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Standing on the banks of the Sumida River, at the site of Shin-Ohashi in Koto Ward, one can feel the breath of history carried on the gentle breeze. This place derives its name from the Shin-Ohashi Bridge, built in Genroku 6 (1693), and has developed alongside the bustle of Edo. At that time, since the Ryogoku Bridge was called “Ohashi” (Great Bridge), the new bridge constructed downstream was named “Shin-Ohashi” (New Great Bridge). (city.koto.lg.jp)
The construction of Shin-Ohashi brought great benefits to the townspeople of Edo. The haiku master Matsuo Basho, who had a hermitage in Fukagawa, also rejoiced at the completion of this bridge, composing the poem, “How grateful I am to tread upon the frost on this bridge.” (hotyuweb.blog.fc2.com)
As time passed, in Meiji 45 (1912), the bridge was rebuilt as an iron bridge, and in Showa 52 (1977), it was transformed into the current bridge. However, fragments of its history still live on in this place. For example, the old Shin-Ohashi’s ornamental pillars have been relocated to a park on the east end, preserving the atmosphere of the past. (hotyuweb.blog.fc2.com)
Additionally, this area once housed the shogunate’s ship warehouse, where the warship “Atakemaru” was moored, giving rise to the place name “Atake-cho.” In Utagawa Hiroshige’s famous work “Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi and Atake,” both the Shin-Ohashi Bridge and this ship warehouse are depicted, conveying the ambiance of Edo to the present day. (hotyuweb.blog.fc2.com)
Today, at the foot of Shin-Ohashi, there are the Basho Memorial Museum and the Basho Hermitage Historic Site Observation Garden, which convey the culture and history of Edo to visitors. Gazing at the flow of the Sumida River and reflecting on the poems composed by Basho, one feels as if invited on a journey transcending time and space. (tokyo-np.co.jp)
The site of Shin-Ohashi in Koto Ward is a place where the history and culture of Edo remain deeply rooted, offering many stories to those who visit. Along with the flow of the Sumida River, the history of this place also continues unceasingly.