The iconic TOKYO SKYTREE® towers over the Shitamachi, Tokyo’s old downtown. Our itinerary invites you to explore this vibrant part of the city, starting in historic Asakusa and taking you over the Sumida River toward Oshiage, the home of TOKYO SKYTREE®. You’ll then head to the old-school entertainment district of Kinshicho, where casual izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and shopping streets provide a taste of local life. It’s a dynamic journey of old and new—futuristic towers and traditional architecture, the modern city and old Tokyo coexisting seamlessly.
Stroll from Sensoji Temple over the Sumida River Walk®, and on to TOKYO SKYTREE®
"The iconic Kaminarimon Gate is an Asakusa landmark. Adorned with a giant lantern flanked by statues of the Buddhist gods of wind and thunder, the portal serves as the entrance to Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and one of the city’s most popular sites of prayer.
While many travelers take the train from Sensoji toward TOKYO SKYTREE®, crossing the Sumida River on foot is also an option. All you need to do is traverse the 160-meter Sumida River Walk®, a convenient walkway that offers the added bonus of seeing the towering landmark on the other side reflected on the water.
Enjoy dinner at TOKYO Solamachi®
TOKYO Solamachi® is a commercial complex connected to TOKYO SKYTREE® and home to a cosmopolitan array of restaurants offering everything from Japanese cuisine like sushi, soba, and ramen to faraway flavors. Pick your favorite and enjoy a relaxing dinner at the foot of Tokyo’s tallest structure.
Walk
See sea creatures at night at the Sumida Aquarium
Boasting a 350-ton viewing tank with perky Magellanic penguins and a plethora of other sea creatures, the indoor Sumida Aquarium shows its best sides at night, when blue lighting and calming music combine to evoke a magical submarine world. The viewing tanks also benefit from this special illumination, with the jellyfish zone assuming a mysterious vibe and the huge Ogasawara Islands tank glistening as if bathed in moonlight.
Walk
Take in the vastness of Tokyo at night from the TOKYO SKYTREE® Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria
TOKYO SKYTREE® has two observation points: the Tembo Deck 350m above ground, and the Tembo Galleria, Tokyo’s highest viewing deck, at 450m in the air. Both offer stunning views of the metropolis, taking in Tokyo Tower as well as other landmarks throughout the city. Floor windows add a thrilling element to the sky-high experience.
Walk, bus, or train
Freshen up at a bathhouse
Back at ground level, relax and refresh yourself at a sento, or communal bathhouse. You’ll find many of these inviting establishments in the residential streets of Oshiage and neighboring Kinshicho. You can wash away your worries in the hot tubs of local institutions such as Daikokuyu , where the bathing area is adorned with a traditional mural depicting Mt. Fuji, or the sleek and modern Koganeyu . Do like the locals and cleanse both body and mind before heading out for a few drinks.
Walk or bus
Admire public art around Kinshicho Station
You’ll find several public artworks around Kinshicho Station, including “ECHO”—a sculptural piece featuring a curved bead motif inspired by the bass clef and five wires on each side representing the staff lines. Take a stroll through the lively entertainment district and see how many works you can spot.
Walk
Go bar-hopping in Kinshicho
Kinshicho is one of the Shitamachi’s most vibrant night spots. Beyond the shopping centers around the station you’ll find an enticing array of restaurants and bars, from old-school izakaya to stylish dinner destinations and eateries serving up an international selection of dishes. If you’re looking to drink like a local, set course for Derby Street and its many quirky bars.
