{"id":586,"date":"2025-08-15T03:38:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T19:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/07\/3-fantastic-walking-routes-connect-the-best-sights-in-tokyo\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T09:56:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T01:56:01","slug":"3-fantastic-walking-routes-connect-the-best-sights-in-tokyo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/?p=586","title":{"rendered":"3 fantastic walking routes connect the best sights in Tokyo"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Tokyo is justifiably proud of its world-class public transportation system. But this amazing city also rewards slowing down and exploring its highlights on foot.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to do just that, connecting multiple Tokyo sights on some wonderfully curated walks that showcase different parts of the city, from some of the most iconic outdoor and spacious attractions, to lesser-known discoveries that are sure to delight your inner cultural aficionado.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo_Walking_Asakusa.jpg\"
Walking in Asakusa and Sumida is a great way to experience ancient and new Tokyo \u00a9 f11photo \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Asakusa and Sumida<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(2.5km; 2.5 hours)<\/em><\/h3>\n

On this walk, get a feel for the flavor of Shitamachi (the old Edo-era \u2018Low City\u2019), while walking from Sens\u014d-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo, to Skytree, the world\u2019s tallest freestanding radio tower.<\/p>\n

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With a history of around 1,400 years, Sens\u014d-ji has been the spiritual and cultural lifeblood of Asakusa for centuries. Start by entering through the landmark Kaminarimon Gate with its huge lantern, and then strolling Nakamise D\u014dri, the shop-lined street and approach to the temple, with a freshly made traditional snack or two from the shop vendors.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo_Walking_Senso-ji.jpg\"
Sens\u014d-ji has been the spiritual and cultural lifeblood of Asakusa for centuries \u00a9 Rainprel \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once you reach the temple, be enchanted by the waft of incense, the pitter-patter of feet approaching the main hall to pray, and the bright vermillion hue of the temple and its five-story pagoda.<\/p>\n

Then take a short five-minute detour across to Asakusa Engei Hall, a performance hall for rakugo, traditional Japanese comedic storytelling, and other performative arts \u2013 one of only four such theaters in Tokyo. Take a few moments to appreciate the colorful flags and lanterns that adorn the unique exterior, and appreciate an institution that has nurtured the careers of some of Japan\u2019s most famous comics.<\/p>\n

Swing back around toward Nakamise Street and continue onto Sumida River. For the best view of the \u2018golden flame\u2019 atop Asahi Super Dry Hall on the opposing bank, go to the Azuma-bashi Bridge area by Asakusa Station, and then proceed north to Sumida River Walk, a new addition to the area which now gives pedestrians direct access over Sumida-gawa from the tourist areas of Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo_Walking_Sumida-river-walk.jpg\"
The Azuma-bashi Bridge features great views of the Tokyo Skytree and the Golden Flame \u00a9 lenggirl \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Open to foot traffic from 7am-10pm, and lit up from dusk in coordination with the Tokyo Skytree light display, it\u2019s one of the most picturesque places to enjoy the river scenery and the setting sun.<\/p>\n

Take a well-earned break at Tokyo Mizumachi, a small commercial waterfront district nestled under the train tracks, accessible only by foot or bicycle (though bike parking is limited). It\u2019s the perfect place for relaxed open-air dining, so grab a bite to eat along the riverside terrace facing Kitajukken River or get some takeout and stretch out at the adjoining Sumida Park.<\/p>\n

Once revived, it\u2019s a 10-minute walk to the magnificent 634-meter Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Solamachi \u2018Sky Town\u2019 complex.<\/p>\n

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\"Tokyo_Walking_Imperial-Palace.jpg\"
There are few vies as striking as the Imperial Palace in Tokyo \u00a9 Guillermo Olaizola \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Marunouchi, Ginza and Tsukiji<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(6.3km; 3-4 hours, excluding optional museum stops)<\/em><\/h3>\n

This walk will take you to the exceptional National Museum of Modern Art, around the outside of the Imperial Palace, and then onto the districts of Ginza and Tsukiji.<\/p>\n

Located next to the Imperial Palace, on the grounds of the lush Kita-no-maru Park, is Japan\u2019s first national art museum. Known as MOMAT, the Museum of Modern Art Tokyo houses an incredible 13,000 Japanese (and international) artworks from the early 20th century onward, 200 of which are selected at a time to display in the rotating MOMAT Collection.<\/p>\n

Start your walk here with a culturally enriching wander through this spacious and lesser-known artistic gem, before making your way around the grounds of the Imperial Palace. Stop in at K\u014dkyo Gaien Plaza to take some photos of the iconic stone Megane-bashi bridge and its reflection on the moat along with the steel Nij\u016b-bashi bridge behind it, the closest you can get to the palatial buildings without a tour.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo_Walking_Mitsubishi-Ichigokan.jpg\"
The building now housing the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum was the first Western-style office building in the Marunouchi district \u00a9 Osugi \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then proceed through the gardens to Tokyo International Forum, a large convention and civic center with a striking 60-meter-high glass lobby inspired by the shape of a boat, taking the elevated glass walkways to experience the light-infused atrium from all angles.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re interested in more art and architecture, pop over to the Mitsubishi Ichig\u014dkan Museum right next door. Designed in 1894, this stunning red-brick building was the first Western-style office building in the Marunouchi district. Faithfully reconstructed based on the original design, it is now a museum focused on late 19th and early 20th century art.<\/p>\n

If the mood strikes you, take a short detour toward Tokyo Station, where on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the KITTE building, you\u2019ll find a most delightfully unexpected attraction called Intermediatheque, a free museum with an eclectic and fascinating collection of antiquities acquired by the University of Tokyo, the country\u2019s most prestigious educational institution, since its foundation in 1877.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo_Walking_Tsukiji-Outer-Market.jpg\"
Tsukiji Outer Market is the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market \u00a9 artapartment \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From here, head back to Tokyo International Forum and continue on to Y\u016brakuch\u014d Station, turning left towards Ginza. Considered Tokyo\u2019s most polished neighborhood, take in this luxe shopping precinct with its designer stores, upscale restaurants, and galleries, including the stunning Kabukiza Theater, before heading to Tsukiji, Tokyo\u2019s pantry.<\/p>\n

While the area\u2019s inner wholesale market moved to a new location in 2018, Tsukiji Outer Market remains open and full of insanely fresh seafood and other tasty morsels. Visit Yamach\u014d (6:50am-3:30pm) to try their freshly-made tamago-yaki (sweetened rolled egg omelette) on a stick. Gloriously fluffy and decadent, you\u2019ll be hard pressed to wipe the smile off your face as you savor each bite.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo_Walking_Yanaka-Ginza.jpg\"
Sightseeing in the retro shopping street of Yanaka Ginza is not to be missed \u00a9 kuremo \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ueno and Yanesen<\/strong><\/h2>\n

(6km, 3 hours)<\/em><\/h3>\n

On this walk, we\u2019ll first visit the quaint Yanesen area, the collective name for the Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi neighborhoods, a charming part of the city that has all the nostalgia of Tokyo circa several decades ago.<\/p>\n

Start with a stroll along Yanaka Ginza historic shopping street, lined with locally-owned shops, cafes and food stalls; the perfect spot to grab a delicious snack on the go. Be sure to pause at the Y\u016byake Dandan stairs for a great picture-taking opportunity before proceeding to the nearby Asakura Museum of Sculpture.<\/p>\n

The former residence and studio of renowned late Japanese sculptor Fumio Asakura, this incredible building, itself listed as a national cultural property, showcases his life\u2019s work. With a focus on realism, expect to find depictions of the human form as well many cats. Don\u2019t miss the magnificent rooftop garden, the oldest extant roof garden in Tokyo, along with the courtyard, both registered as places of scenic beauty.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo_Walking_Ueno-Park.jpg\"
Stone lanterns stand in front of Toshogu Shrine at Ueno Park in Tokyo \u00a9 cowardlion \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From here, continue traveling south past Yanaka Cemetery to SCAI The Bathhouse, a contemporary art gallery housed in a 200-year-old former public bath. Entry to the exhibition is by advanced reservation, which can be arranged online, although the exterior alone is worth a stop.<\/p>\n

Moving into the heart of Ueno and its culture-packed central park, Ueno-k\u014den, here you\u2019ll find the city\u2019s highest concentration of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, as well as other noteworthy cultural attractions. Stop in at Ueno T\u014dsh\u014d-g\u016b, a gilded Shinto shrine built in 1627 dedicated to Edo-era shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, before hopping over to Ameyok\u014d shopping street to enjoy the market atmosphere and peruse the vendor offerings.<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo_Walking_Akihabara.jpg\"
Neon signs and billboard advertisements fill the Akihabara electronics and pop culture hub \u00a9 f11photo \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following the railway line, you\u2019ll soon reach 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, an arts and crafts precinct of around 50 artisanal shops, studios, galleries and cafes, nestled under the train tracks between Okachimachi and Akihabara stations. Many of the goods sold here are not mass-produced, making it an excellent spot for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.<\/p>\n

Another 5-10 minutes and you\u2019ll be in the heart of Akihabara, Tokyo\u2019s \u2018electric town\u2019 and center for otaku pop culture, manga, cosplay and more.<\/p>\n

Note: Museums in Tokyo are typically closed on Mondays. Be sure to check the current opening days and times for each attraction you wish to visit, along with COVID safety measures, before embarking on your walk.<\/p>\n

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