This post is also available in:
Spring is here and the warmer weather and fresh breeze that come with Spring make for the perfect weather to go for a riverside walk along Sumida River and take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sumida River probably has one of the longest and most famous river banks that you can visit in Tokyo, and guess what? It doesn’t cost a penny to visit all day every day!
There are also several other famous tourist spots you can stop by in the area. You can directly spot the famous Tokyo Sky Tree from the other side of the river and you have a perfect view of the city.
We’ve summed up our favorite riverside spot in Tokyo, which is perfect for a one-day trip.
1. Easy Access to Sumida River From Asakusa
The main gate is about a 5-minute walk from Asakusa station, which makes it a very convenient stop after a visit to 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.
Photo credit: Canva
If you have come by car, the easiest way to get there is to park in a parking area located along the part of the Sumida River that runs through Asakusa.
Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are all allowed along the riverbank, so you don’t have to worry about bike parking and should be able to enjoy the 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 up right next to the river, with beautiful and comfortable interiors, which allow customers to sit and enjoy the beauty of Sumida River.
Some restaurants and snack stops even have outside chairs that face directly towards 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.
One of the biggest is Sumida Koen (隅田公園) in Taito city, which has a large choice of play apparatus for children. There are giant slides, swings, climbing frames, and an interesting see-saw, amongst many other things.
There will be a lot of kids playing around from the neighborhood or local kindergartens. But this means that the park will be an exciting playground for your kids to stave off their boredom!
Not far from the central park are some snack stops you can try while your children are playing in the playground. Located right next to the river, you will not miss out on the beauty of the riverside scenery!
4. Many Shopping Centers
Aside from the beautiful scenery, culinary options, and children’s playgrounds, Sumida Riverside also has several shopping centers.
There are several shopping centers along the riverbank, so it’s easy for visitors to stop by and go in for some quick shopping or even just to do some window shopping by the river.
5. Best Place to Go for Sakura Season
Another reason to visit Sumida riverbank is that it is brightened by the touch of pink Sakura during the Spring!
The banks of Sumida River are overgrown with beautiful cherry trees, making for a welcome addition to the great environment for those who just want to go for a walk along the riverside.
Photo credit: Canva
The Sumida riverside will always be one of the most outstanding tourist favorite destinations to take pictures of Sakura with the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Sky Tree.
The Sakura usually blooms until the end of April, so you will still have the chance to visit and take a look at the impressive portraits.
Usually, besides the Sakura Season, Sumida riverside is also following any Japanese traditional season or festivals; there will be many events in some spots of the Sumida river, so make sure not to miss any dates of the special days!
Have a Memorable Visit, and Don’t Miss Out on The Best Riverside Spot in Tokyo
Considering all of the beautiful scenery and other great activities that you can do alongside the river, Sumida River is the perfect destination for you to take your friends or family when the weather is good or on the weekend!
With a wide range of choices on what to do near Sumida River, you and your friends or family will be able to have a memorable time on a bright sunny day with the cherry blossoms blooming behind you.
Enjoy!
Devy Mufliha,
Indonesia
Related Articles:
- Tokushima Prefecture: Your Next Spring Trip Destination
- What to Do in Tokyo in the Morning
- SLOW TRAVEL OKINAWA – Family Adventure Time: Exciting and relaxing, nature and culture experiences
- Exploring the Natural Beauty of Miyazaki Prefecture
- Top 5 Seaside Destinations Near Tokyo for Summer 2021
