Name: Kiyosumi-shirakawa
Location: 35°40’55.63″ N 139°47’56.02″ E
YouTuber TokyoCityscape has provided this excellent vid on the small town of Kiyosumi-shirakawa just east of Tokyo Station.
This delightful little town is full of all kinds of interesting stuff such as coffee shops and wine bars. In fact the area is known as Tokyo’s “coffee city” due to the dozens of top-flight cafes in the area.
On a nice day it’s a pleasant stroll. Most of the sidewalks and streets in the area were renovated in 2018-2019 as the above photo shows. This gives the whole place a clean and fresh feel.
The town is on the Hanzomon Line and is directly east of Tokyo Station, and one stop after Suitengumae. Beyond that, is Sky Tree. Sky Tree is the eastern terminus for the Hanzomon Line. You can jump on the Hanzomon Line at Tokyo Station, and head east in just a few minutes.
It’s also close enough to walk – although it is several miles and depending on your fitness can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. If you do walk, you’ll cross the legendary Sumida River, and arrive almost immediately at Kiyosumi Garden – a small Japanese garden worth a look.
Upon exiting the station you’ll be greeted with a large street map right in front of you, so check it out before you proceed.
Parks
If you’re looking for an expanded park experience, there are many more great ones in the area. Namely, Toyosumi Park + Sendaiborigawa Park and the epic, fabulous Kiba Park just a few miles east. If you do, you’ll also pass through another great little town called Kinshicho along the way. There’s also another small park just north of Kiba Park called Motokaga Park.
Kiba Park is huge, and if you make a north (left) turn at Kiba Park onto Rt. 319, it will take you directly into Sky Tree.
Tokyo Cheapo also did a cafe review guide of the area.
If you’re looking for an easy, quiet Tokyo Experience, check this town out.
LINKS
Kiyosumi Cafe Guide for Coffee Aficionados
Kiba Park | JapanVisitor Japan Travel Guide
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART TOKYO
VIDS