Sumida Park is the biggest in Sumida City, along with the Sumida River. The park is famous for Scenic Cherry Blossoms Viewing (Hanami) from the Edo Period. In addition, this park holds numerous events and festivals all year. So to enjoy the landscape beauty of the park, remember to visit it if you’re in Tokyo Skytree or Asakusa Sensoji Temple.
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Location:
Sumida Park is just between Azumabashi Bridge and Sakurabashi Bridge along the Sumida River. It is also well-known as Sumidakoen.
However, the park is located in two special wards, Sumida and Taito Ward, keeping the Sumida River between.
The eastern part is in Sumida Ward, and the western part of the park is located in Taito Ward.
The Sumida Walkway, Kototoi Bridge, and the Sakurabashi Bridge linked both sides of the park.
Features:
Founded: 1931
Area: 46 acres
Cherry: 700 trees
Famous: one of the 100 selected Cherry Viewing Spot.
History:
The park was opened to the public in 1931.
However, Sumida Park has a long history.
The easter part of the park was the property of the Mito Tokugawa family during the Edo Period. But in 1923, Great Kanto Earthquake damaged the Mito Tokugawa family residence.
Present Sumida Park was reconstructed and transformed into a Japanese garden using the remains of the destructed Mito Tokugawa residential pond and garden.
Cherry Viewing spot:
The park is one of the best 100 selected Cherry Blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. It has more than 700 cherry trees.
Among the 700 Cherries, half of the trees are on the Taito side and half on the Sumida side. However, some of the trees on the Taito side bloom earlier than Sumida.
But both sides are perfect for enjoying Cherry Blossom in late April and early March every year.
It has about a one-kilometer line of cherry trees on both sides of the river from Azumabashi Bridge and Sakurabashi Bridge.
According to history, Tokugawa Yoshimune planted these Cherry trees during the Edo Period.
Sumida Park becomes lively with happy people during the Cherry Blossom. Thousands of people picnic in the park—most of the people like sitting on the Sumida River banks on the Taito side.
Tokyo Skytree looks fantastic over the highway, and beautiful Cherry flowers blooming landscape line under it.
It is a great photography spot. For example, people can shoot photos of Tokyo Skytree over the Sumida River with cherry blossoms.
Yes!
Some people love sitting around Tully’s cafe.
People also love sitting nearby artwork from where they can enjoy Skytree, Asahi Beer Headquater over the river.
On the other hand, the Sumida side has a big lawn and open space for stalls. Families set up mates and do a picnic.
The most famous viewing spot in the park is the running course near the lawn. The straight line has many cherry trees.
Several stalls are set up on the Sumida side. Tea, coffee, and light hot snacks are available.
Besides, people also can buy from Mizumachi shops and restaurants located under the Tobu rail line.
Perfect for Picnic:
The east side of Sumida Park, located on the Sumida side, is a traditional Japanese stroll garden. It has a pond, an ancient shrine, and Mizumachi shops.
Besides, it also has open spaces, plain lawns, and hilly lawns.
It is a perfect place for a picnic.
At the same time, kids can run around the lawn and open space.
The pond with the island is packed with lovely koi and turtles. Besides, the pond is home to many beautiful long-beaked cranes and ducks.
Good for Leisure:
Taito side is better for relaxing.
There are clean benches on the river bank. People like to enjoy the beautiful views of the river.
Moreover, the environment of the bank is lovely. Different kinds of flowers bloom nearby the benches.
Besides, they can enjoy their light snacks and drink here.
It is a lovely spot for nature lovers.
Children Playground:
Both sides of the park are suitable for kids.
However, the Taito side has more facilities for children. It has several playgrounds.
The most popular children’s playgrounds are here. It has swings, slides, and climbing frames.
Festivals:
Sumida Park is famous for its numerous festivals and events.
Sumida Park is the biggest in Sumida City. Most of the events are held here.
Christmas Market, New Year Market, Kodomo ni Hi event, and Cherry Blossom Festival take place here every year.
On the other hand, the Taito side also holds Marche Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, and other social events.
However, the most famous among these festivals are Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, held in July, and Cherry Blossom Festival in Spring.
Sumida Park Early Sakura:
Sumida Park is one of the famous spots of Early Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo. The Early Cherry Blossoms are called Kawazu-zakura or Kawazu- Sakura.
These Kawazu-zakura bloom much earlier than usual Sakura. So if you’re in Tokyo from late February to March third week, you can enjoy Kawazu sakura in Tokyo.
Sumida Park has one famous Early Sakura Spot near the Sumida River Walkway on Taito Side. But there’s one more hidden beautiful place behind Sakurabashi bridge, which I named on Google Map Kofukuji Photogenic Spot.
You can take lovely shots here where your photo will get a real Japan view with Early Sakura, the temple roof, and Tokyo Skytree.
Besides, if you walk for a few minutes, you’ll arrive at Skytree. Remember to look to the right, and you’ll see lovely pink Kawazu Sakura on the Tobu Bridge, where you can take fantastic photos with Tokyo Skytree.
But if you’re really eager to enjoy Early Sakura in Tokyo. In that case, I recommend visiting Oyokogawa Promenade Kawazu Sakura Spot in Koto Ward and the Former Nakagawa Kawazu Sakura near Kameido Central Park.
Surroundings:
In short, the park is the center of many famous tourist spots in Tokyo. Every site is accessible within 5 minutes walk from the park.
For example, Skytree, Sensoji Temple, Asahi Beer Hall, Imado Shrine, Matsuchiyama Shoden, and Sanyabori Park are only a 5-minute walk far.
Opening hours:
24 hours open
Admission fee:
Always free
Access:
Sumida side:
*Honjo-azumabashi Station(Asakusa Line -A19)
*Tokyo Skytree Station(Tobu Skytree Line -TS2)
5 minutes walk
Taito side:
Station: Asakusa Station
Ginza Line-G19
Asakusa Line-A18
Tobu Skytree Line -TS1
5 minutes walk
Address:
*Sumida side:
Sumida Park, 1-1 Mukoujima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
*Taito side:
Sumida Park, 1 Chome Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo
Official website:
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