Minuma Tsūsen-bori

The Minuma Tsūsen-bori extends for 390 meters from the eastern canal and 650 meters from the western canal, featuring four locks for water level control.

Engineer Izawa Yasobee constructed this transportation waterway in 1731 to connect two main canals and facilitate the movement of goods between local villages and Edo.

The canal transported essential goods including rice, wheat, vegetables, firewood, lumber, pickles, miso, and sake, reflecting the commercial patterns of Edo-period Japan.

Visitors can explore three reconstructed locks at the canal site, which showcase the engineering methods used for water transport during the eighteenth century.

The canal operated exclusively from December to February when irrigation water remained unused, accommodating vessels up to 14 meters long carrying 200 rice bales.

Location: Midori-ku

Location: Kawaguchi

Inception: 1731

Founders: Izawa Yasobee

Part of: Top 100 Historic Roads

GPS coordinates: 35.86342,139.70772

Latest update: May 11, 2025 18:16