Top 3 Attractions in Senzokuike, Tokyo Travel
※updated on August 9 2025
Tokyo is known for its cutting-edge entertainment districts, but it also has a long-standing culture of enjoying leisure activities by the water, thanks to the many rivers flowing through the city and its location along Tokyo Bay. Among these, some people enjoy running and boating using ponds and lakes.
In Minami-Senzoku, Ota Ward, there is Senzokuike, one of the city’s most famous spring-fed ponds. Covering an area of about 4 hectares, it has long been cherished as a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
The name “Senzokuike” is said to come from a legend that Nichiren Shonin, a Buddhist priest from the Kamakura period, washed his feet in this pond.
Here, we introduce three attractions of Senzokuike.
1) Walk along the approximately 1.5 km promenade
Around the pond, there is a promenade stretching about 1.5 kilometers. On weekends, many people use this walkway for activities such as walking. Senzokuike is home to animals like carp, seagulls, and turtles, so why not take a stroll while quietly watching the wildlife? If you have time to spare, spending a leisurely moment at Senzokuike to relax and refresh yourself is also highly recommended.
2) Enjoy water activities by renting a boat
At Senzokuike, boats are available for rent. If you’re sightseeing with children, we especially recommend trying out a boat ride for some fun water activities.
There are three types of boats: swan boats shaped like swans, pedal-powered cycle boats, and mainly hand-rowed rowboats.
In the back of Senzokuike, there is a small island called Bentenjima, connected by a bridge. If you’re using a swan boat, be careful as it cannot pass under the bridge.
Paddling around while observing wild birds and aquatic animals is also a unique form of entertainment, so be sure to give it a try.
3) Experience Japanese history
Senzokuike is more than just a pond. Surrounding it are historical sites related to important figures in Japanese history. On the east side of Senzokuike lies the grave of the couple Katsu Kaishū. Katsu Kaishū was a distinguished figure active from the late Edo period to the Meiji era who helped lay the foundations of modern Tokyo. Due to his achievements, a bronze statue of him stands at the Sumida Ward Office.
Nearby the graves is the Katsu Kaishū Memorial Museum. Its façade is notable for four neo-Gothic style columns at the center, and the interior features Art Deco elements, combining Western architectural techniques into a modern design. Even just viewing the façade is worth the visit.
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