Tokyo hidden gems.

Kyu-Nakagawa River. A photo story.

I have been here before, may be four years ago, having walked from my apartment in Akabane area of Tokyo. All along Arakawa River, it took around 5 hours.

Today I had some work meetings near Higashi-Ojima station. Having finished earlier than expected I decided to walk along Kyu-Nakagawa River again which at this time of the year is dressed seriously pink.

The river is only 7 km long, and the area has some quiet rural charm despite being in the Edogawa Ward of downtown Tokyo.

I started my walk near Ater Tokyo cafe not far from Higashi-Ojima station.

Here Kyu-Nakagawa is connected to another small river, Onagi.

Walk along Onagi Promenade (above) will bring you to Sumida River. But I save it for the next time.

Many people having arrived to the area head to Komatsugawa Park with its “1000 Sakura Tree” walkway.

I made a 15 minutes detour there, but soon returned to Kyu-Nakagawa. Here somehow it feels less urban.

For example, the scene below can easily be found in some riverside village.

Tokyo Sky Tree ahead.

Radio playing from “under-the-bridge” homeless hut.

Signs warn not to allow your dogs on the benches.

Concur. In some countries people even wear shoes at homes, so Japan is probably at the peak of the cleanliness multinational pyramid.

Parallel bar for push ups. A bit short, but could use after bending the knees.

Heron watching the world flowing by winks at me. “Not a bad day, mate”…

Agree. I feel different, calm and relaxed, pure. As if mopped from inside.

I will come again to walk Onagi river.

Practicalities.

You can access Kyu-Nakagawa from metro station Higashi-Ojima or JR station Hirai. I suggest to stroll from Higashi-Ojima to the end of the river or cut short by turning towards Hirai. There are plenty of delicious local restaurants near Hirai station to polish the walk.