Japan1 dayGroup 2-15

East Sumida Half Day: Gardens, Museums & Shrines

A half-day cycling route through Tokyo's eastern neighborhoods — Kiyosumi Garden, Fukagawa Edo Museum, and Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

This half-day cycling route crosses the Sumida River into Tokyo's quieter eastern districts, visiting three distinct landmarks that trace the city's cultural geography. The route begins with a crossing of the Sumida—either via the Kiyosu Bridge or Eitai Bridge—and moves through Kiyosumi Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with a central pond, designed and once owned by Iwasaki, founder of the Mitsubishi group. The Fukagawa Edo Museum follows, presenting replica buildings and domestic structures from the mid-1800s that document how residents lived during the Edo period. The route then passes through Kiba Park, a green space built on the site of a former timber pond at the confluence of two major canals, before concluding at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, a significant historical site where sumo wrestling was historically held. Departure times are 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM, with returns at noon or 4:00 PM. The route is suited to families with younger children and to visitors with limited time in Tokyo.

Highlights

Kiyosumi Garden — a traditional Japanese garden with central pond, inhabited by birds, koi carp, and turtles
Crossing the Sumida River via Kiyosu or Eitai Bridge — comparing the distinct architectural designs of two major river crossings
Fukagawa Edo Museum — replica Edo-period houses and buildings documenting daily life in the 1800s
Kiba Park — a former timber pond turned public space, located at the intersection of two major eastern Tokyo canals
Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine — a historical site where sumo wrestling was once held, with additional shrines and temples scattered throughout the surrounding area

Day by day

1East Sumida: River Crossing, Gardens & Museumoffice at 1-3-2 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku · Sumida River · Kiyosumi Garden · Fukagawa Edo Museum · Kiba Park · Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

Departure and Registration The tour departs from the office at 1-3-2 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, at either 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM. Participants complete registration and receive a guidelines review before departure. Sumida River Crossing Cyclists cross the Sumida River via either Kiyosu Bridge or Eitai Bridge. Kiyosumi Garden Admission: ¥150. This 4-hectare garden contains a central pond and was designed in the Edo period. The grounds were owned by Iwasaki Yataro, founder of Mitsubishi. Landscaping includes plantings that attract birds, koi carp, and turtles. Fukagawa Edo Museum Admission: ¥400. The museum contains full-scale replica structures and buildings representing residential and commercial architecture from mid-19th-century Edo. Exhibits document daily life, household goods, and street conditions of the period. Kiba Park Kiba Park occupies land formerly used as a timber pond. The park is positioned at the confluence of the Onagigawa and Sumidagawa canals in eastern Tokyo. Terrain is flat and paved. Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine This shrine historically hosted sumo wrestling tournaments. Additional shrines and temples are located in the surrounding neighborhood. Return Route Cyclists return across the Sumida River to Chuo Ward via the same or alternate bridge. Arrivals at the office: noon or 4:00 PM. Terrain: Flat, urban paved surfaces. Traffic: Light to moderate urban cycling. Inclusions: Rental bicycle, helmet, water, professional guide.

Included

rental bike
helmet
bottle of water
guide

Activities: BIKING