“Magnificent stone walls, just like a castle?” I can hear you asking. This is the Fire Lookout at Shinkawa Nishi Suimon Hiroba Plaza. It stands as a monument to Shinkawa Senbon Zakura.
The Shinkawa Nishi Suimon Hiroba Plaza was established in 2010. It marks the starting point of the Shinkawa Senbon Zakura cherry blossom path. The plaza features a 15.5-meter-tall Fire Lookout. It acts as a monument to the Shinkawa Senbon Zakura.
Before the Shinkawa Canal was created, boats used the old Funabori River. This snaking river made transport difficult. So, the Shinkawa Canal was opened in 1629. It was to transport salt from Gyotoku-Shinden to the city of Edo.
The old Funabori River became the Furukawa River. The newly opened canal became known as the Shinkawa River. That’s how it got its name. By the Edo period, more people were traveling. Many used the Gyotoku boats. These boats carried people to Narita Temple. They traveled via the Shinkawa River.
During the Meiji era, steamboats began running. The Shinkawa River became a major transportation route. However, in 1944, the canal ceased operations. It ended its role as a transportation waterway.
Between 1962 and 1965, the area experienced significant industrialization. This caused land subsidence. To combat high tides, the Shinkawa Nishi and Higashi water gates were built. From 1966 to 1968, the Shinkawa drainage pump station was installed. This pumped water into the Nakagawa River during high tides.
In 1976, the Shinkawa Nishi and Higashi water gates were closed. The river’s water level was adjusted. It made it lower than the surrounding land. This improved safety and prevented water pollution. Purified water from the old Edo River was taken in. It was then discharged into the Nakagawa River.
The Fire Lookout at Shinkawa Nishi Suimon Hiroba Plaza symbolizes the Shinkawa River. Only the column portion of the Shinkawa Nishi water gate remains. It is preserved as part of the structure.
The Fire Lookout models the highest-ranking daimyo residences of the Edo period. During the Edo period, fire lookouts had specific designs. Black board fences denoted daimyo residences. White board fences indicated fixed fire stations. The Fire Lookout is open on weekends and holidays. It is also open during the cherry blossom season. Visitors can climb it to enjoy the views.
The Fire Lookout is designed like a castle from the Sengoku period. Climb up to see the landscapes. The cherry blossoms along the Shinkawa River are especially beautiful in spring.
So, next time you’re near Shinkawa Nishi Suimon Hiroba Plaza, come explore the Fire Lookout. Experience a taste of the Edo world and see the beautiful Shinkawa.