Tokyo Sky TreeA walk from Asakusa to Oshiage and the Skytree [Part 2]

Japan Travel Samurai x "Japanese and People's Exchange Chitose" project "Japanese Walk". In the third and fourth installments, we introduce walking courses around Asakusa and the Skytree area with Mr. Yuya Shimada, who also serves as a sword fighting instructor. In this fourth installment, we cross the Sumida River and walk to the Skytree.

Tokyo's landmark, Skytree

Skytree has become a new landmark of Tokyo. It is a radio tower that was completed in 2012 on the former site of the Tobu Railway freight station in Oshiage, Sumida Ward, and is 634 meters tall, named after the "Musashi" (634) in Musashi Province! It is the tallest radio tower in the world.

In addition to the observation deck at Skytree, there is a commercial facility called "Tokyo Solamachi," an aquarium called "Sumida Aquarium," a planetarium, and a station in the surrounding area, and the area containing these facilities, covering an area of approximately 3.69 hectares, is called "Tokyo Skytree Town." Tokyo Skytree Town is a major tourist spot in Sumida Ward, visited by both Japanese people and foreign tourists visiting Japan! It is an international place where many people come and go.

From Asakusa, cross the Sumida River to the Skytree

You can get a clear view of the Skytree from Sensoji Temple, which we introduced in the third installment. In fact, it's only about a 20-minute walk from Sensoji Temple to the Skytree, so it's a great distance for a stroll.

To go from Asakusa to Oshiage in Sumida Ward, where the Skytree is located, you need to cross the Sumida River. There are over 30 bridges across the Sumida River, 27 of which can be crossed on foot. There are three bridges around Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon: Azumabashi Bridge, the railway truss bridge "Sumida River Bridge," and Kototoibashi Bridge. The railway truss bridge was previously used by the Tobu Skytree Line and was not accessible to pedestrians.

However, in 2020, the Sumida River Walk was completed, with a pedestrian bridge attached to the railway truss bridge. It is free to cross between 7am and 10pm. In addition, the complex Tokyo Mizumachi, located under the elevated railway, also opened at the same time, and is now a popular tourist spot perfect for strolling and shopping.

These newest spots are wonderful, but this time, in keeping with our "Japanese Stroll," we crossed the Sumida River at the traditional Azumabashi bridge.

Azumabashi Bridge, which has existed since the Edo period

Azumabashi Bridge was originally built as a wooden structure in 1774, and was called "Okawabashi" because the Sumida River was called "Okawa" at the time. It was given the name Azumabashi when it was rebuilt in 1876. There are various theories, but the most likely is that it got its name from the fact that it was used as a path to the nearby Azuma Shrine. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1931. In the early Heisei era, it was repainted vermilion to reflect the surrounding landscape, and in 2020 it was repainted a more muted red color to extend the bridge's lifespan and with the Tokyo Olympics in mind.

At the foot of Azumabashi Bridge is the Azumabashi Pier, where water buses operate, connecting Ryogoku, Nihonbashi, Odaiba, and other areas. We recommend enjoying a cruise under the bridge and feeling like you're back in the Edo period.

Asahi Beer Headquarters and the Gold Object

Looking towards the Skytree from Azumabashi Bridge, what catches your eye is a golden building and a golden cloud-like object. The top of the golden building is white and foamy, and many people think it looks just like beer, which is no surprise, as this is the Asahi Group Headquarters Building. This building was built in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Asahi Beer.

Next to it is the "Super Dry Hall," which was built in the same year and features a giant golden flame object called "Flamme d'Or" (French for "golden flame") designed by French designer Philippe Starck. This represents "the burning spirit of Asahi Beer as it leaps forward into the new century."

Take a break at Cafe Style Kojiro

If you're tired of walking, you'll want to stop by Cafe Style Kojiro, a one-minute walk from Honjo Azumabashi Station. This cafe is located on the way to the Skytree after crossing Azumabashi Bridge, and serves home-roasted, cloth-drip coffee. At night, it quickly transforms into a dining beer bar.

The shop, lined with coffees from all over the world, only has counter seats. It is also known as a place where you can enjoy old coffee. If you consult with the knowledgeable owner, he will help you choose the beans to suit your taste. Shimada was surprised by the smooth texture of the coffee, which is typical of cloth filter flannel drip, saying, "It's a texture I've never experienced before." In addition, the pudding with coffee sauce is also recommended.

If you want to take photos of the Skytree, head to Oshinari Park

As you walk towards the Skytree, you will see the Kitajukken River. This river crosses the center of Sumida Ward and is said to be the narrowest river in the ward. Oshinari Park is located along the river and is the perfect spot to take photos of Tokyo Solamachi and the Skytree. In spring, the Gotemba cherry blossoms and other cherry blossoms are beautiful. It is also known as the best spot to take photos of the Skytree from below.

"Tokyo Solamachi" at the base of the Skytree

Tokyo Solamachi is located at the base of the Skytree. It is a commercial facility with over 300 stores, including shops, restaurants, a children's playground, the Sumida Aquarium, and a planetarium. The development vision is "New Shitamachi Style," and the area is designed with Edo and downtown areas in mind, with a shopping street featuring gabled roofs and Edo Kiriko glass, and a souvenir area modeled after Edo's "large stores."

If you go up to the Skytree, you can enjoy a wonderful view, but even if you don't go up, you can still enjoy Tokyo Solamachi. It's such an attractive spot that even a whole day won't be enough, so we recommend that you take your time to explore and narrow down your visit to a certain extent.

【Today's walking course】

Asakusa Kaminarimon → Azumabashi → Cafe Style Kojiro → Tokyo Skytree Town

[Spots visited this time]

"Cafe Style Kojiro" 3-1-17 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
"Tokyo Skytree Town" 1-1 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo