Hoshikawa Street is a street where both banks of the artificial waterway, Hoshikawa, have been developed, stretching in a straight line from the Nitto Mall side to the garden called Hoshikeien on the Yagihashi and Aeon side.
To get to Hoshikawa Street, go straight from the rotary in front of the north exit of Kumagaya Station toward National Route 17.
You'll see the entrance to Hoshikawa Street near the Tsukuba 2-chome intersection.
You can access this in about 4 minutes on foot from Kumagaya Station.
Near the entrance of Hoshikawa Street, there are lanterns from the "Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival," which is famous in Kumagaya.
The "Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival" is the annual festival of Yasaka Shrine in Kumagaya City, and it is said to be the best Gion in the Kanto region, with over 700,000 visitors every year, held around July 20th.
This is the information board for Hoshikawa Street.
Originally, Hoshikawa's source was the pond in Hoshikeien, but now it seems that the water comes from the Oosato Canal, which is drawn from the Arakawa River, and then appears as Hoshikawa in front of Hoshikeien via an underground channel.
And along Hoshikawa Street, there are places where you can sit and take a break.
This is a wooden bench for two people near the Tsukuba 2-chome intersection.
Here you can relax while gazing at the straight-flowing Hoshikawa.
It seems like a good place to quickly eat a packed lunch near Kumagaya Station.
Shall we get a little closer to the river?
There is a stone pavement that connects both banks.
At the time of the survey, it was late July, and the water level was quite high, so it was just barely passable.
Since they are fixed stones, you can cross the river without fear of shaking!
A wooden bench is also installed where you cross the stone pavement.
Here, Cornus florida is planted in the waterside area, and there are lights on the walls.
At night, it is lit up like this.
The soft lighting illuminates Hoshikawa, creating a good atmosphere.
If you take a break on this bench on a date in Kumagaya, it might be romantic!
Hoshikawa extends to Hoshikeien.
It seems that in August of each year, the Toro Nagashi (lantern floating) is held in memory of the victims of the Kumagaya air raid.
Various benches are installed along Hoshikawa Street, and it's fun to take a walk and discover various things.
For example, there are sculptures like this.
The composition of the sculpture and the wooden bench for three people.
Hoshikawa Street is where you can enjoy art with statues by first-class sculptors.
The illumination of Hoshikawa is beautiful in winter, and Kumagaya is not just hot!
It was a perfect place for a break or a walk near Kumagaya Station.
By the way, after the survey, at the recommendation of the locals, I went to the izakaya "Hounen Mansaku Samon".
The Joshu pork ribs skewers were so delicious that I had three!
I would like to repeat it when I survey Kumagaya.
So, why not use it as a place to take a break near Kumagaya Station?