Top 3 Attractions in Kiyosumi Shirakawa, Tokyo Travel
※updated on July 23 2025
Just a 7-minute train ride from Otemachi in central Tokyo lies Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, a peaceful and relaxed neighborhood that feels far removed from the city's hustle and bustle. Centered around the beautiful Kiyosumi Garden—one of Tokyo’s most popular traditional gardens—the area is known for its quiet charm, scenic canals, and growing number of third-wave coffee shops.
Here, the historic streetscape blends seamlessly with modern cafés and art galleries, attracting not only locals but also creatives and writers seeking a calm space to focus. In recent years, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa has gained recognition as Tokyo’s “coffee town,” drawing visitors who appreciate both craftsmanship and calm.
It’s an ideal area for a slow, thoughtful stroll where history and modern culture coexist.
In this article, we’ll introduce three must-visit spots in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.
1) Kiyosumi Garden: A Serene Japanese Oasis
Kiyosumi Garden, located in Tokyo’s Koto Ward, is a historic daimyo (feudal lord) garden that first opened to the public in 1906. Designed in the traditional kaiyū-shiki (strolling-style) layout, the garden features a central pond, artificial hills, and dry landscape (kare-sansui) elements, all beautifully accented with famous stones gathered from across Japan.
Covering approximately 76,000 square meters, the garden offers scenic walking paths, a waterfall fed by water from the Nihonbashi River, and seasonal highlights such as cherry blossoms in spring and vivid foliage in autumn. The contrast between the colorful leaves and moss-covered grounds in fall creates a truly memorable view.
A popular highlight among international visitors is the teahouse, where you can enjoy a tranquil matcha experience while surrounded by the quiet elegance of a traditional Japanese garden.
Easily accessible—just a 5-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on the Hanzomon or Toei Oedo Line—Kiyosumi Garden is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city, perfect for those seeking calm and cultural beauty.
📍 Address: 3-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku
🕒 Opening hours: 9:00~17:00
🎟️ Price: 150 JPY
🚉 Access: 3 minute from Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station
2) Kiyosu Bridge: An Elegant Historical Suspension Bridge
Just a 5-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, Kiyosu Bridge is a striking steel suspension bridge that gracefully spans the Sumida River, connecting the Nihonbashi-Nakasu district of Chuo Ward with Kiyosumi in Koto Ward. Completed in 1928, the bridge was part of Tokyo’s major reconstruction efforts following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
Its elegant, curved design was inspired by the Hindenburg Bridge in Cologne, Germany, and it employs a rare self-anchored suspension system—an innovative engineering feat at the time. In 2007, Kiyosu Bridge was officially designated a National Important Cultural Property, recognized for both its historical and structural significance.
Just past the nearby Mannenbashi Bridge is a scenic spot known as the “View of Cologne,” said to offer the most picturesque view of Kiyosu Bridge, especially when framed by the city’s skyline.
After visiting Kiyosumi Garden, take a relaxing stroll to this iconic bridge and admire its graceful lines and rich history—one of Tokyo’s lesser-known but truly captivating landmarks.
3) Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT): A Hub for Creative Expression
Located within Kiba Park in Tokyo’s Koto Ward, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT) has been a central hub for modern and contemporary art since its opening in 1995. The museum boasts a collection of around 6,000 works, ranging from painting and sculpture to design, architecture, and fashion. Throughout the year, it hosts a variety of special exhibitions and permanent displays that appeal to both casual visitors and devoted art lovers.
Following a major renovation in 2019, the museum now features a redesigned courtyard and a warm, inviting underground promenade, with interiors accented by wood and cork for a natural, welcoming atmosphere. The on-site art library, housing over 280,000 volumes, is open to the public and serves as a valuable resource for research and inspiration.
MOT is also known for its educational programs, including workshops and lectures, making contemporary art more accessible to all. Conveniently located just a 9-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tokyo’s vibrant and ever-evolving art scene.
📍 Address: 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku
🕒 Opening hours: 10:00~18:00
🎟️ Price: varies by exhibitions
🚉 Access: 9 minute from Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station
An area where history and modern culture blend quietly and harmoniously. If you're looking to explore Tokyo at a slower pace and in a more peaceful atmosphere, be sure to visit the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa neighborhood.
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