Discover the Beautiful Bridges of the Asakusa and Kuramae Area

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Updated: October 3, 2024

Riverside views of Tokyo’s old town from three iconic bridges

Treat yourself to a walk along the Sumida River, exploring its banks as you cross its bridges, passing through Asakusa and Kuramae—once the downtown area of old Tokyo. Stroll through the beautiful Sumida Park and enjoy the cafes and shops at TOKYO mizumachi, the commercial facility adjacent to TOKYO SKYTREE.

General Tips

Don't miss the Sumida River Fireworks Festival on the last Saturday in July
Take advantage of the photo ops of TOKYO SKYTREE from the many bridges that cross the Sumida River
Visit Sumida Park from late March to early April to see one of Tokyo’s prized cherry blossom viewing spots

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A small but lively station servicing a historic center

Asakusa Station

A huge portion of the people visiting Asakusa come through this station. In a way, it's actually three stations joined together: one each for the Tobu Skytree Line, the Toei Asakusa Line, and the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. The Tsukuba Express also has a stop called Asakusa Station, but that's 600m west of the main complex.

13 mins

This scenic urban park by the river is ideal for a sunny afternoon stroll

Sumida Park (Asakusa Riverbank)

This 80 thousand square meter park is located along one of the banks of the Sumida River and provides spectacular views of the riverside. It earned a spot on the list of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots with over 500 cherry trees. Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is especially good along the banks of the river between the Azumabashi and Sakurabashi bridges, where cherry trees bloom over the water along a one-kilometer stretch. Within the park, find stylish cafes with open-terrace seating and enjoy views of TOKYO SKYTREE while relaxing.

7 mins

TOKYO mizumachi

Cross the SUMIDA RIVER WALK, a pedestrian bridge over the Sumida River, to reach TOKYO mizumachi. TOKYO mizumachi is a commercial facility located under elevated train tracks. It includes cafes with comfortable terrace seating along the Sumida River, stores selling lifestyle goods, sports facilities, and a community-style hostel. It's a popular spot to visit alongside TOKYO Solamachi when sightseeing around the TOKYO SKYTREE area.

4 mins

Walk across one of Tokyo’s most historic bridges

Azumabashi Bridge

When discussing Tokyo’s old town, it’s impossible to leave out the Azumabashi Bridge. In the place where this vermillion bridge stands was one of Tokyo’s very first bridges, the Okawa-bashi, built in 1774 and preserved in many woodblock prints from the era. This modern iteration was completed in 1931. It is a good vantage point from which to appreciate the roughly 1,000 cherry blossom trees planted along the Sumida River.

4 mins

A bridge with a fantastic photo op

Komagata Bridge

Next up on your Sumida River walking tour is the Komagata Bridge. Named after Komagata-do Hall of the nearby Sensoji Temple, this bridge was built in 1927. A pleasing light blue color with one long arch, this 150-meter-long bridge features a small terrace in the middle where pedestrians can take a break or take photos of the nearby TOKYO SKYTREE.

7 mins

Odaiba Marine Park

View summer fireworks beneath this historic bridge

Umaya Bridge

During the Edo period, the neighborhood around this bridge housed a stable for horses which were used to transport rice to the government. The bridge was thus named Umaya, horse stable in Japanese. Horse adornments along the length of the bridge pay tribute to its history. The original structure was built in 1874 and has changed locations several times. The bridge we see today, comprised of three green arches, was built in 1929. The banks between the Umaya and Komagata bridges are popular locations for riverside viewing of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival held each summer.

3 mins

Once a toy warehouse, now a stylish, international cafe/bar

Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE

Nui is both a hostel and a cafe/bar. It's an open-plan, comfortable space, inhabited by international travelers and locals alike. The building used to be a warehouse for a toy company, but Nui teamed up with carpenters and craftsmen to transform it into a casual, welcoming lounge, with wooden furniture and specialty coffee. The theme for both its menu and its interior design is "handmade." Nui is the perfect spot for a pick-me-up towards the end of your Sumida River walking.

4 min

This station gets its name from the rice granaries that once populated the area in the Edo period

Kuramae Station

Kuramae serves both the Toei Asakusa Line and Toei Oedo Line. Renovated warehouses, home to modern cafes and charming shops, have made this area popular in recent years.