The SUMIDA RIVER, Tokyo Bay and has Shitamachi (old downtown) areas on each side of its banks, flows through the northeast part of Tokyo. In times long past it served as a place of relaxation and as water for domestic use during the Edo period. It also has deep connections with peoples’ lives as a waterway that is tied to the economy. Currently, the river area is being developed as the “Sumida River Terrace” to create a new place for local citizens to relax. The Sumida River flows through Tokyo, running 17 miles (27 kilometers) around the city and passing under 26 bridges. It branches from the Arakawa River at Iwabuchi and flows into Tokyo Bay. The river is a great place to go on a boat cruise passing under the colorful bridges, viewing the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, going past Shinto shrines, and getting closer to Tokyo’s river born heritage where the vibrant river systems served as the arteries through which its commerce flowed, from the Edo period to the present day.
Sumida River boat ride to Odaiba. After your time in Asakusa, walk over to the Sumida River by the Azuma Bridge to pick up a Suijo-Bus boat; the swoopy silver futuristic-looking craft will take you for a ride down the Sumida to the riverfront entertainment and shopping complex at Odaiba, which is quite a contrast to Asakusa. This terrace, which has been paved beautifully, is a place where many people enjoy walking and jogging. The flower beds inside the terrace are maintained by volunteers from the different regions, and during each season it’s possible to see locals having lunch while gazing at these colorful flowers. Events are also held at fixed intervals, including local festivals in areas such as Ryogoku, Akashi, and Hakozaki. Each time these lively events are held, they are attended by more and more people.
The “Super embankments” are also being installed together with the terrace. These broad levees are made of embankments with gradual slopes. The terrace and its rear embankments help ensure safety in the case of a major earthquake or flood, and also make people feel more affection for the river. For that reason, these embankments are planned to be installed along the entire Sumida River. Riding the water bus that connects Asakusa with Hinode Pier allows you to view the Sumida River Terrace and super embankments from the river’s surface. In this way you can discover new aspects of the Sumida River while listening to information from the boat’s guide about famous places and the bridges spanning the river that are visible from the boat. By the time you’re ready to leave Odaiba it’s probably night, so for some great views hop on the Yurikamome unmanned monorail. It will take you from Odaiba across the Sumida under a dazzlingly bright Rainbow Bridge, ending with some Blade Runner-ish scenery as you are deposited at the Shiodome subway station. There are restaurants, video arcades like none you’ve ever seen, tons of shopping, lots of manga-related places and every Gundam reference you can imagine.
Each year on the last Saturday in July, The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival takes place. The festival is a revival of the celebrations that were held during the Edo period. Similar events take place at same time of year at other locations throughout Japan. The great summer festival atmosphere that accompanies the fireworks draws close to a million celebrants, many of whom are dressed in yukatas. Folks stroll around in Asakusa, especially around Sensoji Temple, and patronize the food vendors and game stalls lining the streets. In addition, many of restaurants in the area provide outdoor seating where you can enjoy delicious food while watching the fireworks.
The best places to view the fireworks display are right along the Sumida River itself. One area stretches from the Sakura Bridge to the Kototoi Bridge while another is located downstream of the Komagata Bridge to the Umaya Bridge. For most tourists, I would only recommend visiting the Asakusa to Ryogoku section of this river. The main reason is that the entire river is long and that’s the only section which would be interesting to a casual tourist. Even for residents, I wouldn’t recommend visiting this area unless they lived in the nearby area. If you are a runner and looking for a nice place to run, and you happen to be staying in Asakusa or somewhere near the river, I highly recommend that you go for a run if you have the time. It’s a wonderful experience and being able to run part of the area is worth it. It’s better than trying to fight your way through traffic and trying to avoid getting hit by cars on the regular streets.
Sumida River boat ride to Odaiba. After your time in Asakusa, walk over to the Sumida River by the Azuma Bridge to pick up a Suijo-Bus boat; the swoopy silver futuristic-looking craft will take you for a ride down the Sumida to the riverfront entertainment and shopping complex at Odaiba, which is quite a contrast to Asakusa. This terrace, which has been paved beautifully, is a place where many people enjoy walking and jogging. The flower beds inside the terrace are maintained by volunteers from the different regions, and during each season it’s possible to see locals having lunch while gazing at these colorful flowers. Events are also held at fixed intervals, including local festivals in areas such as Ryogoku, Akashi, and Hakozaki. Each time these lively events are held, they are attended by more and more people.
The “Super embankments” are also being installed together with the terrace. These broad levees are made of embankments with gradual slopes. The terrace and its rear embankments help ensure safety in the case of a major earthquake or flood, and also make people feel more affection for the river. For that reason, these embankments are planned to be installed along the entire Sumida River. Riding the water bus that connects Asakusa with Hinode Pier allows you to view the Sumida River Terrace and super embankments from the river’s surface. In this way you can discover new aspects of the Sumida River while listening to information from the boat’s guide about famous places and the bridges spanning the river that are visible from the boat. By the time you’re ready to leave Odaiba it’s probably night, so for some great views hop on the Yurikamome unmanned monorail. It will take you from Odaiba across the Sumida under a dazzlingly bright Rainbow Bridge, ending with some Blade Runner-ish scenery as you are deposited at the Shiodome subway station. There are restaurants, video arcades like none you’ve ever seen, tons of shopping, lots of manga-related places and every Gundam reference you can imagine.
Each year on the last Saturday in July, The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival takes place. The festival is a revival of the celebrations that were held during the Edo period. Similar events take place at same time of year at other locations throughout Japan. The great summer festival atmosphere that accompanies the fireworks draws close to a million celebrants, many of whom are dressed in yukatas. Folks stroll around in Asakusa, especially around Sensoji Temple, and patronize the food vendors and game stalls lining the streets. In addition, many of restaurants in the area provide outdoor seating where you can enjoy delicious food while watching the fireworks.
The best places to view the fireworks display are right along the Sumida River itself. One area stretches from the Sakura Bridge to the Kototoi Bridge while another is located downstream of the Komagata Bridge to the Umaya Bridge. For most tourists, I would only recommend visiting the Asakusa to Ryogoku section of this river. The main reason is that the entire river is long and that’s the only section which would be interesting to a casual tourist. Even for residents, I wouldn’t recommend visiting this area unless they lived in the nearby area. If you are a runner and looking for a nice place to run, and you happen to be staying in Asakusa or somewhere near the river, I highly recommend that you go for a run if you have the time. It’s a wonderful experience and being able to run part of the area is worth it. It’s better than trying to fight your way through traffic and trying to avoid getting hit by cars on the regular streets.
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