Sumida River
Sumida River is a unique river running through seven districts of Tokyo. Its total length is about 23.5 kilometers (14.6 miles), from the Ibuchi Gate to Tokyo Bay. The best places to visit it are around Asakusa Station. Each Summer Sumida River Fireworks Festival attracts millions of tourists. Taking the Tokyo Cruise to appreciate the river scene, especially the night view, is another enjoyable thing. Besides, the cherry blossoms avenue also attracts many people in spring.The Must-do Things along Sumida River
1. Take Tokyo Cruise
The "TOKYO CRUISE," which runs on the Sumida River is on the travel list of many tourists to Tokyo. There are three main boat types, namely Hotaluna, Himiko, and Emeraldas. You can book it on the official website in advance. The following are the three main cruise routes.
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1. Hotaluna Line: The cruise ship starts in Asakusa, goes through Hinode Pier, Odaiba Marine Park, and finally sails back to Asakusa. There are about 2 departures per day, and the single way takes about 1 hour. The fee from Asakusa to Hinode Pier is 1,200 yen, and the fee from Hinode Pier to Odaiba Marine Park is 860. The fee for the whole single way from Asakusa to Odaiba Marine Park is 1,720 yen.*Notes: Hotaluna will be closed for check every third Wed/Thur of the month, excluding August; it will also be closed for check for 3 weeks around March.
2. Himiko Line: The route starts in Asakusa, goes through Odaiba Marine Park, and finally ends in Toyosu. There are about 2 departures per day, and the single way takes about 70 minutes. The fee from Asakusa to Odaiba Marine Park is 1,720 yen, and the fee from Odaiba Marine Park to Toyosu is 840 yen. The whole single ride from Asakusa to Toyosu costs 2,200 yen. Besides, you also can take Himiko directly back to Asakusa from Toyosu; it takes only 35 minutes and costs 1,200 yen. *Notes: HIMIKO will be closed for check on every second Tue/Wed of the month, excluding August; HIMIKO will be closed for check for 3 weeks around February.
3. Emeraldas Line: The route starts in Asakusa, and ends in Odaiba Seaside Park. There are about 2 departures per day, and the single way takes about 55 minutes. The single fee is 1,720 yen.*Notes: The specific timetable and route of Tokyo Cruise may change due to weather and other factors, please check the official website for details and more information.
2. Appreciate the Bright Colored Fireworks in Summer
Sumida River Fireworks Festival is the most notable, oldest, and largest fireworks festival in Tokyo. The bright-colored thousands of fireworks from the Sumida River Fireworks Festival on the last Saturday of July every year attract more than one million people. In general, it begins at about 19:00, and you can appreciate the latest type of fireworks on the site. The best places to appreciate the fireworks are near "Asakusa Station" and "Sumida Park" around the Sumida River. Besides, the perspective from the boat is also charming. The best places are always full of people; you’d better select a good position in advance. By the way, small portable fans, insect spray, power banks, snacks, and other items can help you better enjoy the fireworks festival.3. Visit the Sumida Park to Appreciate Cherry Blossoms in Spring
Sumida Park, located on the bank of Sumida River, is divided into two areas by the Sumida River. About 800 cherry trees are planted on both sides of the Sumida River, and the 1-kilometer cherry blossom avenue between Azumabashi Bridge and Sakurabashi Bridge attracts countless visitors to enjoy the flowers every March to April, which was selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Places in Japan". You can walk along the avenue to appreciate the cherry blossoms in spring. Besides, standing on the Azumabashi Bridge and Sakurabashi Bridge to appreciate cherry blossom also is a good choice. You also can see the huge Tokyo Skytree from bridges.
Read More: What Months are Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
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4. Take a Stroll on the Sumida River Walk
Sumida River Walk is a new pedestrian bridge established in 2020, which connects Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree in the shortest distance. The bridge is 160 meters (524 feet) long and 2.5 meters (8 feet) wide, and opens from 7:00 to 22:00. Standing on the bridge enables you to enjoy the view of the Sumida River and its banks from a different angle.
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5. Have a Rest in TOKYO Mizumachi
TOKYO Mizumachi, located under a viaduct along the Sumida River is a business complex with hotels, restaurants, clothes stores, dessert shops, and many coffee shops. It is a good choice to sit down in one of these stores to have a rest and appreciate river view from a different angle.How to Get to Sumida River
Sumida River is long, and the best place to explore the scene of it is around Asakusa Station. You not only can see plenty of cherry blossoms and Tokyo Skytree but also take the cruise ship to enjoy the views. You can take Ginza Line, Asakusa Line and Tobu Isesaki Line, then get off at Asakusa Station.Recommended Time for a Visit:
Half a day is enough. Afternoons and evenings are the better choices. You can walk along the Sumida River bank in the afternoon to appreciate the river view and cherry blossoms. Furthermore, it is better to enjoy your dinner on the cruise ship while appreciating the landscape of Tokyo and the colorful Tokyo Skytree in the evening.Nearby Attractions:
1. Sensoji Temple, a Buddhist temple, is the most famous and the oldest temple in Tokyo. You can walk there from the Sumida River bank, and it takes about 10 minutes. Besides, you can visit the shopping street next to the Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-dior Street.2. Tokyo Skytree is the highest building and the symbol of Tokyo. The building is 634 meters (2,080 feet) high, and you can overlook the whole view of Tokyo and look out onto Mount Fuji. You can walk there from Sumida Park, and it takes about 18 minutes.
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