Private Guided Plan
The canal network of the Edo Era connecting the Arakawa River to the castle town of Nihonbashi
Starting from the Arakawa River, we pass through the Arakawa Lock Gate (nicknamed the Mini Panama Canal: a water level adjustment gate), proceed along the Onagigawa River (part of which runs through a low-lying area below sea level in Koto Ward), then pass through the Ōgibashi Lock Gate (also known as the Mini Panama Canal: a water level adjustment gate) and enter the Sumida River. The route is a round trip.
[Application]
Applications are accepted at any time. Please contact me here if you wish to participate. I will get back to you shortly.
[Mini Panama Canal]
From the late 1910s to the late 1970s, activities such as pumping groundwater and extracting water-soluble natural gas caused land subsidence. As a result, the areas on both sides of the Arakawa River’s estuary became “zero-elevation areas,” meaning they are below sea level during regular high tides, even without storm surges. Moreover, the eastern part of Koto Ward, where the Onagi River flows, subsided so much that it is below sea level even at low tide.
Therefore, the current water level of the Onagi River is artificially lowered below sea level and maintained at a constant level to prevent the inundation of urban areas. However, this creates a discrepancy between the water levels of the Sumida and Arakawa Rivers, which fluctuate with the tides of Tokyo Bay, and the lower water level of the Onagi River. This difference makes it impossible for ships to navigate between them.
To solve this, the Ōgibashi Lock was built on the Sumida River side in 1976, and the Arakawa Lock was built on the Arakawa River side in 2005. These locks operate like elevators for ships, overcoming water level differences of up to nearly 3 meters, enabling ship navigation. This mechanism is similar to that of the Panama Canal, earning the nickname “Mini Panama Canal.”
Ships up to 90 meters in length and 8 meters in width can pass through, including sightseeing boats like “yakatabune”, leisure boats, and work vessels. Even a single kayak can activate the massive lock system to allow passage.
[Canals of Tokyo]
The capital city of Tokyo is interwoven with a network of canals, particularly in Koto Ward and Chuo Ward. While their presence is not widely known, even among Tokyo residents, these canals once served as a vital transportation system during the Edo period, supporting the massive city of Edo and forming an integral part of the daily lives of its people.
In the Edo era without cars, waterborne transportation by wind power or human-powered boats was the backbone of Japan’s logistics. The Onagi River (canal), one of the waterways excavated by the Tokugawa shogunate, functioned as a major artery connecting the distant Tohoku region to the center of Edo. The Onagi River, located in present-day Koto Ward, connects the Naka River and the Sumida River (now known as the Old Naka River, and the Sumida River). Goods from the Tohoku region were loaded onto ships and transported via the Pacific Ocean, the Tone River, the Edo River, the Shin River (Canal), across the Naka River where they were inspected at the Naka River Ship Inspection Station, through the Onagi River (Canal), across the Arakawa River, and finally along the Nihonbashi River to Nihonbashi in Edo Castle town.
[Ukiyo-e]
Through Edo-period paintings, we can imagine what the canals and rivers on this kayaking course looked like at that time.
•Confluence of the Onaki River and the Old Naka River
“Utagawa Hiroshige | One Hundred Famous Views of Edo | Mouth of the Nakagawa River” depicts the point where the Onagigawa River and the Old Nakagawa River converge during the Edo period.
Location
•The Onagi River and the ancient five pine trees
“Utagawa Hiroshige | One Hundred Famous Views of Edo | Five Pines at Onagigawa” depicts the Onagigawa River and the ancient pine trees known as the Five Pines.
Location
•The Takahashi Bridge spanning the Onagigawa River
“Hokusai Katsushika | Mount Fuji Seen from Takahashi Bridge” depicts the Takahashi Bridge spanning the Onagigawa River.
Location
•The Mannen Bridge in Fukagawa spanning the Onagigawa River
“Utagawa Hiroshige | One Hundred Famous Views of Edo | Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa” and “Hokusai Katsushika | Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji | Under the Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa” depict the Mannen Bridge in Fukagawa spanning the Onagigawa River.
Location
Experience the contrasting worlds of Edo, once the largest city in the world with a population of one million, and Tokyo, a global leader in modern urbanization. Discover both cities from an entirely new vantage point — the water — offering a perspective unlike any you’ve encountered before.
Edo Period Bridges and Kayaking Routes
[Tour Details]
This kayaking tour takes you along calm canals with minimal waves and currents, resembling still waters, making it ideal even for complete beginners. For the Arakawa and Sumida rivers, which have stronger waves and currents, we will turn back after enjoying the full view of their scenery.
Take advantage of the one-on-one private guide experience, unlike group tours, and enjoy the freedom it offers. You can stop anywhere for photos or videos, or take breaks to enjoy snacks or lunch on the kayak whenever you like—it’s entirely up to you. This is a fully customized tour. There’s no need to keep pace with a group; instead, you can move at your own rhythm, tailored to your fitness level and interests. If you have any special requests, feel free to discuss them when booking.
For beginners, I provide comprehensive guidance on kayaking techniques. My lessons are based on practical skills and knowledge drawn from my personal experiences, such as solo kayaking 2,700 km from the source of the Yukon River, as well as adventures on the Columbia River, Puget Sound, and more.
– Participation Fee –
20,000 yen per person
– Number of Participants –
This tour is exclusively for one participant, and you will join me (Yamada) in the same kayak.
– Duration and Distance –
•Approximately 5 hours, 12 km
•Duration and distance can be adjusted based on your preference.
•Route: Ōshima Komatsugawa Park → Arakawa Lock → Arakawa River → Clover Bridge (toilet break) → Oogibashi Lock Gate → Sumida River → Oogibashi Lock Gate → Clover Bridge (toilet break) → Oshima Komatsugawa Park
•There is one place where you can get off for toilet breaks, two times of the round trip.
– Difficulty Level –
•Physical Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ – As you will share the same kayak with the guide, no significant physical effort is required.
•Technical Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ – As you will share the same kayak with the guide, and the waters have little current or waves, even beginners can comfortably participate.
– Schedule –
The tour is available on demand. Please contact us here to book. I will get back to you shortly.
– What to Bring/What to Wear –
•Clothes that can get wet (avoid jeans and cotton materials)
•Shoes that can get wet, or sandals (with straps around the heels)
•Hat (a wide-brimmed one is recommended)
•Change of clothes
•Top and bottom rainwear (to protect against occasional splashes)
•Gloves
•Sunscreen
•Sunglasses (for glare from the water surface)
•Waterproof bag (to protect against occasional splashes)
•Trail snacks and drinks
•Safety gear to prevent your phone or camera from falling into the water (if your phone or camera falls in, recovery is not possible)
– Notice of tour cancellation due to weather conditions –
You will be notified by 6 p.m. the day before.
– Insurance –
Please ensure you have insurance coverage. One option to consider is the Montbell Outdoor Activity Insurance (which covers canoeing, even though it’s not explicitly mentioned in the policy wording).
