Sumida
墨田区
Things to Do in and Around Sumida
Sumida City, symbolized by the Tokyo Skytree, is a downtown area where the craftsmanship and traditions from the Edo period are alive. It offers good access to Asakusa and Ueno, and is a condensed area of Tokyo's old charm with cherry blossom trees along the Sumida River, yakatabune boats, long-established Japanese confectionery shops, and stylish public baths. Scattered with traditional craft workshops, it is a valuable area where foreign tourists can experience authentic Japanese culture.
Where is Sumida?
Sumida City is located in the eastern part of the 23 cities of Tokyo, bordered by Taito City and Chuo City across the Sumida River. To the north is Arakawa City, and to the east and south is Koto City, making it an area where the traditional downtown culture of Tokyo remains strong. Particularly, the Sumida River flowing on the west side is an important symbol of the city, with landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree and Ryogoku Kokugikan scattered throughout. It is conveniently located with good access from the city center and is close to Asakusa and Akihabara, making it a convenient area as a base for sightseeing.
Getting Around
Sumida City has major stations such as "Oshiage Station" on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Keisei Line, and "Ryogoku Station" on the JR Sobu Line, Tobu Skytree Line, and Toei Oedo Line. Oshiage Station is directly connected to the Skytree, and from Asakusa, you can also access it by Toei Bus or water bus. The area is well-served by Toei Bus, and rental bicycles are also convenient. It is conveniently located within 30 minutes from major areas of Tokyo.
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About Sumida
The most famous landmark in Sumida City is the Tokyo Skytree, which boasts a height of 634 meters. Opened in 2012, this tower is a new landmark in Japan and a spot that attracts attention both domestically and internationally. It is not just an observation deck; the surrounding area is a complex area where you can enjoy shopping and dining at the commercial facility "Tokyo Solamachi." The illuminated tower at night has transformed the night view of Sumida City.
A Treasure Trove of Traditional Crafts
Sumida City is characterized by traditional crafts that have been alive since the Edo period. There are many crafts born and inherited in Sumida City and surrounding areas, such as Edo Kiriko, Edo woodblock prints, Edo Karakuri, and Edo Sashimono. Particularly, "Edo Kiriko" is a craft that shines with intricate techniques of layering colored glass and engraving fine patterns, and there are facilities where you can visit the workshops of craftsmen.
History Alongside the Sumida River
Sumida City has developed along the Sumida River. It flourished as a key point of water transportation during the Edo period, and even now, there are buildings and signboards along the Sumida River that evoke a sense of history.
The "Sumida River Fireworks Festival," held every July, is a traditional event that has continued since the Edo period, with about 20,000 fireworks coloring the summer night sky. This fireworks festival is not just a tourist event but an important event that conveys the history and culture of the region to the present.
Ryogoku Kokugikan and Sumo Culture
Sumida City is also known for the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the sacred place of sumo. Grand tournaments are held three times a year (January, May, September), attracting sumo fans from all over the world. Inside the venue, there is a "Sumo Museum" where you can see the history of sumo from the Edo period and the ceremonial aprons of yokozuna. There are also many sumo stables around Ryogoku, and some stables allow you to watch morning practice.
Shopping Streets Full of Downtown Atmosphere
Sumida City has many shopping streets that retain the atmosphere of the past. Particularly, the "Kira Kira Tachibana Shopping Street" stretches about 400 meters with about 180 stores, supporting the lives of local people. The prices are reasonable, and it is a place where you can glimpse the daily life of local people rather than tourists. The freshly fried croquettes and menchi-katsu you eat at the shopping street are exceptionally delicious.
Sumida Hokusai Museum
富嶽三十六景 神奈川沖浪裏 (The Great Wave off Kanagawa) | Hokusai Katsushika
The "Sumida Hokusai Museum," which collects works by the world-famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, opened in 2016. Hokusai was born in what is now Sumida City and spent about 70 years of his 90-year life in this area.
You can see masterpieces such as the internationally popular "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji" up close and trace Hokusai's creative trajectory. The building itself, designed by Kengo Kuma, has a modern appearance and symbolizes the fusion of new and old cultures, characteristic of Sumida City.
Revitalization as a Town of Manufacturing
Sumida City has long been a thriving area for manufacturing, but in recent years, young creators in the fashion and design fields have been actively opening workshops and shops using former factory sites. By meeting traditional techniques with modern design, a new "Sumida brand" is emerging.
There are about 3,000 small factories and workshops in the city, and their density is among the highest in the 23 wards of Tokyo.
Sumida
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