Edogawa

Edogawa is the easternmost of Tokyo’s 23 wards and gets its name from the Edo River, which runs along its eastern border. The area is bountiful in downtown Tokyo charm, waterways, and lush parks, making it an exceptional place to visit in the summertime. Explore Arakawa and Kyunaka Rivers to the west, Edo River to the east, centrally located Shinnaka River, and Tokyo Bay to the north, and try your hand at water sports like jet-skiing or canoeing. Stroll along the green spaces that line the waterways and enjoy the fresh air. The riverbanks provide a perfect summertime view to watch the Edogawa Fireworks Festival. Dress traditionally in a yukata, lay out a picnic sheet, enjoy some festival food, chat with the locals, and then watch the beautiful display.

The ward’s lovely parks, including Kasai Rinkai Park, Gyosen Park, and Nagisa Park, provide perfect getaways from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo. Kasai Rinkai Park is an especially beautiful spot that overlooks Tokyo Bay and has both grass and beachside areas. Bring a barbeque set or rent one, and cook in the expansive park for an unforgettable picnic. The park is also home to the Diamond and Flower ferris wheel, which is Japan’s tallest ferris wheel at 117 meters! During the 17-minute ride, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Disneyland! During the springtime, the park is also a popular place to view cherry blossoms.

While near Tokyo Bay, check out Tokyo Sea Life Park, which is one of the country’s most unique aquariums, boasting aquatic life from around the world with exhibits that are both impressive and informative. Another celebration of aquatic life is the Edogawa Goldfish Festival. This festival, which pays homage to the region’s goldfish breeding history, takes place in late July and is most popular for its kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping) event, in which participants stand around a shallow pool with a paper scooper, called a poi, and try to catch as many fish as possible without tearing the net. After catching your new pets, be sure to try the traditional festival food and drinks! For additional educational activities, visit the Tokyo Metro Museum, which tells the history of the Tokyo metro through videos, models, simulators, and demonstrations.

A hidden gem of the area is Zenyō-ji, which is a Buddhist temple that is home to Yogo no Matsu, an over 600 year old pine tree! Do not miss walking through the tranquil temple grounds.

From its lush parks, rivers, and seaside views to its renowned aquarium and festivals, Edogawa Ward has activities and destinations for everyone.