SUMMARY
The suggestions in this section are subsidiary to more basic improvements proposed in the sections on Tsukimi-bashi and the Asahigawa Lantern Walk. Assuming such enhancements can be achieved, the Asahi River will become a magnet for tourism and cultural activity. This section brings together some images of how people might be able to enjoy and celebrate the River in the future.
DESCRIPTION
First, though, let's see what the Asahi River looks like today.
This is the boat launch on the Korakuen side of the River:
The boat launch was a busy place before Tsukimi-bashi was built, but it is practically abandoned today:
These gimmicky swan boats are not the right choice for this traditional setting. They belong in an amusement park:
In contrast, consider these attractive boats used on the Hozu River in Kyoto Prefecture:
Okayama still has the old-fashioned boat launch, but the old boats are all gone:
By contrast, the Hozu River boat launch:
Let's restrict future tourist boating on the Asahi River to attractive, traditional-style boats. After all, anything on the river becomes part of the scenery:
Another way to celebrate the rebirth of this area is to have a summer River Festival, perhaps to coincide with o-bon. This would provide a focal point for people to rejoice in the beauty of this area. It would also draw attention to this area's revival, and build a sense of community among all the residents of Okayama:
Finally, to make the best use of a future Asahigawa Lantern Walk and a rebuilt Tsukimi-bashi, we should allow the development of appropriate businesses on the west side of the river.
Here's what this area looks like today (July 2008):
The next 5 photos show examples of riverside development in Kyoto and in San Antonio, Texas, USA:
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