Naka Ochiai

Long ago, Naka Ochiai wasn’t a name on a Tokyo map. It was simply where two rivers, the Kandagawa and Myosenjigawa, met. Naka Ochiai literally means “falling together,” a poetic description of the merging waters. Located in Shinjuku Ward, Naka Ochiai holds a rich history. It was once a rural area outside of Edo, known for its clean water, abundant fireflies, and even visits from the shogun for hawk hunting. In 1818, Naka Ochiai officially became part of Edo. Today, Naka Ochiai is a residential neighborhood, a far cry from the rural landscape of the past. However, traces of its history remain. The name itself serves as a constant reminder of the rivers that shaped its identity. You can almost picture Shogun Iemitsu, enjoying the thrill of the hunt, his hawks soaring above the pristine waters. Imagine the vibrant glow of fireflies on a summer evening. The clean water of Naka Ochiai also attracted another group of artisans: dye craftsmen. During the Edo and Taisho eras, over 300 dye craftsmen made Naka Ochiai their home, drawn by the pure water essential for their craft. These skilled artisans specialized in dyeing kimono fabric. They developed unique patterns and designs, all done meticulously by hand. While the number of dyeing companies in Naka Ochiai has dwindled to just ten, their legacy is preserved at the Some-no Sato Futaba-en (Hometown of Dyes Futaba Garden) mini-museum. Here, you can witness the traditional dyeing techniques, keeping the spirit of Naka Ochiai’s colorful past alive. So, the next time you find yourself in Naka Ochiai, take a moment to appreciate the confluence of history and modernity, the echo of rivers meeting, and the vibrant hues of a craft that once flourished here.