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The Tokyo Promenade of History and Culture

Tokyo Walking Courses such as the Tokyo Promenade of History and Culture (aka 東京歴史と文化の散歩道) unveil the layers of Tokyo, from ancient echoes to vibrant modernity!

8.85 km in Total Length

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Tabata Writers and Artists Village Walk

Tabata Station – Asukayama Park

From Tabata Station, which developed as a terminal station in the early Showa era, we will tour the streets of Tabata. Ryunosuke Akutagawa moved to this area in 1914. From then until the early Showa period, many writers and artists such as Saisei Muro, Sakutaro Hagiwara, Hiroshi Kikuchi, Tatsuo Hori, and Hideo Kobayashi moved to Tabata, a new residential area. Proceed along Hongo Street, the former Iwatsuki Kaido, and head to the old Furukawa Garden. The main building and Western-style garden designed by Conder were completed in 1919. The Nishigahara Ichirizuka along the street was built by the shogunate in 1604, and is the only one in the 23 wards that has been preserved in its original form. Passing the former Shibusawa residence, we arrive at Asukayama Park.

Nikko Onarido walk

Asukayama Park – Iwabuchi Water Gate

Iwatsuki Kaido is also known as Nikko Onarido. It passes through Oji, Akabane, Iwabuchi, Kawaguchi, and Iwatsuki before joining the Nikko Highway at Satte. From Asukayama Park, head north along the highway to Oji Shrine, located on a hill along the Otonashi River. It was founded in the 2nd year of Wonhyeong (1322), and is the origin of the name of the place Oji. Beyond that, Nasu no Taki Park is named after the waterfall that used to be in the residence of the village head of Oji Village. Seishoji Temple, near Akabane Station, is the ruins of Inatsuke Castle built by Michiyoshi Ota. Inatsuki Castle is said to have been built by Dokan to connect Edo Castle, Iwatsuki Castle, and Kawagoe Castle. Pass through Akabane Station and emerge into the vast Arakawa River. In the past, all of this huge amount of water flowed downstream into the Sumida River, often causing flooding in the Koto area. Construction of the Arakawa Spillway, which turned the Sumida River into a branch of the Arakawa River, was completed in 1924. Iwabuchi Sluice Gate was built at this time.

Photo thanks to The National Diet Library