史跡　玉川上水の碑

Slipping through time, imagine Tokyo in 1653. Edo, as it was then known, bustled with life, but a critical resource was scarce: fresh water. Right here, at the 史跡　玉川上水の碑, we mark a pivotal moment in the city’s history: the creation of the Tamagawa Josui. The Tamagawa Josui, a 43-kilometer aqueduct, was a marvel of engineering. It brought fresh water from the Tama River, quenching the thirst of Edo’s growing population. This ambitious project, commissioned by the Tokugawa Shogunate, aimed to solve the city’s water woes. Seawater was too salty, and local rivers, polluted by sewage, were unfit for consumption. The Tamagawa Josui, however, offered a lifeline. It provided clean drinking water, essential for daily life. It also aided firefighting efforts and nourished surrounding farmlands. Two brothers, Shoemon and Seiemon, hailing from humble farming backgrounds, spearheaded this monumental task. Their understanding of waterways and ability to inspire workers proved invaluable. In a remarkable feat, the initial 43 kilometers of the Tamagawa Josui were completed in just eight months. The Shogun, deeply impressed by their accomplishment, elevated the brothers to samurai status, granting them the prestigious Tamagawa family name and the right to bear swords. The Tamagawa Josui, more than a water supply, became a symbol of community spirit and ingenuity. While the full canal isn’t functional today, remnants and markers, like this monument, trace its historic path through Tokyo. The legacy of the Tamagawa Josui and the brothers who built it lives on, reminding us of Tokyo’s enduring relationship with water.