Curious about a boathouse with over 150 years of history? That’s Furuishiba for you. Furuishiba is more than just a boathouse. It is a window into Tokyo’s past. It is located in the Koto ward of Tokyo.
Let’s journey back to the end of the Edo era. Furuishiba was founded then. This boathouse began its story in Tomioka 2 chome. As land reclamation changed the area, Furuishiba moved to its current location.
In its early days, Furuishiba catered to wealthy men. They enjoyed goby fishing from boats. Eventually, this pastime became popular with the general public. Imagine men fishing from stepladders in the water. This is what it used to be like.
One tradition that has stood the test of time is “nerifune”. This involves boatmen rowing small wooden boats. Guests enjoy goby fishing as they row. In the past, people rowed to fishing spots. Now, motored boats take guests closer. Then, the boatmen row the rest of the way. Furuishiba keeps this traditional experience alive. Every November and December, they offer “nerifune” tours. Many people love these “robune” boats. Furuishiba is now the only boathouse that offers these tours.
Operating a “robune” is a skill. Only experienced boatmen can do it. Fukagawa Fujimi has six Japanese boats for “nerifune”. Finding skilled boat carpenters is a challenge. Maintaining these boats is increasingly difficult.
Goby populations have declined. Land reclamation has reduced their spawning grounds. The abolition of the Shinonome lumber yard hit them hard. This yard was 530,000m2. The fifth master of Furuishiba sadly noted the decrease in gobies.
The fourth master focused on fishing boats. Guests caught many fish. However, water pollution and changing hobbies affected the business. The number of fish decreased. Water quality has improved but habitats have disappeared.
Eels and seaweed were once plentiful here too. The fifth master reminisced about catching eels. He once earned two years’ salary in one night. His father scolded him for staying out all night.
In 1985, the fifth master introduced Yakatabune boats. Back then, these were remodeled fishing boats. They carried up to 30 passengers. Now, Furuishiba boasts eight Yakatabune boats. Their state-of-the-art “Hokusai” boat can carry 120 people. This makes Furuishiba the largest Yakatabune operator in Tokyo.
The ancestors of Furuishiba were samurai. They worked for the Edo castle’s Shogun. They started the boathouse to sustain themselves. However, they were not skilled in business. It is said that the women ran the boathouse. The fifth master joked that his wife, like the chief hostess, was a strong woman.
So, as you stand here, remember the story of Furuishiba. It is a story of tradition, adaptation, and the spirit of the working class. Furuishiba is a treasure. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into Tokyo’s vibrant past.