Higashiyodogawa-ku is on the right side
of the Yodogawa river, and is in the northernmost part of Osaka City.
The district is adjacent to Suita, Settsu and Moriguchi Cities, and
surrounded by the Yodogawa, Kanzakigawa and Aigawa rivers at the east
of JR Kyoto Line, which now forms a border of the district.
In the ancient Jomon and Yayoi eras, this area was
called Naniwa Yasoshima, a name that signified the large number
of shallow streams and small islands covered by reeds in this area.
The current terrain of Higashiyodogawa-ku is a consequence of frequent
flooding on these islands, and the accumulation of sand and soil
carried by the streams over many years.
Higashiyodogawa-ku was originally formed during
the second expansion of the Osaka City area in April 1925. It was
reorganized in April 1943, followed by the separation of its western
part to form Yodogawa-ku in the reorganization into 26-ku system
in July 1974, resulting in the current Higashiyodogawa-ku. The district
now has the second largest citizen population and the most households
in all of Osaka City, with the abundant water resources of the Yodogawa,
Kanzakigawa and Aigawa rivers, as well as green rural landscapes.
This district also has a remarkable history of culture
and tradition, demonstrated by the numerous shrines, temples and
historical sites. In 1914, a waterworks plant was built in Kunijima,
to supply water to Osaka citizens. The original pump plant has been
converted into a memorial museum, and displays the history of waterworks
in the midst of natural environment of the Yodogawa river. The cherry
avenue in the Kunijima waterworks plant is a popular blossom-viewing
site in spring, opened to and crowded by people enjoying the beauty
of cherry blossoms every year.
As Higashiyodogawa-ku is surrounded by many rivers;
it has a number of great bridges, including Toyosato Ohashi, Nagara-bashi,
Eguchi-bashi, Sugahara Shirokita Ohashi, etc. The Yodogawa and Kanzakigawa
riversides feature citizens' parks and a cycling course called the
Naniwa Cycling Road.
Diverse events and festivals of local communities
are also held in the district. Higashiyodogawa-ku Citizens' Festival
is one of the largest among them. It is held in the neighborhood
of the Ward Office in September every year and is very exciting,
attracting numerous visitors and participants.
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