❶ The Japanese Sword Museum

You can find this museum dedicated to Japanese swords in one corner of the Kyu-Yasuda Gardens. Exhibits include valuable swords such as those designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Visitors can learn in-depth about the allure of swords as works of art and the myriad ways to appreciate them.

Ryogoku (JR, Subway)

https://www.touken.or.jp/english/

❷ Ryogoku Kokugikan

This grand arena for sumo wrestling, Japan’s national sport, can hold up to 10,000 spectators. In addition to sumo, the arena hosts various events like concerts, professional wrestling, boxing, and other sports.

Ryogoku (JR, Subway)

https://ryogoku-kokugikan.jp

❸ THE SUMIDA HOKUSAI MUSEUM

This art museum houses and exhibits works of world-renowned ukiyo-e print artist Katsushika Hokusai and his disciples. Hokusai was born in Sumida, where he spent most of his life. In the AURORA (Permanent Exhibition Room), visitors can learn about the profile and life of Hokusai through displays of life-size high-definition replicas and touch panels.
Cherry blossoms are usually at their best in March to April.

Ryogoku (JR, Subway)

https://hokusai-museum.jp/?lang=en

❹ -Ryogoku- Edo NOREN

Under the theme “connecting modern cuisine and culture with an Edo atmosphere,” this entertainment complex utilizes the former Ryogoku Station building built in 1929. In this space permeated with the vibe of the Edo period, you can savor sushi, soba noodles, chanko nabe (hot pot for sumo wrestlers), monjayaki (pan-fried batter with various fillings), Edomoae miso ramen, and other tasty Tokyo foods. There is even a life-size sumo ring, making this a popular destination unique to this sumo town.

Ryogoku (JR, Subway)

https://www.jrtk.jp.e.wz.hp.transer.com/edonoren/

❺ Ryogoku Fireworks Museum

This facility introduces Japan’s fireworks culture. Displays include fireworks balls and launch tubes from the Edo period. Learn more about this beloved traditional event of summer in Japan.

Ryogoku (JR, Subway)

https://visit-sumida.jp/spot/6036/

❻ Ekoin Temple

This temple is known for its association with sumo wrestling. In the past, sumo tournaments acted as popular fundraising efforts for public works and the restoration of temples and shrines. For 76 years since 1833, Ekoin Temple buzzed with spectators as the venue for the biannual fundraising sumo tournament.

Ryogoku (JR, Subway)

https://ekoin.or.jp

❼ Residence of Kira (Honjo Matsuzakacho Park)

This is the site of Kira Kozukenosuke’s former residence, known for its appearance in “Chushingura” (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers), a story of revenge based on the Ako Incident that occurred in the Edo Castle in the early 18th century. It has been widely performed in traditional puppet theater and kabuki, as well as in movies and TV dramas today. Now a park, Kira’s former residence still receives visits from the fans of the story.

Ryogoku (JR, Subway)

https://visit-sumida.jp/spot/6175/

❽ Meijiza Theater

Constructed in 1873, this theater boasts a long history. Not only does it host kabuki, enka, and other popular song performances, but in recent years, it has also been showing musicals, modern plays, and collaborative anime events. These new endeavors have put Meijiza Theater back in the spotlight.

Hamacho (Subway)

https://www.meijiza.co.jp/english/

❾ Ningyocho

This town near Nihonbashi strongly exudes the atmosphere of shitamachi, old downtown Tokyo. Along Amazake Yokocho, which runs through Meijiza Theater and Hamacho Park, visitors will find many traditional craft stores and long-established restaurants existing since the Edo period.

Ningyocho (Subway), Suitengumae (Subway)

http://www.ningyocho.or.jp/english/

❿ Suitengu Shrine

Four gods are enshrined at Suitengu Shrine, including Ame no Minakanushi no Kami. Safety in childbirth and life energy are among the boundless divine virtues said to reside here. On the grounds, the statues of the Kodakara Inu (Dog of Treasured Childhood) and Anzan Kosodatte Kappa (Water Sprite of Safe Childbirth) are both popular photo spots. The Kodakara Inu statue is surrounded by the 12 signs the East Asian zodiac, called “Eto” in Japan. Touch your own sign for blessings such as safe childbirth, fertility, protection from disaster, and good health. Hosho Benzaiten, one of the shrines featured in the Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods Tour, is also enshrined here in this famous power spot for performing arts, academics, and financial luck.

Suitengumae (Subway)

https://suitengu.or.jp