A project to revitalize the oldest canal in Osaka as a waterfront destination, taking advantage of the momentum from the Expo

Covered by an expressway, Higashiyokobori River is the oldest canal in Osaka.
The waterway is calm due to the closed water gate, providing a safe water surface and space for about 2.5 kilometers in the city center. However, it is still underutilized.
In 2023, they established the “Higashiyokobori River Waterfront Platform Committee” as a public-private partnership to consider the future of the Higashiyokobori River. They are planning to create parks and greenways along the river to increase pedestrian access.
The first step has been taken to reconnect the river and the city by connecting water and greenery, and transforming the Higashiyokobori River into a waterfront where people gather.
In 2025, they plan to hold various experimental programs mainly around Honmachi Bridge, coinciding with the Expo period. They aim to provide enjoyment for visitors to the newly opened waterfront, which has been created by lowering the revetment as part of renovation work, while also considering how to utilize and manage the area under the bridge and the waterfront park for the future of the community.
They will work on creating new waterfronts through social experiments and fieldwork.

Origins of the project

In the past, people lived and worked alongside the Higashiyokobori River. However, with the onset of rapid economic growth, activities such as highway construction and the construction of high embankments made it difficult for people to access the waterfront.
In 2005, local residents came together to initiate activities aimed at revitalizing the Higashiyokobori River. They started by cleaning up the area and organizing handmade events to discover the charm of the waterfront, and have been steadily continuing these efforts.

Moreover, in 2021, their persistent efforts bore fruit, and the first waterfront base in the Higashiyokobori River, “β Honmachi Bridge,” was opened. As a privately-funded and operated community center, it has become a hub for small-scale activities and community building.
And, in 2023, the seismic retrofitting work on the revetment between Honmachi Bridge and Nōnin Bridge triggered the establishment of the “Higashiyokobori River Waterfront Platform Committee.”

Project activities

Utilization of the space under a closed bridge

They conducted a social experiment to open up the long-closed space under Honmachi Bridge and utilize it for markets and concerts. When they looked up at the oldest bridge in Osaka from below, they were all captivated by the beauty of its historic structure and discovered a unique and charming space.

Splash Terrace on River

They operated a “Splash Terrace on River” by floating a temporary terrace on the surface of the water near Sueyoshi Bridge, allowing people to experience the improved water quality firsthand. The experience of directly touching the river water by putting their feet in it completely changed people’s image of Higashiyokobori River.

Waterfront Dialogue

They regularly hold open workshops to discuss waterfronts. Through dialogue among various stakeholders, including local members, citizens, businesses, and government officials, they aim to uncover new possibilities for waterfronts and bring them to fruition.

Future prospects of the project toward EXPO2025 Osaka, Kansai

During the Expo, they will be experimenting with various programs, such as an experimental hotel utilizing a former water gate, projection mapping on highway bridge piers, a bar under Honmachi Bridge, and bridge light-ups. These experimental projects during the Expo will contribute to creating new rules and systems for utilizing waterfronts after the Expo. Experience this grand experiment on the Higashiyokobori River.