The Former Yodo River is a river flowing through Osaka City. It was once part of the main channel of the Yodo River, but after the construction of a flood-control diversion channel in 1907, the former main channel came to be known as the “Former Yodo River.” Different sections of the river have their own names, including the Okawa, Dojima River, and Ajigawa River.
The Former Yodo River branches from the New Yodo River in Kemacho, Miyakojima Ward, and flows through central Osaka before reaching Osaka Bay. Along its course, it joins or branches into several waterways, creating distinctive waterside landscapes within the urban environment.
Okawa River (formerly Tenma River): The upper section, running along the eastern side of Nakanoshima.
Dojima River and Tosabori River: These two waterways branch to the north and south of Nakanoshima.
Ajigawa River: The lower section of the water system, flowing toward Osaka Bay.
The Former Yodo River was once the main channel of the Yodo River. In 1907, a diversion channel was constructed as a flood-control measure, making what is now called the New Yodo River the main channel. From then on, the names “Yodo River” and “Former Yodo River” became commonly used to distinguish the two waterways, while individual sections gradually became known by their own local names.
Along the Dojima River, the Dojima Canal was opened in 1878. The waterways were used as Osaka developed as a commercial and industrial city. However, from the 1950s through the 1960s, many canals and waterways were filled in. Some of the former waterways were subsequently incorporated into expressways and other urban developments.
The Former Yodo River is closely connected with many of Osaka’s sightseeing attractions and historic structures.
Kema Water Gate: Located at the point where the Yodo River and Former Yodo River divide, this facility helps regulate water levels.
Nakanoshima: The island-like district between the Dojima River and Tosabori River, home to important civic and cultural facilities, including Osaka City Hall and an international conference center.
Tempozan Ferry: A municipal ferry service that continues to connect the two banks of the river, including the area around Konohana Ward.
Tenjin Matsuri Boat Procession: A traditional Osaka festival held each summer, featuring numerous boats traveling along the Former Yodo River.
The branches of the Former Yodo River, including the Ajigawa River and Kizugawa River, played an important role in the development of Osaka’s commerce and industry from the Edo period through the Meiji period.
The area around Tempozan, in particular, served as an important base for the handling of international cargo. From the 1970s onward, however, the increasing use of container transportation shifted much of this role to the Nanko port area.
Many canals and tributaries once existed around the Former Yodo River. During Japan’s postwar period of rapid economic growth, many were filled in as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve water quality.
Examples include the Sonezaki River and Nishiyokobori River. Parts of their former courses have since been reused as parks, expressways, and other urban facilities.
Several waterways associated with the Former Yodo River remain important to daily life and tourism in Osaka.
Neyagawa River: A tributary of the Yodo River and an important urban river flowing through Osaka City.
Higashiyokobori River: A waterway running through central Osaka, with business districts developing along its banks.
Rokkenya River: A tributary that joins the Former Yodo River and historically served as an important point for water transport.
The area around the Former Yodo River continues to play an important role in local events and sightseeing. During Tenjin Matsuri in summer, numerous boats travel along the river as part of the spectacular boat procession.
Around the Ajigawa River and Tempozan, sightseeing boats also operate toward attractions such as Universal Studios Japan, making the waterfront a popular area for visitors.
Tenjin Matsuri: One of Osaka’s best-known festivals, featuring the famous boat procession as well as a spectacular fireworks display.
Ajigawa Pier: A former passenger pier that once served ships traveling to Shikoku and other destinations around the Seto Inland Sea.
The Former Yodo River developed from the former main channel of the Yodo River and has changed together with Osaka’s urban development. Although many of the canals and waterways that once characterized the city have disappeared, the rivers that remain continue to support everyday life, transportation, recreation, and tourism.
The waterways of the Former Yodo River provide an opportunity to see how Osaka’s history, commerce, water transport, and modern urban planning have intersected over time. Exploring the riverbanks and surrounding districts offers a different perspective on the city beyond its busy streets and commercial centers.