What to experience in the neighborhood around Tokyo Skytree, the World’s Tallest Tower.

[Marian Goldberg]

Lunch with Sumo Wrestlers

*Sumo Immersion Tour   *Sword Museum   *Ukiyo-e Gallery   

*Soon-to-Open Pedestrian Bridge linking Asakusa & TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN

 

TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest tower.  Within SkyTree's vicinity, travelers can experience:

*Immersive tours featuring Japan’s national sport of sumo

*A museum full of Japanese swords

*An art gallery showcasing the works of world-famous ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock print) artist Katsushika Hokusai.

* A soon-to be completed and opened (in Spring 2020), a new pedestrian bridge linking Asakusa (area around Senso-ji Temple) and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN, where TOKYO SKYTREE is located. This will make visiting the area even more enjoyable and convenient.

 

Chankonabe Hot Pot Experience with the Sumo Wrestlers of the Naruto Beya Sumo Stable

Chankonabe Hot Pot and Experience with Sumo Wrestlers

The Naruto Beya sumo stable is close to TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN. A tour, priced at ¥11,000 per person, gives visitors a chance to eat chankonabe (Sumo hot pot stew) together with wrestlers, who have finished their daily practice. The tour includes explanations by currently-active wrestlers regarding the history and rules of Japan’s national sport, which dates back more than 1500 years. Since different sumo stables and wrestlers produce chankonabe according to different recipes, the precise flavor of the stew changes daily.  (varieties: salt/soy sauce/miso/consomme/Japanese-style etc.) Details: https://beauty-of-japan.com/tour/sumo-narutobeya/

 

The Japanese Sword Museum - alongside the Sumida River

Japanese Sword Museum Exterior and Former Yasuda Garden

A short stroll from Asakusa, along the Sumida River brings travelers to the “Former Yasuda Garden”, a Japanese-style garden perfect for enjoying the four seasons. The Japanese Sword Museum in one corner of the garden stores and displays Japanese swords. The museum highlights the precision craftsmanship and high level of skill that go into creating not only precious swords with historical value, but also related armor and accessories.

Japaense Sword Exhibition at the Museum

Visitors can also relax and have a drink while looking out over the garden, which has existed since Japan’s samurai days. Details: www.touken.or.jp/english/

 

The Sumida Hokusai Museum, Featuring the works of Renowned Ukiyo-e Artist, Katsushika Hokusai

Ukiyo-e (woodblock print) artist, Katsushika Hokusai, is a hugely influential figure in the art world. He introduced Western painters to “Japonism,” influencing Impressionist and Post-impressionist masters such as Monet, Van Gogh and Cezanne. This museum in Sumida Ward features a considerable number of his works. Hokusai spent most of his nearly 90-year life around Sumida Ward, focusing on numerous local scenes in his art. Details https://hokusai-museum.jp/english/

Pedestrian Walkway alongside the Sumida River Railway Bridge to link Asakusa and the TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN from 2020 Spring

In spring 2020, a new pedestrian overpass is scheduled to open alongside the existing railway bridge over the Sumida River. The opening is timed to coincide with the unveiling of a new multi-purpose commercial facility underneath the railway bridge. The new walkway will improve access from Senso-ji Temple to TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN, making travel and tourism around Asakusa and Oshiage all the more convenient. Details: http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/pdf/20191115_2.pdf.

 

For more information on the TOKYO SKYTREE area and to explore Tobu Railway Group destinations visit TOBU JAPAN TRIP: http://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/

TOBU Railway Company, Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railways cover the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo and lead to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and Tokyo SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for beautiful blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in numerous hotels, including the highly anticipated luxury properties: Nikko Fufu Resort and The Ritz Carlton Nikko (https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/japan/nikko, http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/pdf/20191115_1.pdf), both of which will open in 2020, in time for the Tokyo Olympics.