矢切の渡し碑

Gazing across the Edogawa River, can you envision a time before bridges? The Yagiri no Watashi Ferry, right here, offers a glimpse into that past. This ferry, a vestige of a bygone era, connects Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. It’s the last remaining farmer-operated ferry on the Edogawa River, a testament to a time when crossing this river was a vital part of daily life. The Yagiri no Watashi Ferry began operating in the early Edo period. The Tokugawa Shogunate forbade bridges on the river for strategic reasons. This made ferries crucial for travel and trade. Farmers on both sides needed to reach their fields. They secured special permission to cross outside designated ferry points. This practical need birthed the Yagiri no Watashi Ferry. Imagine farmers rowing across, their boats laden with tools and produce. Their journey, though short, linked communities and sustained livelihoods. Today, a small wooden boat continues this tradition. It carries passengers back and forth, a tangible link to the past. The Yagiri no Watashi Ferry is more than just a mode of transport. It’s woven into the cultural fabric of the region. It’s featured in Umeda Mikao’s novel “The Wild Geese’s Grave,” a poignant tale of love and loss. The ferry also appears in a popular song of the same name, further cementing its place in local lore. The gentle rocking of the boat, the lapping of water against the hull, the views of the riverbanks evoke a sense of tranquility. This makes a ride on the Yagiri no Watashi Ferry a truly unique experience. It’s a journey through time, a reminder of the Edo period’s ingenuity and the enduring spirit of the people who rely on the river.