Oshiage
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Things to Do in and Around Oshiage
Oshiage is a downtown area spreading at the foot of the Tokyo Skytree. It features a mix of historical buildings from the Edo period and modern commercial facilities, and is also characterized by its location within walking distance from Asakusa. Along the Sumida River promenade, you can enjoy seasonal scenery, with the cherry blossoms in spring and the fireworks festival in summer attracting many visitors. Small shops run by locals and craftsmen's workshops remain, making it a place where you can experience both the old and new faces of Tokyo at once.
Where is Oshiage?
Oshiage is located in the southeastern part of Sumida Ward, Tokyo, and spreads out along the east bank of the Sumida River. To the north, it borders the area around Narihirabashi Station, where Tokyo Skytree is located. To the south, it connects with the Honjo area, to the east with the Mukojima and Keijima districts, and to the west, across the Sumida River, it faces the Asakusa district. It is a key transportation hub where the JR Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Keisei Line intersect, with Tokyo Skytree Station (formerly Narihirabashi Station) and Oshiage Station being the nearest stations. The area retains the traditional downtown culture from the Edo period while coexisting with the redevelopment area centered around the Tokyo Skytree, which opened in 2012.
Getting Around
The main hub for accessing the Oshiage area is "Oshiage Station," which is served by the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Keisei Oshiage Line, and Tobu Skytree Line. It takes about 20 minutes from Tokyo Station and about 45 minutes from Narita Airport via the Keisei Skyliner. The Skytree is located right above the station, and as you exit, a gigantic tower appears before your eyes. The area is conveniently walkable, and by using the promenade along the Kitajukken River, you can walk from Oshiage to Asakusa in about 20 minutes. Rental bicycles are also available in various locations, allowing you to efficiently explore the narrow alleys of the downtown area.
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About Oshiage
Oshiage faces the Sumida River and has a history of thriving through water transport since the Edo period. Even today, promenades are maintained along the river, becoming a beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. It is especially known as an excellent viewing point during the Sumida River Fireworks Festival.
The Town with Tokyo Skytree
The Oshiage area is most famous for the Tokyo Skytree, which opened in 2012. This 634-meter-tall broadcasting tower was noted as the world's tallest self-supporting broadcasting tower at the time of its completion. It continues to attract many tourists as a landmark of Tokyo. From the Skytree's observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Tokyo's cityscape and even see Mount Fuji on clear days.
Inheriting Traditional Sake Brewing
Oshiage is home to "Koyama Shuzo," a long-established sake brewery founded in 1853, which produces the "Sumida River" brand of sake. Despite being in the city center, it is a precious place that inherits traditional sake brewing, and brewery tours are available. It is one of the few remaining sake breweries in Tokyo's 23 wards, loved by locals.
Tradition and Innovation in Craftsmanship
Around Oshiage, there are workshops for traditional crafts such as Edo Kiriko and Edo Glass. At the "Sumida Glass Craft Museum," you can not only observe the craftsmanship up close but also participate in glass craft workshops. The area actively engages in efforts to pass on traditional techniques to the modern era.
Food Culture
Oshiage has a dining street known as "Hoppy Street," lined with pubs offering Hoppy (a malt beverage mixed with shochu). It is a popular spot not only for locals but also for tourists, as you can enjoy authentic downtown flavors at reasonable prices.
A Success Story of Urban Redevelopment
With the opening of the Skytree, the Oshiage area has transformed significantly. It has evolved from a former industrial area into a town where tourism and business are integrated, attracting attention as a successful example of urban regeneration in Tokyo from both domestic and international perspectives. "Tokyo Solamachi" contributes not only as a commercial facility but also to local employment creation.
Residential Area with Downtown Spirit
While known as a tourist spot, stepping into the backstreets reveals traditional shopping streets and residential areas. You can still feel the "downtown spirit," which is fading in other areas of Tokyo, in the scenes of neighbors chatting or long-established shops that have been around for decades.