Ohori no Watashi, Flat-bottomed ferry in Toride, Japan.
Ohori no Watashi is a flat-bottomed ferry in Toride, in Ibaraki Prefecture, that carries pedestrians and cyclists across a local waterway. The boat links two banks that would otherwise require a long detour to connect.
The ferry was set up to connect communities separated by the local waterway and has run for many decades. Over time, it kept running even as bridges were built elsewhere in the region.
The name 'Ohori no Watashi' translates roughly as 'crossing at the moat', reflecting the geography of the crossing point. Visitors can watch local residents board the boat as part of their daily routine, which gives the ride a genuinely local feel.
The ferry runs during daytime and is well suited for both walkers and cyclists who want to cross without a long detour. It is worth checking current operating times locally before your visit, as service may vary by season.
This ferry is one of the very few remaining watashi-bune, or traditional crossing boats, still in regular operation in Ibaraki Prefecture. Local authorities actively support its continuation as an example of a water-crossing tradition that has mostly disappeared from the region.
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