Itako, Canal city in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Itako is a town in Ibaraki Prefecture in the southeastern part of Kantō region, stretching along several watercourses. Streets run parallel to canals and river branches that continue to shape the local character.
The settlement gained its status as an administrative unit in 1889 and grew during feudal times thanks to its river link to the capital. Waterways formed the main arteries for trade and passenger traffic.
The Tone River shapes the townscape with its wide banks, where residential quarters meet narrow lanes. Wooden piers still serve fishermen and leisure boats along the water.
Travel from Tokyo involves taking the train via the Sōbu Line to Chiba, then continuing on the Narita Line and Kashima Line. Within the town, most sights are reachable on foot or by bicycle.
During the annual iris festival, newlywed couples in formal dress ride wooden boats along the canals. This tradition links the flowering season with a symbolic wish for good fortune in married life.
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