Yokohama City Launches Second Phase of Crowdfunding-Style Donation Campaign for 'Itachigawa' River Celebrated by Poet Yoshida Kenkō

Naka Ward, Yokohama City, is launching a crowdfunding-style hometown tax donation program to preserve the rich greenery and scenic cherry blossom avenue of 'Itachigawa'—a river long cherished by local residents—for future generations.

Itachigawa is a historically significant river, famously referenced in a poem by Yoshida Kenkō, author of the 'Tsurezuregusa.' However, due to aging trees and diseases causing increased fallen branches and tree collapses, maintaining its lush landscape has become challenging. In fiscal year 2025, the ward launched its first crowdfunding campaign to fund tree health assessments and new sakura plantings along the riverbank.

For fiscal year 2026, Naka Ward is launching the second phase of this initiative to continue preserving and revitalizing Itachigawa’s greenery and cherry blossom trees. Funds raised through donations, combined with the city’s budget, will support green space conservation and the regeneration of the cherry tree avenue. The Yokohama Green Tax will also contribute to the sakura restoration efforts.

※ This will be the final fundraising campaign for this project.

Project Overview

＜Project Name＞

[Second Phase] Preserving 'Itachigawa'—Celebrated in Yoshida Kenkō’s Poetry—for the Future

~Conservation of Greenery and Restoration of Cherry Blossom Avenues in Naka Ward’s Itachigawa~

＜Donation Methods＞

① Furusato Choice Government Crowdfunding

https://www.furusato-tax.jp/gcf/5439

② YAMAP Furusato Tax

https://furusato.yamap.com/gcf/projects/5439

③ Payment Slip

Available at the Naka Civil Engineering Office and the Naka Ward Administrative Promotion Division counter

＜Campaign Period＞

July 3, 2026 (Fri), 10:00 AM to September 30, 2026 (Wed), 11:59 PM (90 days)

＜Fundraising Goal＞

3,000,000 JPY

＜Donor Recognition Benefits＞

100,000 JPY or more: Name inscribed on a commemorative plaque installed along Itachigawa

10,000 JPY or more: Name listed on the Naka Ward Office official website

※ Names will be displayed regardless of donor residence, upon request.

※ Names will be listed annually based on the donation year.

※ For details on name display rules, please refer to the campaign website.

＜Thank-You Gifts＞

We offer a variety of thank-you gifts, including original merchandise featuring 'Tatchi-kun,' the Itachigawa mascot character, Yokohama-exclusive gourmet items, and accommodation vouchers.

Tatchi-kun Goods Set: Includes a small Tatchi-kun plush toy and a slim clear bottle

What is Crowdfunding-Style Hometown Tax Donation?

This is a crowdfunding initiative utilizing Japan’s hometown tax system, where local governments raise donations for specific community projects. Both residents within and outside Yokohama City can contribute and receive tax deductions similar to standard hometown tax donations.

※ Donations to this project qualify for the hometown tax system, and thank-you gifts will be sent to donors residing outside Yokohama City.

Scenery along Itachigawa

Vision for the Future 'Itachigawa'

Progress Report: Fiscal Year 2025 Greenery Conservation and Cherry Tree Restoration Project

＜Donation Results＞

In fiscal year 2025, 229 donors contributed a total of 6,559,888 JPY—significantly exceeding the 3,000,000 JPY target. We sincerely thank all donors for their generous support.

These donations, combined with the city’s budget, were used to conserve Itachigawa’s greenery and restore its cherry blossom avenue.

＜Greenery Conservation Activities＞

In FY2025, a comprehensive tree survey was conducted along the river from the Kashiwagawa confluence to Nitto Bridge, assessing species, height, trunk circumference, and canopy spread.

The survey confirmed approximately 790 trees, and a detailed registry was created. Of these, about 200 trees showing signs of aging and damage underwent professional tree health diagnostics by certified arborists.

Tree Survey in Progress

＜Cherry Tree Restoration Activities＞

From late January to March 2025, planting beds were prepared and new cherry trees were planted between Koyama Bridge and Ō-Itachi Bridge and Ko-Itachi Bridge.

Two cherry tree varieties were planted: 'Jindai Akebono' and 'Yōkō'.

Due to higher-than-expected donations, the planting area was expanded and existing trees reviewed, enabling the planting of 18 new cherry trees.

Newly Planted Cherry Trees along Itachigawa