中野の渡し, Ferry crossing in Ichinomiya, Japan
Nakano no Watashi is a ferry service across the Kiso River connecting Ichinomiya City in Aichi Prefecture with Hashima City in Gifu Prefecture. The boat carries up to 12 passengers plus 2 crew members and also transports bicycles across the river.
The ferry service began in 1586 after a major flood on the Kiso River split the village of Nakano in Haguri District and created the need for water transport. This connection remained in operation across the centuries and continues to link the two locations today.
The stone lantern on the Hashima side was built by local volunteers during the late Edo period and marks this historic river crossing point. Visitors can still see this old landmark today and understand how travelers once recognized this location.
The ferry runs three daily time slots from 8:30 to 16:10 and offers free passage thanks to joint funding from Aichi and Gifu prefectures. Plan for possible wait times and check current conditions before your visit, as operations may change.
The ferry remains free to passengers despite being operated through joint support from both prefectures, a rare example of cross-boundary cooperation. This traditional transportation method faces pressure from planned construction of a new bridge in the region.
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