A new perspective on the "evidence of water"
An underground channel is a channel that moves the flow of water from a river or canal underground. Here, we will use a slightly broader interpretation to refer to the remains of a river or canal as well. Until recently, Tokyo was a city rich in water, with natural rivers and irrigation canals flowing everywhere. However, in exchange for urbanization, such as reconstruction after earthquakes and war damage and rapid economic growth, much of that water surface disappeared.
However, if you look closely, you can see evidence of this here and there, and it becomes clear that Tokyo is now a city of culverts. Because culverts were originally rivers, there are many places where the sidewalks are strangely wide or unusually narrow, or strangely winding, or surrounded by bollards, giving the area a slight sense of incongruity, and at times it feels like the entrance to another world. It gives the feeling of stepping out just a little from the everyday life of the city. That is also the charm of culverts. You can also find traces of the former waterfront in the culverts.
Take bridges, for example. A bridge placed unexpectedly on a street corner where there is no water flowing. A bridge that is probably overlooked by most passersby. That bridge is proof that there used to be a river there. Of course it's exciting to find a bridge with all the railings still intact, but even if it's just the main pillars, or even just the bridge nameplate, it can be exciting to just notice that the name of the bridge remains at an intersection; it feels like a treasure hunt. Such treasures are hidden all over Tokyo. When you realize that there used to be water flowing there, the usual cityscape will look a little different. Why not enjoy these small changes within yourself by exploring underground channels?
Another World Culvert①
As you walk around Asagaya Kita, the entrance to a culvert suddenly appears around 1-21. It is a vestige of a tributary of the Momozono River that once flowed through the rice fields. Once inside, you will feel as if you are in a maze. There is also a lush promenade nearby. Asagaya Kita 1-chome is an area dotted with culverts peeking out throughout the city, and has many slightly mysterious alleys.
Address: Near Asagaya Kita 1-21, Suginami Ward
Another World Culvert②
The Myoshojikawa Kamitakada Branch Culvert, commonly known as the Myoshojikawa Kamitakada Branch Culvert, has its source north of Nakano Station and flows into the Myoshojikawa River near Nakai Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line. Next to a dimly lit alleyway, you'll come across a mysterious bank made of piled stones painted entirely white. If you look closely at each stone, you'll realize they're gravestones. Walking here at night makes it feel even more otherworldly.
Address: Near Kamitakada 1-27, Nakano Ward
Another World Culvert ③
It's so narrow you can't pass anyone. The narrowness of the road, which was built by filling in a small stream, and the impenetrable curves make your heart beat faster. It's like being drawn into another world. This is an alleyway on a tributary of the Yanabata River, west of Mitake Street, in Ikebukuro 3-chome. There's something romantic about the fact that even such a small river can merge repeatedly and eventually reach the sea. Address: Around 3-36 Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward
Treasure Hunt Culvert ①
The Metropolitan Expressway runs underground, and above ground, Yamate-dori is a busy street with cars constantly coming and going. Entering the quiet narrow path that connects to it, you'll soon come across the railings of Hatsudai Bridge. Heading further upstream through the Hatsudai River culvert, you can even see the cool, clear spring water. A rare find in the heart of the city.
Address: Near Hatsudai 2-5, Shibuya-ku
Treasure Hunt Culvert②
The Nishiibori Culvert, which stretches from the north of JR Sobu Line's Shin-Koiwa Station towards Okuto in the northeast, is one of Tokyo's most popular "treasure hunting roads." The bridge nameplates of the many bridges that once spanned the area are embedded in the interlocking blocks of the sidewalk. One of these is Shitanden Bridge, pictured here. Let's go and count how many there are in total.
Address: Near Okuto 3-26, Katsushika Ward
Treasure Hunt Culvert ③
The next treasure is extra-large. South of Kameido, the Tatekawa River used to flow beneath the Metropolitan Expressway Route 7 Komatsugawa Line. Walking along its remains, you come across the Tatekawa Bridge of the Etchujima Branch Line, a "forgotten freight line." Built in 1929, the truss and brick piers remain here, even though the river has disappeared and an expressway has been built instead. You can look up at it from below in the park.
Address: Near Kameido 1-26, Koto Ward
