From the west end looking east across the Sumida, we glimpse the daytime crowd crossing the bridge, assorted boats (most with cargo, not pleasure-riders), and Ekôin Temple in the far distance on the other side. Part of the reason for building Ryôgoku Bridge after the great fire of 1657 was to encourage settlement on the east side and relieve some of the downtown congestion. As it turned out, the attractions and entertainments of the Ryôgoku area kept it congested with Edoites and tourists alike.