaido”.

Various marine products such as sea moss were produced here from the Edo period till early 20th century. Monuments in the street shows such history.

I again walked down the Route 15 southward. The trafic was heavy and I saw few people walking along the road. It is industrial area.

There are many small machine and parts manufacturers in Ota Ward. Some of them have world-class high technologies. It is said that the competitiveness of Japanese economy owes a lot to the area.

I arrived at the Tamagawa River, which devide Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture. They did not have a bridge over the river in the Edo era (except early Edo period) and people crossed the river by boats. The crossing point was called "Rokugo no watashi". There is a monument of the point.

I looked down the river from the bridge. The water was beautiful. I also found temporary shelters and blue plastic houses  in the riverfields. Many homeless people live here.

I entered Kawasaki City. It is about 15 minutes walk from Rokugo crossing point to JR Kawasaki Station.

Inns, stables and other travel facilities spread in the area in the Edo period. Now, stores, offices and amusement shops spread.

Map: Rokugo