Beneath our feet lies a story. It is a story of water and paths in Hikifune. Can you imagine boats being pulled along a narrow river? That is what Hikifune means “pulling boats”.
Let’s dive into the past. In the Edo Period, the Hikifune River flowed here. It wasn’t just any river. This channel connected Kasai to Sumida. Its main purpose was to bring clean drinking water to Edo. This waterway was an extension. It came from Koshigaya in Saitama.
Originally, the channel was man-made. It was part of the Tokugawa shogunate’s grand plan. By 1772, things changed. The shogunate had enough fresh water. They repurposed the Hikifune River. It became a distribution canal.
Now, let’s talk about the name. Many think it refers to tugboats. But that’s not quite right. Hikifune means “pulling boats” or “a pulled boat”. The Hikifune River was a towpath. It connected the Sumida River and the Naka River. It also provided access to the Arakawa and Edo Rivers.
What exactly is a towpath? It’s a path where people or animals pulled boats. These boats moved along a calm channel. People walked on paths lining the riverbanks. It was literally a path for towing.
Why pull a boat? There were several reasons. The waterway might be too narrow. Small boats with heavy cargo needed help. Or maybe the waterway was too shallow. Heavy boats could get stuck. Pulling was also needed against the current. Difficult river conditions also necessitated it. The Hikifune River was originally for drinking water. It was shallow and narrow. It wasn’t meant for heavy boat traffic. When repurposed, a towpath was added. It allowed small delivery boats access.
Large boats used the Arakawa or Sumidagawa rivers. This channel was just a narrow one. It brought drinking water into the capital. When the channel was repurposed, the towpath was added. Small boats and barges could now pass. These boats were so small. Only one navigator could fit with the goods. Large boats stopped at the channel intersection. Goods and passengers transferred. The smaller boats were pulled through.
Finding the river today is a challenge. Before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, changes happened. The government paved over small canals and moats. The Hikifune River was paved over. But a portion of road still exists. It bears the name Hikifunekawa Dori. The Mito Highway ran alongside the river. Now, it’s National Route 6. Part of the river’s path is still visible. Some sections of the Hikifune River remain. They have become public spaces. The width and depth have changed. But you can still sense the original size.
Today, there’s no postal address called Hikifune. But the name lives on. Hikifune Station keeps the name alive. There is also the Hikifunekawa Shinsui Koen. This is the Hikifune River Water Park. The Hikifune Elementary School also uses the name. It’s not an “official place name”. But locals still use the name Hikifune.
Two towpaths are preserved in Japan. They are not in Tokyo. They are the Biwako Sosui Lake Biwa Canal. Also there is the Takasegawa Takase River.
The Kasai Kanal is still intact in Saitama. It gives a sense of the Hikifune’s original size. So, as you stand here, remember the “pulling boats”. Remember the vital waterway of Hikifune. It shaped this area.