Ruled by the Sanada Family, Matsushiro remained the center of this region for 250 years during the Edo period. However, in the Meiji period, the Zenkōji took over the function of being the city center. Being located outside the new city center, Matsushiro got lost in time and managed to escape the rapid gentrification happening in surrounding areas. As a result, the old cityscape, including the Izumi Suiro waterway, remained intact as if buried in a time capsule.
As you walk along this riverbank, look for an aqueduct made of stones piled up in the river. The water that travels through here flows like blood through the city of Matsushiro. Remember the course of this stream that you have walked so far: the Izumi Suiro waterway, the pond where carps live, and the rich water moat.
This city is made of water. The ceaseless flow of water connects the past and the present. The murmurs of the stream are what make Matsushiro incomparable.
