中河原渡し

Across the Tama River, the Nakagawara Watashi whispers tales of a time long before bridges. Nakagawara Watashi was a vital river crossing connecting Nakagawara village on one side with Sekido village on the other. This crossing wasn’t just a convenience. It was a lifeline, a stage for historical dramas, and a testament to human ingenuity in overcoming natural obstacles. Before the Sekido Bridge was built in 1937, the Tama River flowed freely. People relied on ferries or fords, known as “Nakagawara no Watashi” and “Sekido no Watashi”, depending on which bank you stood. These crossings were seasonal. During spring and autumn high waters, ferry boats plied the river. In winter, when the river subsided, temporary bridges were erected. Imagine the scene in 1333. The Nakagawara Watashi became a strategic point during the Battle of Sekido. The retreating Hojo forces clashed with the advancing Nitta forces near the river. The area became a battleground. The riverbanks echoed with the clash of swords. The fate of Kamakura hung in the balance. Nakagawara Watashi, a seemingly simple river crossing, played its part. The stone marker here at Nakagawara Watashi, partially obscured by creeping vines, offers a tangible link to those tumultuous events. The inscription, weathered by time, mentions the year 1930. This simple date marks the end of an era, the year the ferry ceased operations. The Sekido Bridge, a modern marvel of concrete and steel, had rendered the watashi obsolete. But the stories, the struggles, and the triumphs of the Nakagawara Watashi continue to flow, carried on the currents of the Tama River, waiting for those who listen closely.