About
The flow of the Edogawa River, quietly watching over the changing times, continues to shine calmly on its surface today. “Yagiri-no-Watashi,” standing on the riverside in Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, is the only remaining ferryboat in the city that has been operating since the early Edo period, still carrying people across the river even now.
Leaving Shibamata Station and passing through the Taishakuten approach, as you walk toward the embankment of the Edogawa, a tranquil landscape unfolds before you, making you forget the bustle of the city. The wind crossing the river gently strokes your cheeks, and in the distance, the greenery of Matsudo sways softly. Walking along the path leading to the pier, flowers bloom in profusion, adding seasonal colors to the scene.
Standing on the pier, you can see a small boat slowly approaching from the opposite shore. The sight of the boatman skillfully rowing the boat seems to invite you on a journey transcending time. Once aboard, the scent of wood fills the boat, and the murmur of the river and the chirping of birds create a pleasant harmony. The blue of the sky and the white of the drifting clouds reflected on the water’s surface make you forget the noise of everyday life.
This ferry is also known as the setting for Sacho Ito’s novel “Nogiku no Haka” (“The Wild Chrysanthemum’s Grave”), where a story of pure love was spun in this place. In addition, the Showa-era hit song “Yagiri-no-Watashi” became a great success, etching this scenery into the hearts of many people. Listening to the boatman’s old tales and legends related to the river, you can feel the flow of time slowly passing by.
Upon reaching the opposite shore, the quiet streets of Matsudo welcome you. The view of Shibamata from there is also exceptional, and the scenery of both banks gazing at each other across the river tells the story of a long history and the lives of the people. On the way back to Shibamata by boat, the setting sun dyes the river surface golden, leaving a deep afterglow in your heart.
Yagiri-no-Watashi is not merely a means of transportation, but a precious presence that conveys the emotion and atmosphere of times gone by to the present. If you visit here, you will leave behind the city’s hustle and bustle and encounter a quiet and beauty that resonates deep within your heart.