Since its opening in June 2020, the Sumida River Walk and TOKYO mizumachi, which connect Tokyo’s “old” landmarks in the Asakusa and Senso-ji temple area with the “new” landmarks at TOKYO SKYTREE, have become popular as a relaxing strolling course. Tobu Railways renewed the neighborhood map to further promote this Shitamachi downtown Tokyo region. The map also introduces recommended courses according to traveler preferences, such as half-day or full-day tours, shopping, and cultural events. Tobu is also introducing recommended routes to better familiarize visitors with the local attractions.
The Asakusa area, centering around Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, with its Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street, is a district with rich traditions. It is also the most popular destination for international tourists and the most frequently photographed and Instagrammed. Meanwhile, TOKYO SKYTREE is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world. It is twice as tall as Tokyo Tower, and from the observation deck you can see the city of Tokyo as well as Mt. Fuji – Japan’s tallest mountain and UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site – in the distance on a clear day. TOKYO Solamachi, a shopping center located directly below the SKYTREE tower, is one of the largest commercial facilities in Tokyo, with above-ground floors ranging from three to 31.
Recommended Route to Explore the "Old & New" Downtown Tokyo Landmarks Connected by the Sumida River Walk and TOKYO mizumachi
On the West side of the Sumida-gawa, when you reach the Azuma Bridge from Asakusa’s Kaminarimon gate, you can see the best shot of TOKYO SKYTREE on the other side of the river, making it a stunning spot for Instagram viewing. At the foot of this bridge, there is a water bus boarding area where you can hop a cruise to Odaiba and Hama-rikyu Gardens.
From here, a 100-meter walk along the Sumida River leads to the Sumida River Walk, a bridge-promenade along the elevated railroad of the TOBU SKYTREE Line. From here, visitors can enjoy a stroll while taking in the refreshing river breeze. It is especially popular from late March to early April as a place where spectators can simultaneously view approximately 1,000 cherry trees in bloom along both banks of the Sumida River.
Across the River Walk, on the East side, begins Tokyo Mizumachi, a commercial complex born under the elevated TOBU SKYTREE Line. Unique venues include a restaurant with riverside dining, a community hostel that attracts travelers from around the world, and a store featuring specialty products from Sumida Ward.
About Tobu Railways
TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 80 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort. For more information visit: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/sightseeing/recommend/tourism/
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