Sumida Park: Popular Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot

Hello, this is the staff of The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon. This time, we would like to introduce Sumida Park, which has been loved as a cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period. In spring, you can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms in full bloom, and in other seasons, you can admire the beauty of the four seasons, such as plum blossoms and hydrangeas. The park is also famous as the venue for the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, a summer tradition in Asakusa.

Sumida Park stretches across the Sumida River to the Taito Ward side and Sumida Ward side.

The entrance to the park is located at the foot of Azuma-bashi Bridge, about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The park stretches about 1.2 km from north to south along the Sumida River from Azuma Bridge to Sumida River Walk, Kototoi Bridge, and Sakura Bridge, and is crowded with people enjoying the cherry blossoms in full bloom along the river in spring.

Sumida Park Cherry blossom
During cherry blossom season when the park is crowded with cherry blossom viewers

Origin and History of Cherry Blossoms in Sumida Park

The rows of cherry trees known as “Sumizutsumi no Sakura” in the Edo period (1603-1867) were first planted by order of the 4th shogun, Tokugawa Ietsuna, and in 1717, the 8th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, planted 100 more cherry trees. It is said that the purpose was to create an open space in the city of Edo, which was prone to fires, and to prevent the spread of fire damage. There is also a theory that the garden was intended to provide a fun distraction for the common people by creating a cherry blossom viewing spot.

The garden area on the Sumida-ku side of the park was once the residence of the Mito clan (Tokugawa family), and the ponds and remains of the feudal lord’s gardens from that time can be seen in Sumida Park.

The area was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and as part of the reconstruction project of the Imperial Capital, the area was developed under the leadership of Shinpei Goto and became the current Sumida Park.

Mito han statue
Ruins of Mito Domain’s Shimoyashiki
Japanese Garden at Sumida park
A Japanese garden with a pond offers a tranquil scene

Seasonal Plants to be Enjoyed in Sumida Park

Sumida Park is famous for its cherry blossoms, mainly Yoshino cherries, but visitors can also enjoy other seasonal plants throughout the year. From the end of winter to spring, visitors can enjoy the sweet fragrance of plum blossoms, the dazzling fresh greenery after the cherry blossoms, the colorful hydrangea blooming during the rainy season, and the higanbana blooming at the beginning of autumn. In the late fall, a stroll along the rows of cherry blossom trees with their autumn leaves is a wonderful experience. Asakusa has a strong impression of as a downtown area, but once you step into Sumida Park, you can feel the richness of nature.

The hydrangea in June and the higanbana in September are two of the most beautiful flowers in Asakusa

There are plenty of other things to see!

Viewing points of Tokyo Skytree®

You can take pictures of the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree® from any location in Sumida Park. You are sure to capture a stunning shot.

Bridges over the Sumida River

Four of the bridges over the Sumida River are located in this area. Azuma-bashi Bridge, marked by its red color; Sumida River Walk, built along the bridge of the Tobu Skytree Line; Kototoi-bashi Bridge, leading straight to the Tokyo Skytree®; and Sakura-bashi Bridge, with its unique X shape. All of the bridges have unique designs, so we recommend that you spend some time crossing each bridge to enjoy the different scenery.

GTS Sightseeing Art Project

Tokyo University of the Arts (G), Taito City (T), and Sumida City (S) in Ueno, not far from Asakusa, have collaborated to install a variety of artworks throughout Sumida Park. You may find unique designs on the benches where you sit down to take a break. Discover them during your stroll!

Unique artworks are everywhere.

VISITING INFORMATION

  • Closed days: None

*For the latest information, such as opening hours and closing days, please contact the facility directly.

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