About an 8-minute walk from Kita-Senju Station toward the Arakawa River, you'll find "Senju Shinbashi" (Senju New Bridge). Usually, this area is busy with car traffic, and the space under the bridge is only noticed as a bicycle parking lot or a parking space. But on June 28, this concrete, inorganic space will transform into a warm community plaza for just one day.
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the space under the bridge on the Senju side will host the first-ever "Senju Engawa Project - Hashinoshita" event. This project brings together a petting zoo, pony rides, hands-on workshops, and food trucks, turning a daily path into a welcoming gathering space. Writing from the perspective of a local resident, I will share the highlights and the best way to enjoy this fresh neighborhood initiative.
This event is also designed to be highly accessible for international residents. For foreigners living in Tokyo, language barriers can sometimes make it hard to feel like part of the neighborhood. The "Senju Engawa Project" offers a welcoming, casual environment where you can interact with local residents without any pressure. There will be English-speaking staff and bilingual guides on-site, making it easy to ask questions about the activities or simply enjoy a conversation. At Sorai Tokyo, we believe that local events like this are the heart of a great living experience. We specialize in helping international residents find comfortable, foreigner-friendly apartments in Kita-Senju and surrounding areas, complete with English support, so you can feel truly at home in the community.
A variety of friendly animals will gather in the shaded area under the bridge. The petting zoo is completely free to enter, giving you and your family a chance to pet rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, and goats. Younger children (elementary school age and under) can also try riding a pony for a slow, guided ride around the space. The pony ride is 500 yen per turn and requires a quick advance sign-up.
For families living in the city where concrete roads are the norm, spending a relaxed afternoon touching animals while feeling the cool breeze from the Arakawa River is bound to be a special memory.
The plaza will feature food trucks serving up local treats. Having a cold drink or a quick snack in the fresh river breeze after a long walk is incredibly refreshing. Next to the food area, local creators will run workshops where you can try making your own simple crafts. It is a slow-paced, relaxing environment where visitors of all ages can enjoy creating something with their hands.
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Walking from Kita-Senju Station to the Arakawa River banks takes less than ten minutes. Yet, the underpass of Senju Shinbashi along the way has always been a dim, concrete tunnel that people simply hurried through. If you look at it differently, however, that massive concrete roof blocking the rain and harsh sun makes it a perfect all-weather public space.
This project was born from the idea of turning this space into a traditional Japanese "Engawa" (a veranda where neighbors gather to chat) to encourage organic interactions between different generations. Setting up benches, playing soft music, and seeing neighbors chat under the bridge—even if just for one day—is a big first step toward making the riverside walk much more inviting.
For international residents living in Tokyo, local events can sometimes feel hard to join due to language barriers. The "Senju Engawa Project" is different—it's a casual, open space where everyone is welcome. It is a fantastic chance to chat with locals, try some community crafts, and feel the neighborhood's warm atmosphere. Many of the organizers and volunteers are excited to meet global neighbors, and you will find friendly faces ready to chat.
If you are heading to the event, leave Kita-Senju Station via the West Exit and walk straight north through the Shukubamachi-dori shopping street on your right. As you walk past renovated historical cafes and long-standing neighborhood side-dish shops, you will see the Arakawa River bank ahead. The quiet side alleys branching off the main street are filled with hidden gems. You can find excellent detours in our Kita-Senju Retro Walk Guide: Nostalgic Streets and Hidden Cafes.
The event area is situated under the bridge right before you climb the riverbank, making it a perfect destination for a weekend stroll. After checking out the event, you can sit on the grassy riverbank and enjoy the river breeze. For another relaxing weekend route, check out our guide on Senjusabo Cafe and the Arakawa River Walk Route to combine a cozy cafe stop with your riverside walk.
Kita-Senju has become an increasingly popular choice for people looking to move in Tokyo. That appeal goes beyond convenient train access—it is about the natural beauty of the Arakawa River just minutes away and the warm neighborhood spirit shown in community events like this. Reading our detailed look at Kita-Senju Livability and Safety will help you see the deeper charm of this historic area.
Take a casual stroll down to the new "Engawa" plaza under Senju Shinbashi. It is a simple way to see a familiar neighborhood in a completely new light.