Sumida Park: Dreamy Sakura Paradise in Tokyo

Located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Sumida Park is viewed as a remarkable spot for views of Tokyo Skytree. Taking a stroll along the green space while admiring the weeping cherry blossoms above the Sumida River can be one of the best things to do in your Tokyo city tour. Spend your summer at Sumida Park for the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, one of the most popular fireworks festivals in Tokyo, and immerse yourself in the unique festive vibe.

Despite being one of Tokyo’s top hanami spots, it is also home to various cultural events, like Horseback Archery and Toro Nagashi, which promise you a magical experience. Also, the park can be a beloved spot for photographers to get a close-up view of Tokyo Skytree. Come and enjoy its breathtaking views and lively ambience. Make your trip to Japan from Sumida Park Tokyo, with our travel guide!

Top Must-Do Experiences at Sumida Park

Seasonal Highlights

Sumida Park is regarded as one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo,  with diverse kinds of sakura trees, including Somei Yoshino, Oshima Zakura, and the most representative cherry trees. When spring nears Tokyo, Sumida Park turns into a hot spot to take a walk and enjoy this unique romance. And the pink sea of flowers provides the best backdrop for Tokyo Skytree, attracting numerous people to capture the fleeting beauty.

Aside from the Sumida Park sakura, diverse kinds of flora are waiting for your exploration. For instance, winter is the best time to view plum blossoms, especially in February. Sumida Park in June will embrace the time for thousands of hydrangeas to bloom fully.

Outdoor Activities

Sumida Park sits next to the Sumida River. Exploring Tokyo city through the Sumida River cruise can be another cozy way to watch weeping cherry blossoms above the river. From historic attractions to modern skyscrapers, the Sumida River cruise brings you to enjoy Tokyo from a unique perspective. During the cruise, you can also savor the authentic Tokyo cuisine and dive into the unique romance of this city.

Taking a stroll along the riverbank of the park while appreciating the lush greenery and splendid flowers can be one of the best things to do in Tokyo. If you aspire to enjoy the amazing views of the Sumida River and the Tokyo Skytree, the Sakurabashi Bridge can be an ideal site to meet your needs. Apart from what has been mentioned above, Sumida Park playground provides an expansive space for the outdoors and family outings with kids to have great fun or a picnic.

Cultural Immersion

Sumida River Fireworks Festival
By the end of July, it is time for the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which usually falls on the last Saturday of July. This annual fireworks display is one of the oldest and largest in Tokyo. During the day, spectators can see the fireworks lighting up the night. Wearing a traditional kimono and enjoying the dreamy night with your friends or partners under the fireworks can be the ultimate romance during your time in Tokyo.

Recommended Japan Fireworks Festival Tour:
★ 10-Day Japan Highlights Tour with Fireworks Festival

Yabusame Horseback Archery
Yabusame Horseback Archery is annually held in Sumida Park in April. This traditional ceremony of horseback archery serves as a part of the New Year’s celebration. A big crowd will be attracted to experience this unique tradition. Just find a spot in front of one of the three targets and enjoy its lively vibe!

Lantern-Floating Ceremony
Toro Nagashi, also called Lantern-Floating Ceremony, belongs to a Japanese tradition in summer when people tend to make wishes and float their paper lanterns down to the river to honor departed souls. And the Sumida Park is the major venue for this tradition in the Asakusa area. By that time, you will be bewitched and soothed by the scene of Sumida Park at night, with lanterns gliding along the river and the river illuminated with candles.

Best Time to Visit Sumida Park

Spring and summer can be the two best seasons to visit Sumida Park, as the sakura embraces its peak bloom in the early spring, which is the best time to have a picnic under the blooming trees to gain a full hanami experience. Summer is for a massive fireworks festival, where you can enjoy the vibey atmosphere under the illuminated night sky.

Recommended Japan Cherry Blossom Tours:
★ 10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Tour with Golden Route
★ 14-Day Best Japan Cherry Blossom Tour with Hot Spring

Winter and autumn also have their distinctive highlights. When it comes to Sumida Park in autumn, you can appreciate the lovely autumn foliage along the paths. And winter comes to the puberty of plum blossoms, when you can smell its unique fragrance.

Further Reading:
Autumn in Tokyo: Top 10 Autumn Leaves Spots & Forecast

Photography & Exploration Tips

Pro Photography Spots

Observation Plaza at Sumida Park Tokyo is an iconic and the best viewpoint, where you can gain a clear view of Tokyo Skytree without any obstructions. The Sumida River walkway offers a different perspective for river views and the Skytree. From the West Zone of TOKYO mizumachi at Sumida Park, you can capture the breathtaking scene of both Tokyo Skytree and cherry blossom into your viewfinder.

Hidden Gems

Green Planet provides the perfect angle for a nice shot of Tokyo Skytree.

Ushijima Shrine, dedicated to the deity of the Sumida River, is an ideal place for a tranquil exploration.

Kyu Yasuda Garden, a traditional Japanese garden, also offers you views of the Sumida River.

TOKYO mizumachi is lined with various shops and restaurants, satisfying your shopping bags and taste buds.

Asakusa Hanayashiki, a historical amusement park, can also be a great place to capture the retro ambience.

Practical Guide for Visiting Sumida Park

How to Get to Sumida Park

Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Toei Subway Asakusa lines to Asakusa Station (a 3-minute walk)
Tobu Skytree Line to Asakusa Station  (a 5-minute walk)

Accessibility Notes

Accessibility is limited within Sumida Park, but wheelchair rental services are available, and you can find them at the service center. Besides, restrooms for wheelchair users with guidance are available in the park. Also, the nursing rooms are prepared for visitors’ convenience.

Nearby Attractions

Tokyo Skytree

As the tallest building in Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree reaches 634 meters high (2,080 ft), with observation decks. Standing on the deck, you will be offered an unparalleled panorama of the Tokyo cityscape. Thrill seekers must love this place due to the glass-floored walkways. And, weather permitting, Mt. Fuji will be observable. Besides, over 300 stores and restaurants exist in the tower, which can fill your stomach and shopping bags.

Asakusa Shrine

Designated as a nationally important cultural property, Asakusa Shrine enshrines the local deities, who have made contributions to the construction of Sensoji Temple. The shrine still stands there after going through a series of natural and man-made disasters, like fires, earthquakes, and wars. Asakusa Shrine is known for the Sanja Matsuri Festival in May, and thousands of visitors are annually attracted here.

Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street

Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street leads the way to Asakusa Temple, spanning 250 meters. With a variety of food stores and souvenir shops, it is a perfect place for exquisite accessories, authentic Japanese food, and souvenir selections. That may be the reason why visitors always prefer to flock to one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets.

Sensoji Temple

More than 30-40 million visitors from Japan and abroad will visit Sensoji Temple every year. Featuring one of the most representative temples in Tokyo, Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is home to various traditional events. With a history of over 1,300 years, it is also the oldest temple in Tokyo. Dive into its profound history and distinctive culture during your time in Tokyo.

Asakusa Hanayashiki

Asakusa Hanayashiki is one of the oldest amusement parks in Japan, with 17 various rides, including the oldest coaster in Japan. From the top of the Sky Plaza, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Asakusa, which is also a popular shooting spot. This amusement park must be an enjoyable attraction in Tokyo with kids, which is perfectly suitable for having a picnic and spending leisure time with families and partners.

FAQs about Sumida Park Tokyo

1. Is Sumida Park free to enter?

Yes, Sumida Park is free to enter and explore.

2. When is cherry blossom season at Sumida Park?

Cherry blossom season at Sumida Park falls around mid-March to early April.

3. How long to spend at Sumida Park?

An hour is perfectly suitable for wandering and enjoying the views of cherry blossoms. If you plan to spend more time, you can also experience the fireworks festival and take a Sumida River cruise.

4. Can I walk from Sumida Park to Asakusa Station?

It takes you a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station to Sumida Park

5. Are pets allowed within Sumida Park?

Yes, pets are allowed within Sumida Park, and it is a popular site for walking dogs.

6. Is Sumida Park worth visiting in winter?

Yes, winter is especially suitable for viewing plum blossoms, which bloom in late winter and early spring.

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