Cherry blossoms at Otonashi River

Otonashi River

Otonashi River was once a pristine stream that flowed into Edo (present-day Tokyo).
Cherished by writers and artists, it thrived as a bustling passageway leading to the famous Yoshiwara pleasure district. It also played a crucial role in agricultural irrigation, enriching the surrounding rice fields.

During the medieval period, the river was strategically utilized by the powerful Toshima clan, who sought high-quality water for their stronghold. Later, in the Taishō era, its pure water was used in the production of printing paper. During wartime, the area contributed to military production as part of Tokyo’s wartime industry.

The Otonashi River originates from the Shakujii River and branches off at Ōji Gongen Shrine, flowing through Nippori and Negishi before reaching Minowa, where it splits into two branches. The eastern flow, known as the Omoigawa, ran along Meiji Street, passing through Namidabashi and eventually merging with the Sumida River near Shirahige Bridge, while the southeastern flow continued along Nihonzutsumi, connecting to Sanyabori Canal.

Otonashi Valley

The area around the Shakujii River was once called Otonashi Valley.
It was even depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s famous ukiyo-e series, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, marking it as one of Edo’s scenic spots.

In 1720, Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune ordered 270 cherry trees to be planted along the riverbanks. The following year, an additional 1,000 cherry trees were planted on nearby Asukayama Hill, transforming the area into a popular recreational site for the common people of Edo.

At that time, the Shakujii River featured seven waterfalls, collectively known as the “Ōji Nana Taki,” which made it a well-visited sightseeing destination.