Oct 25, 2013 - 1 min read

Matsukawa River

A torrent of history flows through Ito

By John Carter

Community writer

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This path runs towards the mountains at Matsukawa River Ito in Shizuoka Prefecture

This statue of two doves has a fountain of natural spring water at its centre. A local told me she always walks this way in the winter to warm her hands

The historic K's Onsen lights up the river at night

A stroll along the Matsukawa river is still a pleasure even during mid-autumn in the town of Ito

This grass on the riverbank reminded me of summer at Matsukawa River, Ito in Shizuoka Prefecture

Rieti in Italy is Ito's sister town

The river is a hub for wildlife. From Herons to Koi it is unlikely not to see some of Ito's natural inhabitants

Hotel Ravie Kawaryo borders the banks of the Matuskawa River so it would be foolish not to take advantage and go for a stroll. If starting your walk from Ravie Kawaryo then you can head east as the river’s mouth and the harbour are around a 10-minute walk. You can stroll the historic street of Tokaikan and gaze across the river at the 100-year old K’s house Onsen. The westerly path runs towards the mountains and offers several small areas to respite and enjoy the running water. Along a long portion of the river are many signs and paintings that shed light on the cities history and particularly that of the river. I was surprised to learn that Ito has a good relationship with a city called Rieti in Italy. The river was also site where the first western style ship was made by William Adams for Ieyasu Tokugawa.