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Spring is here, and the warmer weather and fresh breezes make it the perfect time to go for a riverside walk along the Sumida River and take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Sumida River probably has one of the longest and most famous riverbanks that you can visit in Tokyo. And guess what? It doesn’t cost a penny to see all day, every day!
Several other famous tourist spots are also nearby. From the other side of the river, you can directly see the famous Tokyo Sky Tree, one of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings.
Image Credit: Evgeny Tchebotarev (Pexels)
We’ve summed up our favorite riverside spots in Tokyo, perfect for a one-day trip.
1. Easy Access to the Sumida River From Asakusa
Image credit: Canva
The main gate is about a 5-minute walk from Asakusa station, making it a convenient stop after visiting Asakusa’s Senso-Ji Temple. If you walk straight towards the river right from the main gate of Senso-Ji temple, you can find the Sumida Riverside walking path or parks along the river.
If you have come by car, the easiest way to get there is to park in a parking area along the Sumida River, which runs through Asakusa. Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are all allowed along the riverbank, so you won’t have to worry about bike parking and can enjoy a pleasant ride along the riverside.
2. Many Restaurants and Coffee Stops
Strolling around the riverside will take you past many restaurants and coffee shops.
Several well-known coffee shops have opened right next to the river. Their beautiful and comfortable interiors allow customers to sit and enjoy the beauty of the Sumida River.
Some restaurants and snack stops even have outside chairs that face directly toward the river with a view of Tokyo Skytree right across from them. If you want to be closer to the park, there are some coffee shops or snack stops right next to the park, such as Tully’s Coffee or smaller local shops. It is important to remember that restaurants and coffee shops will be very crowded during the late afternoon due to the large number of visitors, so please note that you need a bit of patience and luck to find the best spot to enjoy the view.
3. Children’s Playground Available Along Sumida River
If you are planning to take the whole family, don’t worry! There are many children’s playgrounds along the river.
Image Credit: Jason Kim (Pexels)
One of the biggest is Sumida Koen (隅田公園) in Taito City, which offers a wide variety of play apparatus for children. These include giant slides, swings, climbing frames, and an interesting seesaw.
Many kids from the neighborhood or local kindergartens will be playing around in the park, making it an exciting playground for your kids to stave off their boredom! While your children are playing in the playground, you can try some snack stops not far from the central park. Located right next to the river, you will not miss out on the beauty of the riverside scenery!
4. Many Shopping Centers
In addition to the beautiful scenery, culinary options, and children’s playgrounds, Sumida Riverside also has several shopping centers. Many of these centers are along the riverbank, so it’s easy for visitors to stop by for some quick shopping or to do some window shopping by the river.
5. Best Place to Go for Sakura Season
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Another reason to visit the Sumida riverbank is that it is brightened by the touch of pink cherry blossoms in the Spring! The banks of the Sumida River are overgrown with beautiful cherry trees, which add to the excellent environment for walking along the riverside.
The Sumida riverside will always be one of the most outstanding tourist destinations for taking pictures of cherry blossoms, with the beautiful scenery of the Tokyo Sky Tree. To find out when you should go to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms, check out our article here.
In addition to cherry blossom Season, the Sumida riverside usually follows many traditional Japanese seasons or festivals; there will be many events in some spots along the Sumida River, so make sure not to miss any special days!
Don’t Miss Out on The Best Riverside Spot in Tokyo
Considering the beautiful scenery and other great activities you can do alongside the river, Sumida River is the perfect destination for you and your friends or family to visit when the weather is good or on the weekend! With a wide range of things to do near Sumida River, you and your friends or family will have a memorable time on a bright sunny day, especially if you decide to go when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Enjoy!
Devy Mufliha,
Indonesia
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