Sumida City lies in the eastern part of Tokyo’s 23 wards, bordered by the Sumida River on the west and the Arakawa / Old Nakagawa River on the east.
Much of the ward sits on low-lying land—some even at zero meters above sea level—so flood control and disaster prevention are major focuses of local policy.
🖋 Origin of the Name “Sumida”
Sumida City was established in 1947 through the merger of the former Honjo Ward and Mukojima Ward.
The name “Sumida” combines:
“墨 (Sumi)” from Bokutei—the famous embankment along the Sumida River
“田 (Da)” from “Sumida River” itself
Although “隅田区 (Sumida Ward)” was also proposed, the kanji “隅” was not an officially approved character at the time, so the name 墨田区 (Sumida City) was chosen.
📜 Historical Highlights
📌 Edo Period
After the Great Fire of 1657, Edo expanded eastward across the Sumida River.
The Honjo area developed with samurai residences, merchant towns, and canals.
Craftspeople and artisans flourished, forming the roots of today’s “shitamachi” culture.
📌 Modern Era
The area was heavily damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake and WWII bombings but later rebuilt.
Post-war, Sumida grew into a hub of small factories and craftsmanship, becoming known as a manufacturing district.
From the 2000s, factory sites began transforming into apartment complexes, accelerating redevelopment.
📌 Today
In 2012, the Tokyo Skytree (634m) opened, turning Sumida into a globally recognized tourism and commercial destination.
🎡 Major Attractions & Culture
🗼 Tokyo Skytree & Tokyo Skytree Town
The world’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower (634m)
Includes TOKYO Solamachi, Sumida Aquarium, and over 300 shops
Easily accessible from Oshiage Station and Tokyo Skytree Station
🏟 Ryogoku Kokugikan (Grand Sumo Hall)
The spiritual home of professional sumo.
Ryogoku has been strongly linked to sumo culture since the Edo era.
🎨 Sumida Hokusai Museum
Dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai, who spent most of his life in the Sumida area.
A modern museum that connects his art with local history.
🌺 Historic Gardens
Former Yasuda Garden (Ryogoku): features a pond originally filled with seawater
Mukojima Hyakkaen: a garden celebrating seasonal flowers and Japanese literary culture
🎆 Sumida River Fireworks Festival
One of Tokyo’s most iconic summer events, tracing its origins back to 1733.
🍺 Asahi Beer Headquarters
The iconic golden flame structure at Azumabashi—great for riverside photos.
🌉 SUMIDA RIVER WALK × TOKYO mizumachi
Opened in 2020.
A pedestrian bridge and waterfront mall connecting Asakusa to Skytree Town, perfect for scenic strolling.
🏛 Edo-Tokyo Museum (Ryogoku)
Currently under major renovation.
Grand reopening scheduled for Spring 2026 with upgraded exhibitions.
🚇 Transportation & Road Access
🚆 Rail
JR Sobu Line: Kinshicho / Ryogoku
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line: Kinshicho / Oshiage
Tobu Skytree Line: Tokyo Skytree Station area
Toei Asakusa Line: Honjo-Azumabashi / Oshiage
Toei Oedo Line: Ryogoku
Toei Shinjuku Line: Kikukawa
Keisei Oshiage Line: Oshiage (direct access to Narita Airport)
🚗 Roads & Bridges
Shuto Expressway Routes 6 (Mukojima) & 7 (Komatsugawa)
Historic Sumida River bridges: Azumabashi, Komagatabashi, Umayabashi, Kototoibashi
→ Perfect for photography and evening walks
🏠 Living & Real Estate in Sumida City
🏙 Clear Urban Centers
Kinshicho: the ward’s largest shopping hub (department stores, cinemas, malls)
Oshiage / Skytree area: mixed-use redevelopment with tourism + retail + residential
🏢 Diverse Housing Stock
Rising number of high-rise & large-scale condos around Skytree and Kinshicho
In Honjo and Mukojima:
Traditional wooden row houses
Low-rise apartments
Workshop-residence hybrids
High demand for rebuilding & renovation
Supported by the “Sumida Modern” initiative promoting local craftsmanship × design
🌳 Parks & Sports
Sumida Park
Riverside promenades
Sumida City Gymnasium
→ Excellent environment for families, runners, and pet owners
🛡 Disaster Resilience
Because much of Sumida is low-lying:
Flood & storm-surge hazard checks are essential
The ward provides detailed hazard maps and evacuation guides
→ Check ground condition, flood risk, and evacuation routes when renting or buying
✈ Strong Airport Access
From Oshiage, direct trains to Narita Airport and Haneda Airport via Keisei and Toei Asakusa Line
→ Perfect for frequent travelers and business users
🎯 Recommended for People Who…
🎌 Want to enjoy both traditional shitamachi culture (sumo, fireworks, crafts) and modern urban attractions
🌿 Want a lifestyle where they work in central Tokyo but spend weekends strolling along scenic rivers
🌏 Prefer living in an area that’s easy to guide overseas guests (excellent signage & tourist sites)
📌 Summary
Sumida City is a unique blend of:
✨ History
✨ Craftsmanship
✨ Waterfront scenery
✨ Modern urban development
From the Tokyo Skytree to the artisan streets of Mukojima,
Sumida offers a lifestyle where old Tokyo charm meets futuristic city living—
all within walking distance.