Exploring Japanese Landmarks in Nishiki-e and Photographs

Ochanomizu

During the Edo Period, this referred to the area west of Yushima on the north shore of the Kanda-gawa River. The well water from Korin-ji Temple, which was located here, was of superior quality, and was presented to the Shogun's household, and this is said to be the origin of the area's name ("Ochanomizu" means "water for tea"). A thick wall of large trees grew along the Kanda-gawa River (outer moat), and water pipe for the Kanda water supply were installed here, making it one of Edo's meisho (famous places). The bridge to the west of the water pipe was thus named Suido-bashi Bridge (waterway bridge) in relation to this water pipe.