Ryogoku Bridge 両国橋

Historical bridge and gateway to world of sumo

Its origins supposedly dating back to 1659, the oldest of three main bridges that cross the Sumidagawa River, and named for first connecting two feudal provinces, Ryogoku Bridge has an impressive pedigree. Fans of Japanese woodblock prints, or ukiyo-e, will also recognize the structure from artworks by masters such as Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige.

Rebuilt in 1932 and later in 2008, the bridge is a short walk to and from nearby Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall. For an alternative view of the bridge's steel and girder construction, consider a cruise or boat ride down the river.