Old Iwabuchi Watergate

Heritage building · Kita

Old Iwabuchi Watergate

Heritage building · Kita

1

5 Chome-41 Shimo, Kita City, Tokyo 115-0042, Japan

Photos

Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null
Old Iwabuchi Watergate by null

Highlights

Historic red watergate, a monument to flood control, pleasant for walks  

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5 Chome-41 Shimo, Kita City, Tokyo 115-0042, Japan Get directions

kanko.city.kita.tokyo.jp

Information

Static Map

5 Chome-41 Shimo, Kita City, Tokyo 115-0042, Japan Get directions

kanko.city.kita.tokyo.jp

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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8 Spooky Locations to Explore Japanese Lore

"The Arakawa River (“wild river”) that flows across the Kanto region was once known for its tendency to flood outrageously after heavy rains, often causing harm to the city of Tokyo. Following the devastating flood of 1910, construction on a canal began that would prevent the river from flooding.  The 13 mile (22 kilometers) long canal was completed 17 years later, costing over 32 million yen and the lives of at least 30 workers. The Iwabuchi Watergate was constructed in 1924 along a junction of two sections of the river now called the Arakawa and Sumida River. It contributed greatly to preventing floods until 1982 when a new sluice gate was completed. Initially, the Old Iwabuchi Watergate, or the Red Watergate as it was also known, was set to be demolished. However, local support and opposition to the demolition forced policymakers to reconsider, and in 1999, its historical significance was officially verified by the Tokyo Metropolis. Many people find the red sluice gate aesthetically pleasing and it has become a popular spot for walking, jogging, and fishing, but there are also a few spooky rumors and tales that also surround the watergate.  The Iwabuchi Watergate is believed to be one of the most haunted places in Tokyo. The sluice gate was where the bodies of those who committed suicide in the river would often end up. In Japan, it’s believed that the waters around the watergate attract ghosts. This might make it a little spookier at night, since there are few streetlights.  If you happen to visit the sluice gate, be sure to check out the creepy, unusual jizo that stands outside the riverside area. It’s a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives to the river and is composed of stone as most jizo statues are. However, its head appears to have been destroyed by vandals and was replaced with wood. Its makeshift face displays no emotion whatsoever." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/supernatural-japan
View Postcard for Old Iwabuchi Watergate

Ribeye

Google
Beautiful historical Watergate that is no longer in operation but preserved to showcase the history of the area. The current functional Watergate can be seen in the back. It's pleasant during the day, with people fishing and having picnics in the area. Interesting to learn about the historical usage of the Watergate and the river diversions.

Lahiru Prasanga

Google
Old diversion bridge constructed in 1924, 100 years ago to divert the flow of Arakarawa river to a new diversion done in 1924. Actually this diversion shows the ability of Japanese people to done a massive and lengthy diversion canal for flood protection. Quite amazing. It was said that they used close this bridge to divert the flow in the diversion canal. However, now there is a new blue bride constructed and yet they preserved this old bride as a monument. There is another establishment, showing all historical flood levels.

World Hiro

Google
I biked over since it's close to my home! The weather was great and the red sluice gate really stood out. There were also some people fishing nearby.

Chris Gilloch

Google
I regularly come down here and rest while cycling up/down the Arakawa cycling path. It’s nice and quiet here. Nothing to do here really, but it works well as a rest spot.

Ryo Tsuzukihashi

Google
This is a historic cornerstone that used to divide Arakawa-river and Sumida. Now, it's well known for cherry blossoms. So impressive.

Arati Shrestha

Google
Simply loved this place... Splendid small island across the Old Iwabuchi Watergate!!! And the sunset WOOOOWWW 😊

Shafayet Mortuza (Master of Shadow)

Google
The place is lovely and beautiful for several reasons. If you walk along the gate you will reach a small island-like place from where you can view your surroundings well. There are some old stone made chairs and tables under the trees to sit and rest, and a big stone memorial with Japanese writing, I can't read. You can get close to the water from here as there are some stairs that go straight to the water. Besides, you will find Arakawa museum of Aqua, a place for picnic and bar-b-que, baseball field, cycling and jogging trails very near this watergate. To enjoy it most please come to weekdays instead of holidays to avoid crowds. This place is really popular.

Manoj Shrestha

Google
Good for fishing and keep calm.