The Tsuru River runs between the former Uenohara-juku and Tsurukawa-juku. There are three rivers without bridges along the old Koshu-kaido Road. Of the three, the Tama and Fuefuki Rivers had ferries; however, the Tsuru River had porters that crossed the river on foot.
Porters helped people to cross the river. Slightly downriver from the present Tsurukawa Bridge is thought to have been the location of the Tsuru River crossing.