“Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri”: A connecting passage between the Arakawa embankment and the Shingashi Athletics Stadium is now complete!

ITTA RIVER PARK BRIDGE

[Image: Ribbon-cutting ceremony]

【Overview】 As the first phase of the Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri project, a connecting passage linking the Arakawa embankment to the Shingashi Athletics Stadium has been completed, with a ceremony held on March 30, 2026.

Developed as a flood countermeasure for the Funado and Shingashi districts of Itabashi Ward, this passage allows people to evacuate from the Shingashi Athletics Stadium—which serves as an 'emergency temporary evacuation site' in the event of potential Arakawa River flooding—via the embankment to areas outside the flood zone.

Registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Kawamachi-zukuri support system in August 2021, the 'Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri' project is characterized by its integration of 'disaster prevention' elements alongside the 'creation of vibrancy.' This connecting passage was developed as part of these efforts.

On January 29, 2024, with the aim of further enhancing initiatives to create vibrancy, the ward announced the 'Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri Basic Concept: ITTA KAWAMACHI PROJECT,' which outlines the fundamental policy for these riverside development efforts. To materialize this basic concept, the 'Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri Basic Plan' was formulated in January 2026, and the ward will continue to promote development and initiatives based on the fundamental principles established therein.

At the ceremony, Mayor Sakamoto stated: 'This connecting passage is a "bridge" that connects us, the residents of Itabashi, more closely to the Arakawa River. As a bridge linking nature with urban life, we have named it the "ITTA RIVER PARK BRIDGE." The Arakawa riverbed is a precious space that, even within the urbanized Itabashi Ward, is rich in nature, allows for sports and recreation, and possesses multifaceted functions such as serving as a wide-area evacuation site during earthquakes. I hope that all residents will make great use of this new passage and fully experience the charm of the Arakawa River.'

In fiscal year 2026, the ward plans to conduct basic design work for the development of the 'core area' of the Kawamachi-zukuri project, as well as host events in the riverside area as part of a trial sounding process.

The ward will continue to work toward improving convenience and mobility for users of the Arakawa riverbed and creating further vibrancy.