Sumida City's Sumida Park is one of Japan's best cherry blossom viewing spots and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots."

The row of cherry trees that stretches for about 1 km on both sides of the Sumida River, laid out about 350 years ago, can be viewed not only from land, but also while going down the river on a houseboat.

If you want to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo that is filled with the atmosphere of the Edo period, be sure to check out the information on Sumida Park.

Sumida River and cherry blossoms

The Sumida River is a first-class river that flows from the Iwabuchi Watergate in Kita Ward, Tokyo, into Tokyo Bay.

Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth shogun of the Edo shogunate (in office 1651-1680), ordered the planting of cherry trees with the aim of creating a place of entertainment for the common people along the Sumida River and using the roots of the cherry trees to strengthen the banks of the Sumida River, which was prone to flooding.

Later, the 8th Shogun, Yoshimune (in office: 1716-1745), planted an additional 100 cherry trees, resulting in the current row of cherry trees along the Sumida River.

Books from the Edo period (early 17th century to early 19th century) are full of depictions of people enjoying cherry blossom viewing along the Sumida River.

The popular Japanese song "Hana" begins with the line, "A warm spring morning, the Sumida River," and for Japanese people, "spring" and "cherry blossoms" are synonymous with the Sumida River.

Sumida Park today

Currently, Sumida City's Sumida Park has been developed to include the row of cherry trees along the Sumida River.

There are approximately 340 cherry trees planted on the Sumida side (Mukojima) and approximately 600 on the Taito side, and the row of cherry trees stretches for approximately 1 km.

Many people come to enjoy the cherry blossoms and admire the "cherry blossom tunnel" that stretches from Azumabashi Bridge to Sakurabashi Bridge.

Characteristics of the cherry blossoms at Sumida Park

There are about 40 varieties of cherry blossoms planted in Sumida Park, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms over a long period of time, from the Kawazu cherry blossoms that bloom in mid-February to the Baigo-ji Juzukake cherry blossoms that reach their peak at the end of April.

The busiest spot is the row of cherry trees along the Sumida River, crowded with people enjoying a stroll through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.

Highlight 1: Cherry blossom trees along the corner of the bank as seen from Sakurabashi Bridge

Sakurabashi Bridge, the only pedestrian-only bridge over the Sumida River, is a spectacular cherry blossom viewing spot with a panoramic view of the cherry blossom trees on both banks.

From Sakurabashi Bridge, you can see Tokyo Skytree and the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River, allowing you to enjoy both the modern, urban atmosphere of Tokyo and the beauty of the cherry blossom trees along the river, which has remained unchanged since the Edo period.

On a clear day, the Sumida River acts as a mirror, reflecting the beauty of the cherry blossoms sparkling on its surface, so if you come to Tokyo, be sure to enjoy cherry blossom viewing from Sakurabashi Bridge.

It gets very crowded during the day, so we recommend going early in the morning to enjoy cherry blossom viewing from Sakurabashi Bridge.

Highlight 2: Cherry blossom viewing from a houseboat

It began as a pastime for aristocrats during the Heian period (late 8th century to late 12th century), and became a popular pastime for wealthy merchants and powerful feudal lords during the Edo period. It is a traditional culture of sightseeing along rivers and beaches on a boat equipped with a houseboat called a "yakatabune."

In spring, cherry blossom viewing on these pleasure boats along the Sumida River, where visitors can view the rows of cherry trees along the Sumida Embankment from the river, is extremely popular.

Another great thing about this tour is that there are a variety of cruise plans to suit your budget and purpose, from casual shared boats to boats that can be rented exclusively for a certain number of people, as well as plans that include lunch and night cruises where you can view the cherry blossoms at night.

If you want to enjoy cherry blossom viewing from a pleasure boat, we recommend going when the flowers are in full bloom or when they are just about to fall, when the blossoms are fluttering across the water like snow.

Highlight 3: Rare cherry blossom varieties

Sumida Park is best known for its rows of cherry trees along the banks of the Suido Embankment, but there are many other types of cherry trees planted in addition to Somei-Yoshino.

Of particular note are Gyoikou and Ukon, which are famous for their yellow-green colored cherry blossoms.

Both types of cherry blossoms are very rare and are also known to bring good fortune.

The flowering period of Goikou and Ukin is slightly later than that of Somei-Yoshino, from mid-April onwards.

When the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms on Sumida River start to fall, take a stroll around the park looking for the rare double-flowered cherry blossoms.

Sumida Park cherry blossom season

The cherry blossoms in Sumida Park are usually at their best between mid-March and early April.

For reference, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom from around March 24th to 31st in 2023, and from around April 6th to 8th in 2024.

Additionally, the Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival and the Sumida River Cherry Blossom Festival are held every year from mid-March to early April.

During the event, the cherry blossoms will be lit up until around 9 p.m., allowing you to enjoy the night-time cherry blossoms while tucking into delicious food from the stalls.

Location of Sumida City Sumida Park

1, 2, and 5 Chome, Mukojima, Sumida Ward, Tokyo

Access to Sumida Park

Sumida Park is a 2-minute walk from the nearest Asakusa Station.

Asakusa Station is easily accessible, about 35 minutes by Airport Express from Haneda Airport.

From Narita Airport, you can take the express train to Haneda Airport for about 90 minutes and head to Asakusa Station without having to transfer.

It is located in an area that can be easily accessed even on the day you arrive in Japan, so please come and experience the feeling of spring in Japan.

Nearby tourist attractions

Tourist Spot 1: Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple, located about a 3-minute walk from Sumida Park, is a very famous tourist spot in Japan.

Sensoji Temple, marked by a large red lantern with the word "Kaminarimon" written on it, is the oldest temple in Tokyo and is visited by over 30 million people every year.

The large-scale Buddhist statues, such as the statues of the wind god and thunder god beside the lanterns and the Nio statues at the end of Nakamise Street, are sure to catch your eye, and you'll be impressed by the vibrant vermilion-dyed gate and main hall.

Location of Sensoji Temple

2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Tourist Spot 2: Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree, which opened in 2012, is a 634m tall radio tower.

It is the tallest tower and the third tallest structure in the world, and the view of Tokyo from the observation deck 350 meters above ground is spectacular.

Additionally, the adjacent commercial facility, Solamachi, sells a wide variety of souvenirs and miscellaneous goods that reflect Japan's traditional culture, making it the perfect place to find a gift for yourself or a loved one.

It's about a 15-minute walk from Sumida Park to the Skytree, so why not stop by for a walk?

Address of Tokyo Skytree

1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

summary

The cherry blossoms at Sumida Park are a beautiful spring sight that has been loved by Japanese people for over 350 years.

In particular, the rows of cherry trees stretching out towards the Sumida River and the beauty of the cherry blossoms at night are must-sees for anyone visiting Japan.

For those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy cherry blossom viewing at their own pace, we recommend taking a houseboat and viewing the cherry blossoms from the river.