Banks of the Ashiya River

The Ashiya River is a river that flows roughly through the center of Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, from the Rokko mountain range to Ashiya-hama. It is known for the beautiful tree-lined paths atop its banks: upstream from Narihira Bridge (where National Route 2 runs) is lined with cherry trees, while downstream is lined with pines. Although the river usually has a calm, refined atmosphere, it is a raised-bed river (tenjogawa), and in the past it has caused major flood damage. To reinforce the embankments, pine trees upstream were cut and used for the work. The upstream cherry-lined avenue is said to have been planted after the war through donations thanks to the efforts of Ashiya residents. The “Narihira Sakura Street,” named after the Heian-period poet Ariwara no Narihira, is served by Hankyu Railway Ashiyagawa Station, while the downstream Ashiya Park area is served by Hanshin Railway Ashiya Station. Not only during cherry-blossom season but throughout the year, the riverside scenery draws many visitors as a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Nearby, you can also find sites such as the Important Cultural Property “Former Yamamura Family Residence,” famous as the villa of Taizaemon Yamamura, the 8th head of the sake brewer Sakura-Masamune—making it a great place to stroll around Ashiya, a historic and upscale residential area in the Keihanshin region.