オフィシャル
A New Slope Completed Near Ryogoku Bridge on the Sumida River Terrace
Along both banks of the Sumida River runs the Sumida River Terrace, a promenade that provides a relaxing space for people out for a walk or a jog. In my previous blog post, I introduced the newly completed lighting installation for Ryogoku Bridge, which has now begun its nighttime illumination. In this post, I’d like to share that, shortly after that project, a long-awaited new slope near Ryogoku Bridge has been completed and is now open to the public.
About the New Slope
The new slope has been installed on the downstream side of the west end of Ryogoku Bridge. Until a few years ago, it was not possible to pass under the bridge on the west side of the Sumida River Terrace toward Yanagibashi Bridge. To go from downstream to upstream, one had to climb a stairs near Ryogoku Bridge and cross Yasukuni Avenue (National Route 14). That inconvenience was resolved a few years ago when the terrace was extended toward Yanagibashi Bridge. However, since there was no slope near the bridge, the only way to get up from the terrace in that area was by using stairs — an inconvenience that remained. With the completion of this new slope, that issue has finally been resolved.
Top: After completion of the slope / Bottom: Before completion (April 2023)
As someone who frequently walks along the Sumida River Terrace, I find the completion of this new slope to be a very welcome development. Not only does it greatly benefit wheelchair users, parents pushing strollers, and elderly individuals, but it also makes things more convenient for walkers and joggers by eliminating the need to go up and down stairs.
If we think of the Sumida River Terrace as one of the city's potential emergency evacuation routes, the new slope also improves accessibility for emergency vehicles and delivery carts, making it a valuable addition to building a more disaster-resilient city.
Trying Out the New Slope
When I actually walked on the new slope, I found it quite pleasant. It’s more than just easy to walk on — the upper part of the slope opens up into a spacious terrace area, making it a nice spot to pause and enjoy views of Ryogoku Bridge and the Sumida River. A park that connects directly to the top of the slope has also been developed. With this new access to the river, I imagine more children will come to play here. The riverside benches have also been renewed, and when I visited to take photos, many people were relaxing and enjoying their time by the slope.
A wide, barrier-free slope with a great view
Approach from the park —convenient and friendly for all
People relaxing and enjoying their time by the slope
In Closing
The Sumida River Terrace, the promenade along the river, is steadily being improved year by year. Even before the slope near Ryogoku Bridge, similar slopes have been installed at the confluences where the Tatekawa River and Nihonbashi River meet the Sumida River, as well as on the downstream side of the east bank of Eitai Bridge and the upstream side of the east bank of Kachidoki Bridge. These additions have eliminated the need to make detours at river junctions, making the entire area more walkable and interconnected. I’m very pleased to see the continued enhancement of the Sumida River’s appeal.