The sights
Senso-ji
Tokyo’s oldest temple, traditionally founded in the 7th century after two fishermen pulled a statue of Kannon from the river. The main hall, five-storey pagoda and Hozomon gate are post-war reconstructions, but the rituals — incense, fortune slips, prayers — are entirely alive.
ℹ️ Grounds always open and free; the main hall is open from about 6:00 to 17:00. Come before 9:00 or after dark, when the buildings are lit and the crowds have gone. Allow 1 hour.
Kaminarimon
The “Thunder Gate”, with its huge red paper lantern and statues of the gods of wind and thunder, is the symbol of Asakusa and the start of the approach to the temple.
ℹ️ Always open, free. The tourist information centre opposite has a free rooftop viewing terrace. Allow 15 minutes.
Nakamise shopping street
A straight 250-metre lane of about 90 stalls between the two gates, selling rice crackers, sweet bean cakes, fans, yukata and souvenirs, in a tradition that goes back to the Edo period.
ℹ️ Most stalls open around 10:00–17:00; free. Eat at the stall, not while walking. When shut, the painted shutters are a sight in themselves. Allow 30–45 minutes.
Tokyo Skytree
At 634 metres the tallest structure in Japan. Two observation levels at 350 and 450 metres look over the whole Kanto plain; the Tokyo Solamachi mall below has more than 300 shops and restaurants plus the Sumida Aquarium.
ℹ️ Usually open 10:00–21:00 or later; dated tickets are cheaper online in advance. About 20 minutes on foot from Senso-ji, or one stop to Tokyo Skytree Station. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Sumida River cruises
Water buses leave from the pier beside Azuma Bridge for Hamarikyu Gardens, Hinode and Odaiba, passing under a dozen bridges. The futuristic glass boats designed by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto are the ones to look for.
ℹ️ Roughly 40–60 minutes to Odaiba; departures and fares vary by boat and season, so check the day’s timetable. A good way to continue to <a href="/destinations/odaiba-toyosu/">Odaiba</a>.
Sumida Park & evening boats
The riverside park on both banks is one of Tokyo’s classic cherry-blossom walks, with Skytree as a backdrop. After dark, lantern-hung yakatabune houseboats carry dinner parties along the river.
ℹ️ Park always open, free. Blossom is usually late March to early April. Dinner cruises must be booked in advance.
