Furukawa River Shinsui Park is located in Monzennaka-cho, Koto-city, Tokyo, along the Furukawa River, which connects the Oyoko River and the Hiraku River, and is about 750 meters long and narrow.Introducing Furukawa River Shinsui Park, where you can enjoy peonies and art along the waterway where seawater flows under the theme of “Scent of Waterside.”
About of Furukawa River Shinsui Park
During the Edo period (1603-1867), as the city of Edo flourished, waterways were constructed to transport goods to the center of the city. The Furukawa River, for which the park is named, was one of these waterways. The name ” Furukawa” comes from the place used as a stone yard for the construction of Edo Castle.
However, the Furukawa River was reclaimed in 1988 because it was segregated in the “Policy on Disaster Prevention Projects in the Tokyo Koto Area” in 1971 as it was not expected to be used as a river or a canal.
Furukawa River Shinsui Park was created on the reclaimed land.The theme of the park is “Scent of the Waterfront,” and visitors can enjoy the fragrance of seasonal flowers such as peonies, roses, and hydrangeas, along with the scent of flowing seawater. Another feature of the park is the abundance of fish and other aquatic life that can be seen here, as the water is channeled from the pristine river.
Sights to see of Furukawa River Shinsui Park
There are numerous attractions in this park, including a peony garden, seven bridges including the Furuishiba and Chidori bridges, a stone square, and a rose garden.The Furukawa River Shinsui Park Seawall Gallery is especially worth seeing.
Seven Bridges
There are seven bridges in the Furukawa River Shinsui Park. The seven bridges are: Old Shinkaikibashi Bridge, Kotohira Bridge, Ozu Bridge, Sekiguchi Bridge, Jakubashi Bridge, Old Chidori Bridge, and Furuishiba Bridge. The Ozu Bridge is said to be named after the Ozu family home of director Yasujiro Ozu, which was located nearby.
It is a peony garden which is unique in Tokyo
The present name of the park’s place is Botan(peony in Japanese) ,Koto city. Since there were many places that cultivated peony, the “peony garden” was established.
The garden is on both sides of Furukawa Bridge. Although the place is narrow, there are 42 kinds and 450 plants in the garden. The peony flowers have the labels.
Enjoy the distinct street art
There are unique and powerful works drawn continuously on both sides of the Furukawa River, which is spectacular. It is nearly 30 years since the works were drawn, the texture of the concrete on the revetment, which is the canvas, has become more prominent, and has a deep impression.
In this waterfront gallery, you can see the changes in every season because of the overlap of the trees, flowers, and natural grass. Furthermore, you can enjoy the changes with time due to the movement of light and shadow in the day, and the changes with the angle of the view, time, and the season.
When we see the works, we would like to watch and take a picture of them from many angles.
Don’t miss the street art mixed with the official works. You can enjoy the work which seemed to be inspired by Barbara Kruger’s “I shop therefore I am.” Although the overall structure of “Mugen Uchu” by Kobayashi Ganpei and Shizue is wonderful, it is a deep work, so we would like to cut and see it partially.
It is a very luxurious time to enrich your mind when we watch the wall art while passing under the bridge, going back and forth between the other sides, and seeing flowers and underwater creatures.
A spring of light shines warm, calm and comfortable wind and nature. A summer with strong sunlight let you feel the moist south wind and the blessings of nature. A autumn with soft lights makes a cool and refreshing wind and the autumn leaves shiny. The winter creates transparency with freezing cold wind and bright light.
By seeing the art of spring, summer, autumn and winter, morning, noon and evening, with the light of the water surface of Furukawa River, which makes the feeling of salty smell and the quantity of water changes with the ebb and flow of the tide, there are various things to notice.
How about trying a treasure hunt in this park, in which many hints for the new creation exist?
Access to Furukawa River Shinsui Park
2 chome Botan, Koto City, Tokyo
Monzen-nakacho StationTozai Line5 min on foot
Parking around Furukawa River Shinsui Park
Furukawa River Shinsui Park Official Website
Official site：https://www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp