柏原船使い場

What secrets does the Kashiwara River hold? Today, we unveil a story of resilience and trade at the Kashiwara Bune Tsukaiba (柏原船着場). The Kashiwara Bune Tsukaiba, a historical viewpoint, whispers tales of a time when boats plied these waters, connecting Kashiwara village to Osaka. The year 1620 brought devastation. Heavy rains caused the old Yamato River to breach its banks, flooding Kashiwara. The damage was catastrophic. Driven by the need to rebuild, the magistrate, Sueyoshi Nagayoshi, envisioned a new waterway. He planned a shipping route using the Hira River. This marked the birth of the Kashiwara Bune riverboats. Official operation began in the autumn of 1636. The boats, about 12 meters long and 2 meters wide, carried 15 to 20 koku (a unit of volume). They transported rice and fertilizer between Kashiwara and Osaka. This vital link spurred Kashiwara’s recovery and prosperity. Another flood in 1633 further highlighted the need for reliable transportation. 45 houses were swept away and 36 lives were lost in Kashiwara. This tragedy underscored the importance of the Kashiwara Bune. The boats became a lifeline, carrying essential goods and fostering trade. However, the river’s fate shifted. The Yamato River was diverted in 1704. The Kashiwara Bune adapted, using the new route through the Juusanma River and into the new Yamato River. This change increased costs and travel time, impacting the boats’ efficiency. Despite these challenges, the Kashiwara Bune continued its service for almost three centuries. The advent of the railroad in the Meiji period marked the beginning of the end. By 1907, the last two Kashiwara Bune ceased operation. Though the boats are gone, the Kashiwara Bune Tsukaiba stands as a testament to their enduring legacy. It’s a reminder of a time when these waters bustled with activity. Imagine the sights and sounds of those days, the riverboats laden with goods, connecting communities, and shaping the region’s history.