The Sumida River, depicted in ukiyo-e woodblock prints, is one of the most famous landmarks of Edo. Today, both banks of the river are maintained as Sumida River Terrace and have become popular running spots. This route takes you to spots that offer views of the Sumida River, Japanese gardens, and a running station. Whether running this route or walking it, you can enjoy a tour of the Sumida River area, which has been a popular site since the Edo period.
Start at Toei Oedo Line Kachidoki Station ➡ Approx. 5-min. walk ➡ Kachidoki Bridge ➡ Approx. 27-min. walk ➡ Ishikawajima Park ➡ Approx. 30-min. walk ➡ Kiyosumi Gardens ➡ Approx. 31-min. walk ➡ Kyu-Yasuda Gardens ➡ Approx. 31-min. walk ➡ Totoken
Kachidoki Bridge
Kachidoki Bridge, which stretches across the lower reaches of the Sumida River, was completed in 1940, an era when water transportation thrived, as a bascule bridge that opens in the middle to let ships pass through. While the increase in automobile traffic means the bridge stopped opening and closing in 1970, it still stands today and has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property. This 246-meter-long, 22-meter-wide bridge has a majestic appearance, as if it has wings that spread out on either side, and from the bridge, you can see both TOKYO SKYTREE® and Tokyo Tower. After taking in the view from the bridge, the next stop is down to Sumida River Terrace for a run or walk.
Address: 6 Tsukiji – 1 Kachidoki, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/490/index.html
Ishikawajima Park
Ishikawajima Park is located at the foot of Chuo Ohashi Bridge and surrounded by the Sumida River and Harumi Canal. The layout of this park makes full use of the embankments, and the green trees and seasonal flowers found here make it a popular spot for local residents who want to relax. Among the highlights on the grounds of the park is the Paris Plaza (constructed in 1999 to commemorate the Year of France in Japan), from which you can catch stunning views of sights such as Eitai Bridge and TOKYO SKYTREE®. It’s a great place to sit back and take it easy as you enjoy watching the aqua buses and houseboats glide by on the Sumida River. The cherry trees here blossom beautifully in the spring, making the park a perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing. Take in the lovely scenery of the cherry blossoms that brighten the Sumida River as you enjoy a run or walk here.
Address: 2-1-5 Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
https://centraltokyo-tourism.com/en/spot/detail/106344
Kiyosumi Gardens
Kiyosumi Gardens, one of the most famous circuit-style forest gardens from the Meiji era (1868-1912), was constructed by the Iwasaki family, who were the founders of Mitsubishi. Famous stones and man-made hills shaped to represent famous scenery from all over Japan are dotted around the garden’s large pond, which draws water from the Sumida River, making it a place where you can take in the sights while enjoying a peaceful stroll around the pond. Ryotei, the teahouse with a footprint that extends out over the pond, was built in 1909 for the purpose of hosting a British field marshal who had come to Japan as a guest of the state. Having miraculously survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the firebombing of Tokyo in 1945, it has since undergone a complete reconstruction designed to preserve the building’s original appearance.
Address: 3-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/kiyosumi/outline.html
Kyu-Yasuda Gardens
Kyu-Yasuda Gardens, which is just a short distance from Ryogoku Station, is said to have been constructed during the Genroku period (1688-1703) by Honjo Munesuke, lord of the Hitachi-Kasama domain. This feudal lord’s garden was originally developed as a tidal pond garden with water drawn from the Sumida River, and a walking path surrounds the pond, which has a shape that resembles the Japanese kanji character for “heart” and has an island in its center. This pond boasts an incredibly elegant atmosphere, and now has its water level artificially adjusted to simulate the ebb and flow of the tides, giving visitors a glimpse of how it used to exist in its original form. As it is open to the public free of charge, it is a place that you can stop by to visit with ease, and is highly recommended as a spot to take a break during your run or walk.
Address: 1-12-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/510/index.html
Totoken
Totonoi Research Institute, commonly known as Totoken, was established in Nihonbashi Hamacho and has become a popular running station that is very welcoming to runners in the Sumida River area. Conveniently located just a five-minute walk (or two-minute run) from Sumida River Terrace, Totoken is equipped with facilities such as changing rooms, lockers, and showers, and also features a sauna and a bar area that serves beer and other beverages. It has become a community meeting place where runners can gather and get to know one another. After an invigorating run, you can come here to sweat it out in the sauna and then quench your thirst with a beer. This is a great place to enjoy life-affirming moments.
Address: 3-9-7 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
https://totoken.jp/
