Asakusa and the Sumida River
About the Asakusa and the Sumida River Camera
This camera looks over the Sumida River at Asakusa in Taito ward. The river is the organising feature of this part of Tokyo, and the frame takes in the water, the bridges and the east bank beyond it.
The Sumida was the working artery of Edo. Goods moved by boat rather than road, and Asakusa grew on this bank as the entertainment and market district serving that traffic. Water buses still run the route down to Hamarikyu and Odaiba, so the river has never entirely stopped being a transport corridor.
Across the water the view is dominated by Tokyo Skytree, and the contrast is the point of this angle: a 634-metre tower directly behind a low-rise district that has kept its Edo-period street pattern. The riverside cherry trees draw crowds for a short window in early April, and the Sumida River Fireworks in late July is one of the largest in Tokyo.
Highlights & Nearby
- •Watch for: river traffic and water buses, the bridges, Tokyo Skytree across the water
- •Nearby: Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-dori, Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Park
- •Note: cherry blossom along the banks in early April; the Sumida River Fireworks in late July
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Asakusa Sumida River camera live?
Yes. The Sumida River at Asakusa in Taito ward, Tokyo streams live 24 hours a day.
What can I see on this camera?
The Sumida River and its boat traffic, the bridges crossing it, and Tokyo Skytree on the east bank.
Why is the river important to Asakusa?
The Sumida was the main transport artery of Edo. Goods moved by boat, and Asakusa developed on this bank as the district serving that traffic.
When are the busiest times?
Cherry blossom along the banks in early April, and the Sumida River Fireworks in late July, which is one of the largest displays in Tokyo.
