Best spots for a stroll in Kiyosumi Shirakawa: All you need to know, from the basics to the latest

Enjoy traditional Japanese senery at Kiyosumi Garden

Kiyosumi Garden (Kiyosumi Teien) is a serene oasis in the city, just a 3-minute walk from subway Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station. Originally the garden of a samurai residence in the mid-Edo period (early 1700s), it was redesigned in modern times into its current form. Centered around a large pond called Dai-sensui, the garden features elements such as dry landscapes (kare-sansui) and an artificial hill modeled after Mt. Fuji. As a traditional stroll-style garden, visitors can enjoy a variety of scenic views while walking along its paths.

One of its highlights is the “isowatari”—a path of large stepping stones set in the pond that allows visitors to experience garden views on the water.

Stroll along hidden riverside cherry blossom spots

During the Edo period (1603–1868), canals were developed in the area around Kiyosumi Shirakawa and Monzen-Nakacho. One remnant of that era is the Oyoko River, which flows along the eastern side of Kiba Park, where a row of Kawazu-zakura cherry trees lines the riverside. These early-blooming cherry blossoms are usually at their peak from February to mid-March.

From late March to early April, Somei-yoshino cherry trees bloom along the Oyoko River and Onagi rivers, offering a peaceful flower viewing experience without the crowds. The annual “Oedo Fukagawa Sakura Festival” is also held here, where visitors can enjoy cherry blossom views from a traditional Japanese boat.

Experience life in the Edo period at the Fukagawa Edo Museum

In addition to exhibits relating to the Edo period, this cultural center also has a variety of other attractions including a small theater. In the exhibition room, the streets of Fukagawa are reproduced in life size just as they were at the end of the Edo period. The scenes’ lighting and sound change to reflect the passing of the day for a heightened sense of realism.

Try to find the cat Mamesuke somewhere in the town.

A walk down Fukagawa Shiryokan-dori Shopping Street

Stretching for roughly 800 meters, this shopping street is lined with about 100 shops of all kinds, both old and new. Feel the energy of Japan’s past in the unique character of these famous shops, including those specializing in neighborhood specialties, souvenirs, famous goods of Tokyo and Fukagawa-meshi (rice with soup of clams boiled in miso poured over it, or rice cooked with clams in a soy sauce preparation.).

Meet the owner of the souvenir shop Edo Souvenir Takahashi♪

Health conscious sweets at Tutto ♡

This craft vegan gelato specialty shop opened in January 2023.

The variety of treats bring out the best of seasonal fruits and herbs, all made from plant-based ingredients with no milk, eggs, or white sugar. Treat yourself to one of these goodies while you stroll along the waterside.

Take it easy at fukadaso

This complex was renovated from a 60-year-old building that once held a warehouse and apartments.

There’s always a line outside the ever popular “fukadaso CAFE” on the 1st floor. A great place for a relaxing afternoon with some simple, subtle sweets amid the nostalgic interior.

Enjoy art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

This art gallery hosts special exhibitions on modern art while also making the most of its collection of roughly 5,700 pieces that highlight the shifting trends in the world of contemporary art. Another draw is the location overlooking the vast green space of Kiba Park and the extraordinary architectural design that floods the structure with natural light.

You may also like this:

• The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo: A relaxing public space
• Exploring the fascination of “Osaka Ukiyo-e Museum” where you can casually enjoy the world of ukiyo-e

Savor the specialty coffee of The Cream of The Crop Coffee

A pioneer in this “coffee town” as the first roastery cafe in Kiyosumi Shirakawa. In the renovated wooden warehouse, a massive roaster fills the space with the intoxicating aroma of coffee.

Original goods stamped with cute puppy logos make great souvenirs.

Relax with a cup of coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee Kiyosumi Shirakawa Flagship Cafe

Blue Bottle Coffee’s very first store in Japan celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. As one of the most iconic coffee shops in Kiyosumi Shirakawa, it is beloved by locals as well as fans from all over Japan. In addition to their carefully selected single-origin coffee, the cafe offers a special treat with freshly made sweets prepared in their open kitchen station—perfect for pairing with your drink.