The Yodo River 淀川 used to wind through central Osaka. The flood of 1885 caused tremendous devastation. To prevent future floods and improve navigation, its course was straightened out to the north of Osaka. The old river course through the city is now called Kyu-Yodo (or former Yodo) River. Water flow into the old course is controlled by the Kema Lock 毛馬閘門.
Osaka was described as a city of “808 bridges” during the Edo period. The numerous small waterways that crisscrossed the city are mostly filled in. However, neighborhoods are still named after the bridges of bygone eras.
The section of the Kyu-Yodo River near our hotel is also called the Ōkawa River 大川. It separates Osaka’s Kita Ward 北区 from Miyakojima Ward 都島区 and Chuo Ward 中央区. The riverfront is lined with cherry blossom trees and jogging paths.