Sumida Park

Introduction

Sumida Park is a long, narrow park along both banks of the Sumida River, running roughly one kilometre from Azumabashi to Sakurabashi and split between Taito ward (Hanakawado, Asakusa, Imado) and Sumida ward (Mukojima). It is best known as one of Japan's 100 famous cherry spots: nearly a thousand trees line the water, about 640 on the Taito side and 350 on the Sumida side, mainly Somei-Yoshino with weeping and Oshima cherries. Tradition credits the eighth shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune with planting them so commoners could enjoy blossom, and in the Edo period they were called the cherries of the Mokuzutsumi embankment. From late March into early April the trees are lit at night with Tokyo Skytree glowing behind the petals, one of the city's most recognisable spring images; Sakura Bridge at the northern end is pedestrian-only and links the two banks. Summer brings an equally loud identity: the Sumida River Fireworks on the last Saturday of July use this stretch as their main venue, and both banks fill with people in yukata. Plum festivals, mounted archery, hydrangea walks and floating-lantern events fill the rest of the year. The park is free and open around the clock, five minutes from Asakusa Station, and pairs naturally with Senso-ji, Azumabashi and Skytree on foot.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info