This is the second installment and a continuation of our series introducing great spots for kayaking and SUP.
Last time, we reported on our kayaking trip from the former Nakagawa riverbank next to Ojima Komatsugawa Park, our starting point, to the Arakawa Lock Gate. This time, we'll guide you through the route to the Tokyo Skytree.
A route map is included at the end of this article, so please refer to it for details.
Let's head to Skytree!
After leaving the Arakawa Lock Gate and returning to the park where we started,
we departed for Skytree after a lunch break.
We headed upstream on the former Nakagawa River, in the opposite direction of the Lock Gate.
The former Nakagawa River is so calm upstream that there is almost no current.
The wind wasn't strong on this day, so it didn't feel like a big effort.
We paddled at a leisurely pace, like taking a stroll.
Taking photos, we slowly enjoyed the urban landscape from a different perspective.
After about 30 minutes, we reached a fork. We turned left into the Kitajukkengawa River and headed for Skytree.
You can proceed through an urban landscape with bridge construction sites and riverside promenades on both banks.
The Skytree, which we saw in the distance, gradually grew larger as we paddled,
and eventually reaching its base is an impressive experience only possible here.
People waving and taking photos is also a unique part of urban kayaking.
And finally, we arrived at Skytree about 1 hour and 30 minutes after departure!
Filled with a sense of accomplishment and the overwhelming presence of Skytree, we were deeply moved.
Near Skytree, there are photographers aiming for reflections in the river,
so it's necessary to be considerate and not get in their way.
Lingering in the afterglow, and with dusk approaching, we headed back.
This time we took the same route back.
By the time we returned to the starting point, there was a beautiful sunset, with Skytree and the cityscape reflected in the river!
We enjoyed taking photos here for a while too.
This concludes our two-part introduction to the Skytree & Arakawa Lock Gate area.
It's a spot where you can easily enjoy kayaking in the city center and experience something extraordinary, making it recommended even for beginners.
Do try to enjoy the special Skytree view from the water.
≪Route Map≫
≪Launch Point≫
There is a parking lot in Ojima Komatsugawa Park, across the road.
Be aware that it can be full during cherry blossom season.
Access by foot from Toei Shinjuku Line Higashi-Ojima Station is also possible.
≪Highlights≫
Impressive Skytree views
The extraordinary experience of paddling through the city center
Good access by car and train
Slopes available for easy access to and from the water
≪Points to Note≫
Caution regarding contact with kayaks and SUPs
Many manually-powered kayaks and SUPs are used here, and signs prioritize them for paddlers' safety. The traffic rule on the water is "keep to the right," opposite to road rules, so when approaching another boat, both should veer to the right.
Motorized boats
Motorized boats may pass. Based on the "paddler priority" rule, motorized boats will slow down and wait for kayaks to pass, but waves may still be created.
Avoid night kayaking
It is dangerous at night as it is difficult to see from the surroundings, including large boats. It is safest to return to the park by dusk at the latest.
≪Recommended Nearby Spots≫
Koto-ku Nakagawa Funabansho Museum
＊Information is current at the time of writing. Please always check the latest information yourself and follow the rules for a fun and safe experience!
