Tokyo’s waterways, once integral to the city’s cultural and urban life, have undergone significant changes over time. In the Edo period (1603–1868) and up to the Taisho period (1912–1926), rivers were a central feature of cultural activities, including swimming. However, as urbanization and industrialization progressed, these practices largely disappeared. This thesis aims to explore the historical evolution of swimming in Tokyo’s rivers, investigating its role in shaping urban life and cultural identity.