Yokohama Nishi Ward

Description

Onko Chishin! Trek-trek Sketch in Nishi-ward: Ishizakigawa Riv. Promenade

From the east exit of Yokohama Station, go in the direction of Takashimacho and cross the Banribashi Bridge over the Katabira River. The next bridge, Asayama Bridge, is the start of the 1.6km Ishizaki Riv. Promenade. Walk upstream along the river. The Ishizaki River runs only through Nishi Ward and was established as a waterway in the Edo period when Hiranuma field was developed.

At the next bridge, Takashima Bridge, the river turns to the right and once you cross a pedestrian bridge, it leads to a quiet walk around the bridges. The next bridge is Shikishima Bridge, where the Yokohama Road, hastily built at the opening of the port of Yokohama at the end of the Edo period, passes. Many of the bridges over the river were completed around 1928, after the Great Kanto Earthquake. The road is still paved with old stone pavements in places and along the banks of the river are planted willow trees, which are rarely seen nowadays. There remains a nostalgic scene of the Showa era.

It is so peaceful that it is hard to believe that the road is just behind the National Highway No.1. After passing Ishizaki Bridge, Umegasaki Bridge and Hirado Bridge, the Ishizaki River turns to the right at Hamamatsu Bridge, where it meets the main Katabira River again.

Next time I will try to walk when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Title, picture and writing by Taro Suzuki (Nishi ward Cultural Association)
※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition since June 2013. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.

(Published February in 2021)