🌸 Shinagawa Hanakaidō and Harbour – Flowers by the Water’s Edge
Running along the east side of the Katsushima Canal, is the Shinagawa Hanakaidō (しながわ花海道) or Floral Road by the Sea. Specifically, it is a 2km waterside walking path that bursts into colour thanks to the tireless work of local volunteers. Originally launched in 2002 by neighborhood associations around Samezu and Tachiaigawa, the route is now one of Shinagawa’s most scenic seasonal walks, stretching from canal footbridges down to a moored-boat harbour known as the funadamari (船だまり).
Each year, over 100 kinds of flowers bloom here—from cherry blossoms and marigolds to cosmos and rapeseed. Though tucked between highways and elevated tracks, the path attracts walkers, cyclists, photographers, and those just looking to breathe easier in Tokyo’s coastal concrete. Look down and you’ll even see potted poetry: planters include signs with seasonal haiku and plant names written by local children.
🌺 Yuri Kanshō Love Week
The crown jewel of the Hanakaidō calendar is the Yuri Kanshō Love Week (ゆり鉱賞ラブウィーク) held annually in early June at Samezu Irie Hiroba Park. Over 10,000 lilies bloom along the Hanakaidō, with a packed weekend of stage events, food booths, dancing, live music, and kids’ performances from schools and cheer groups. There are magic shows, hula, and sometimes even a bon dance. It’s a joyful community festival that brings together flower-lovers, families, and curious passersby. The event is run by the NPO Shinagawa Hanakaidō.
🚣️ Funadamari Harbour
The funadamari at the southern end of the path is a mooring basin where boats rest in calm waters sheltered from the bay. In the Edo period, this area supported coastal fishing, river cargo, and seaweed harvesting. Today, it’s still used by party boats (yakata-bune), work vessels, and the coast guard. Standing on the footbridge or walking the banks, you can see Tokyo’s maritime past reflected in the quiet sway of the tied-off boats.
🏠 Community and Colour
Hanakaidō is a model for how local passion can remake public space. Volunteers sweep, weed, plant, and prune the path year-round. The results are dazzling. Come spring and early summer, cosmos, tulips, and lilies brighten the route. In winter, cabbage roses and lantern decorations keep the atmosphere welcoming. It’s one of the few walking paths in Shinagawa Ward designed specifically with pollinators, petal-watchers, and poetry readers in mind.
🗺️ Hanakaido Visitor Information
Address: Along the Katsushima Canal, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (starting near 2-30-25 Kita-Shinagawa)
Best season: Spring and early summer for lilies, cosmos, and tulips; early June for Love Week
Admission: Free
Official Info: Shinagawa Hanakaidō NPO
Note: This is a residential zone—please walk quietly and respect the flowers.
Where is it?
| what3words | ///journals.shrimps.rosier |
| latitude longitude | 35.6004, 139.74188 |
| Nearest station(s) | Samezu station (Keikyū line) Tachiaigawa Station (Keikyū line) |
| Nearest public conveniences | The stations or at the small park home to the Hamakawa Battery |
Show me a sign.
The Hyakkei signboard is located near the midpoint of the flower path — look for it near the path leading west.
Withervee says…
Concrete canal? Think again. The locals turned it into a flower corridor with poetry and boats. The Love Week festival alone is worth marking on your calendar.
Bonus points for locals for keeping the flower beds in tip-top shape. Say thanks with a smile if you pass them! Every neighbourhood should have something like this.
🌟 Site character
- Lifestyle 生活 (Seikatsu): ✔️
- Historical Significance 歴史 (Rekishi): ✔️
- Atmosphere/Natural Features 風土 (Fūdo): ✔️
🗳️ Who in their right mind would vote for this?
- Flower photographers
- Festival families
- Urban walkers
- Community-builders
- Pollination enthusiasts (esp. bees, butterflies and others in the class Insecta within the phylum Arthropoda which perform pollination alongside the occasional bird or bat. )
Further reading
Hanakaidō Official Site
Shinagawa Tourism – Hanakaidō
While you’re there…
Take a detour west to the Hamakawa Battery historical park, or continue south toward Suzugamori Execution Ground for a very different vibe.
