This study focuses on the functions of rivers serving as canals. The Ooka and Nakamura basin in Yokohama City was designated as a study subject. The history of development and decline of canals, which had been affected by changes in the roles of canals, had been clarified. Bibliographical research and spatial analysis with a graphic plan and topographical maps were conducted for the investigation. The subject area was reclaimed land which was completed 350 years ago, and some changes were triggered by the opening of Port of Yokohama. Furthermore, multiple canals were built in the middle of the Meiji Period in order to improve convenience of transportation and to protect foreign settlements. At that point, canals were the foundation of everyday life. However, demand for canals started diminishing towards the middle of the Showa Period due to the new establishment of railways and motorways, and canals were started to be filled in or converted to culverts towards the end of the Showa. The remaining area is now utilized as a subway, green passage or parks. Therefore, it is concluded that the canals are important components of the current city landscape with the history of development and decline.
