Negawa Greenway

In short

Negawa Greenway is a greenway of approximately 1.3 kilometers in length that forms the core of Tachikawa Park, spanning Shibasakicho and Nishikicho in Tachikawa City. It was developed on reclaimed sections and alongside the remaining stream of the Negawa, which was once a small river fed by spring water. It is suitable for taking walks and observing waterside wildlife, and cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed in spring.

• ​Four Zones​​: The greenway is divided into four zones—"Living Creatures," "Play," "Rest," and "Stroll"—creating waterside and greenery landscapes based on each theme.
• ​Rows of Cherry Trees​​: Featuring cherry trees that have been planted since 1914, it is one of the city's prominent cherry blossom viewing spots.
• ​Waterside Wildlife​​: Carp, common kingfishers, and other wildlife inhabit the stream.

History and Highlights

The Negawa was originally a small stream that gathered spring water from the cliff lines of the Tachikawa Terrace. In 1893, it merged with the Zanbori River, increasing its water volume, and in 1935, large-scale river improvement was carried out to prevent flooding. In 1972, its flow into the Tama River was altered, and the river was reclaimed, leaving only its downstream section. Negawa Greenway was developed on those reclaimed sections and alongside the remaining flow. The development took place from fiscal 1992 to fiscal 1996.

The source of the flowing water has also changed. In the past, advanced treated recycled water from the Nishikicho Sewage Treatment Plant was channeled here. Today, water from the large pond is reportedly filtered and recirculated, with well water added.

It is said that a total of 500 cherry trees were planted, combining those planted in 1914 by the local youth association to commemorate the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Taisho and those planted in 1935 alongside the river improvement. The spring water flowing from the cliff line and the rows of mature Somei Yoshino cherry trees are preserved in their current state. For the cherry trees whose vitality has declined, an initiative was subsidized in fiscal 2012 to foster citizen groups through conservation planning and preservation activities.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiences

• ​Waterside Facilities​​: Along the greenway, there are a pond with steps leading down to the water, gazebos projecting over the water, and a water plaza.
• ​Stream Creatures​​: Carp, common kingfishers, and other wildlife inhabit the stream. Visitors can walk along the path dappled with sunlight filtering through the trees while listening to the sound of the babbling brook.
• ​Cherry Blossom Season​​: Cherry blossoms bloom on both banks, and the blossoms in full bloom reflect on the surface of the river.

Walking Tips

It is about a 1-minute walk from Shibasaki-taiikukan Station on the Tama Monorail, and about a 15-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Tachikawa Station. Starting from Shibasaki-taiikukan Station, the west side consists of the Living Creatures and Play zones, while the east side features the Rest and Stroll zones lined with cherry trees. The uppermost stream section of the greenway starts near where the Zanbori River meets the Okutama Bypass and ends at Kaigarazaka Bridge. Because the flowing water is not chlorinated, it is considered unsuitable for playing in the water. Fusai-ji Temple stands on the cliff line above and can be viewed from the greenway. Combining your visit with a walk to Showa Kinen Park is also recommended.