“Take me with you…” “Come with me…” These are the phrases from “Yagiri no watashi” the song by Takashi Hosokawa which was a big hit song that received a Japanese Record Award in 1970(Showa 57)

“Watashi” is a small boat that takes customers from one side of the river to the other. This is the only one left around Tokyo city. It is a sightseeing spot which is personally owned. This was originated in 1631(Kanei 8, Edo era), when the government started “watashi” to help farmer’s work and immigration control to Edo. I would recommend anyone coming from Tokyo to take the route starting with Keisei Shibamata station that is very famous for the movie “Otoko wa tsuraiyo Torajiro;” Taishakuten with the shopping ally in front of it; Tora-san memorial hall; Yamamoto-tei, a building with a Japanese/Western style combination (with a shoin garden that was built in the late Taisho era); and then finally to the “Watashi” boat ride. The port still has the same atmosphere from the old days. It is quite surprising to see how simple that is. It sounds a bit curt, but there is a reason that they say “we don’t provide any music or commentary.” Scenery with a duck family floating on the river and the sound of birds chirping will welcome you. You can also hear the sound of paddling. This is the reason that it is listed as one of the “best 100 sound sceneries in Japan” by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment. Watashi is operated by a man with only one paddle to curry customers from one end to the other in this era filled with electricity. Only one boat with a boatman will be operated on regular days and out of season, but three boats with a boatman on each will be operated in a busy traveling season. It is very poetic to see two boats crossing each other at dusk. It is very rare to use a motor on their boats unless it is very windy or there are a lot of customers waiting. There are monuments of “Nogiku no hana” which is a story with scenes around this area written by Sachio Ito, and the hit song “Yagiri no watashi” on Simoyakiri, Matsudo City side. This is one of the spots that will transport you back to the Edo period.

Service Operation dates and hours:
Every day : January 1 to January 15 and March 10 to July 17
Other days are Saturday, Sunday and National Holiday only

From 9 am till dawn.
No service on rainy day or date with bad weather.
Service is on when Red Flag sign is up.

Fair:
100 yen (One way) 50 yen for children (One Way)