Walk and Dine along Sumida River

Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station

On the Toei Oedo Line and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station is close to the heart of traditional Tokyo. The station is less than 15 minutes from TOKYO SKYTREE in one direction and from Nihonbashi in the other.

Kiyosumi Gardens

Kiyosumi Gardens offers manicured lawns and lush foliage in any season, plus a photogenic pond with resident ducks, carp, and turtles. At the water's edge you'll find stepping stones formed from beautiful slabs of rock. Winding paths present engaging scenes every step of the way. Trees, flowers, and wooden pavilions make beautiful backdrops for photos to share with family and friends. At the far end of the park is a monument to Japan's most famous haiku poem, which is about a frog plopping into an old pond. To get a sense of the tranquility that inspired the poet Matsuo Basho, aim to visit Kiyosumi Gardens in the morning.

Kiyosu Bridge

Just a ten-minute walk away, you will encounter the powerful presence of the Sumida River at Kiyosu Bridge. This structure, built in 1928, was modeled on a famous bridge in Cologne, Germany. Go up the flight of steps just a short walk to the left to enjoy lunch in a waterfront restaurant with a great view of the bridge and the river itself.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum , Sumida Hokusai Museum

If an afternoon walk appeals to you, your next destination is 4 km up the Sumida River in Asakusa. The riverside path offers engaging sights, including flowers, seagulls, boats, and barges, while haiku on plaques offer a reminder that you are still in Basho territory. As you progress along your Sumida River walk, you will pass some tempting places to visit, including the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo stadium, as well as *Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum , and the Sumida Hokusai Museum, both located behind the stadium.

Note: The entire museum is closed for large-scale renovations from April 1, 2022 through spring 2026 (scheduled reopening).
 

Cafe Mersault

Keep walking beside the Sumida River, cross at Komagata Bridge, then walk towards Azumabashi Bridge and you'll soon find Cafe Mersault. In addition to excellent handmade cakes and coffee, the cafe has a waterfront terrace seating six to eight people that offers a great view of TOKYO SKYTREE and the golden flame atop the Super Dry Hall.

Asakusa

Now you're just a short stroll from the beating heart of old Tokyo, Asakusa. Sensoji Temple draws visitors from all over the world and is one of Tokyo's must-see spots. But you will find so much more to enjoy in Asakusa, ranging from rickshaw rides to river trips, and craft shops to colorful arcades. Visit the multi-floor Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center to explore your options and find out about the latest hotspots, as well as experiences that will take you back in time to the days of Edo, as Tokyo was once called.

Nihonbashi Bridge

A 15-minute ride on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, the oldest subway in Japan, will take you to Nihonbashi, the place that is literally in the center of Tokyo. At one end of Nihonbashi Bridge you will find information about the zero-kilometer marker. This bridge is the point from which, for centuries, the distance to every other location in Japan has been measured.

Ichinoichinoichi

End a full day of Tokyo exploration with waterfront dining. Here, looking out over the dark evening beauty of the Nihonbashi River, enjoy food and drink made with Japan's finest ingredients at Ichinoichinoichi Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy a wide range of creative Japanese cuisine and junmaishu sake perfectly paired to your meal.