Tokyo Shitamachi Tour: Visit the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa on Foot (Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple and Imado Shrine)

The Azumabashi Bridge (Taito, Tokyo) Tokyo Shitamachi Tours
The Azumabashi Bridge (Taito, Tokyo)

Our “Tokyo Shitamachi Tour” category recommends where to visit for sightseeing in Tokyo’s Shitamachi area (the area along and east of the Sumida River). We select a different theme each time and propose a model course of casual self-guided tours.

If you plan to visit Tokyo, the Tokyo Shitamachi Tour is exactly for you. It will help you to find where to go in the Shitamachi area of Tokyo.

The theme this time is “Visit the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa on foot.” The Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa refer to the Seven Lucky Gods at nine shrines and temples in the Asakusa area of Tokyo.

On this Tokyo Shitamachi Tour, we will walk from Asakusa Station to Imado Shrine through Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple. Both are members of the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa.

We also included Sumida River Terrace in the course to enjoy the view of the Sumida River. Sumida River Terrace is a sidewalk for pedestrians only, so you can stroll along the Sumida River safely and casually.

This time, the estimated time for us to walk is about 1 hour. It may take less time for some people.

In this blog post, I will cover the route from Asakusa Station to Imado Shrine and its highlights. Please use this blog post as a reference for your self-guided tour.

We hope this blog post will help you somewhat when you visit Tokyo for sightseeing. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us through the contact form.

This blog post is also available in Japanese. You can refer to it at the following link:

Tour Overview

This self-guided tour features Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple and Imado Shrine in Taito Ward of Tokyo. Both sites are about 15 minutes away from Sensoji Temple. So you can walk to them before or after visiting Sensoji Temple.

Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple is a subordinate temple of Sensoji Temple. A worshipper offers daikon radish to the principal image of this temple when praying. Also, this temple is famous for its secret Buddhist prayer called Yokuyu-Kito.

Imado Shrine is a very famous matchmaking shrine. And people believe that Nami, a white cat of this Shinto shrine, will bring you good fortune if you see her on the premises.

We will stop by the following places along the way:

  • Sumida River Terrace
  • Observatory Square at Sumida Park
  • Sanyabori Park
  • The Sakurabashi Bridge
  • Washington Sakura

If you want to know more about the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa, please refer to the following blog post:

Recommended For

This self-guided tour is ideal if any of the following hits you:

  • I want to visit sites other than Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa area;
  • I want to walk along the Sumida River;
  • I am interested in the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa and/or the Eight Lucky Gods of Shitamachi;
  • etc.

Duration

  • Duration: Appoximately 1 hour

Departure & Return

  • Departure point: The Central Exit of Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)
  • Return point: The Central Exit of Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)

Itinerary

  1. Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)
  2. The Azumabashi Bridge
  3. Sumida River Terrace #1
    • Sumida River Walk
    • Observatory Square at Sumida Park
    • Sukeroku-Yume-Dori Street
  4. Kototoibashi Nishi Intersection
  5. Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple
  6. Matsuchiyama Park
  7. Sanyabori Park
  8. Imado Shrine
  9. Taito Riverside Sports Center
  10. Sumida River Terrace #2
    • The Sakurabashi Bridge
    • Washington Sakura
    • The Azumabashi Bridge
  11. Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)

Restrooms

  • Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)
  • The Azumabashi Bridge (behind the Tokyo Cruise Ship building)
  • Tully’s Coffee
  • The Observatory Square at Sumida Park
  • Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple
  • Matsuchiyama Park
  • Taito Riverside Sport Center
  • etc.

Tour Details

Route Details

Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)

Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaku Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)

The depature point for this time is the Central Exit of Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line.)

This exit is connected by an underground passage from Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line and Asakusa Line. So, you can also come to this exist by Ginza Line or Asakusa Line.

Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaku Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)

Go forward-left with Asakusa Station behind you to go to the Azumabashi Bridge, our next stop. Then cross the pedestrian crossing and pass by the police box. The Azumabashi Bridge is about a minute away from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line.

Note: The Nearby Bus Stop of Megurin Bus
Asakusa Station Stop of Megurin Bus (Taito, Tokyo)

For reference, there are bus stops of Megurin Bus on the right side facing the Central Exit of Asakusa station. Megurin Bus is a community bus service by Taito Ward. The fee is reasonable as it’s only 100 yen per ride.

If you want to visit Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple by bus, take Megurin Norh Route (Asakusa) here. The temple is two stops away. Please be careful Megurin East-West Route also stops this bus stop, by the way.

For more details about Megurin Bus, please refer to the following blog post:

The Azumabashi Bridge

The Azumabashi Bridge (Taito, Tokyo)

From Azumabashi, you can see Tokyo Skytree and the headquarters building of Asahi Breweries. This location is one of the best spots to take pictures in the Asakusa area.

Sumida River Terrace #1

The Azumabashi Bridge (Taito, Tokyo)

Take the stairs next to the Azumabashi Bridge down to Sumida River Terrace. Sumida River Terrace is a paved, flat, and pedestrian-only promenade; it’s easy to walk for everyone.

The Azumabashi Bridge (Taito, Tokyo)
The Headquarters Building of Asahi Breweries
The Sumida River (Taito, Tokyo)

While walking along the Sumida River toward the North, pay attention to the headquarters building of Asahi Breweries. You can see Tokyo Skytree reflected in this building.

Sumida River Walk
Sumida River Walk (Taito, Tokyo)

If you walk along the Sumida River for about one minute from the Azumabashi Bridge, you will see Sumida River Walk. Sumida River Walk is a pedestrian-only bridge that runs under the tracks of the Tobu Isesaki Line. You can walk to Tokyo Skytree through this bridge.

Observatory Square at Sumida Park
Sumida River Terrace (Taito, Tokyo)

If you walk for another 3 minutes from Sumida River Walk, you will see stairs in front of the Kototoi Bridge. Then climb up the stairs.

The Observatory Square at Sumida Park (Taito, Tokyo)

If you climb down the stairs next to Tully’s Coffee, you will get to Observatory Square at Sumida Park. This site is another good spot to take pictures of Tokyo Skutree.

For reference, there is a restroom at Tully’s Coffee, and there is another one on the north side of Observatory Square.

Sukeroku-Yume-Dori Street
Sukeroku-Yume-Dori Street (Taito, Tokyo)

Sukeroku-Yume-Dori Street is a side street of Sumida Park. It connects the Azumabashi Bridge and the Kototoibashi Bridge.

Sukeroku comes from HANAKAWADO Sukeroku (Sukeroku of Hanakawado), the main character in the Kabuki play “Sukeroku Yukari no Edozakura (The Flower of Edo).” Hanakawado is the name of this area.

Along Sukeroku-Yume-Dori Street, you can enjoy hydrangeas in addition to Sakura. If you visit this street during the rainy season in Japan, which is from May to July, colorful hydrangeas will welcome you.

Kototoibashi Nishi Intersection

Kototoibashi Nishi Intersection (Taito, Tokyo)

If you walk for less than five minutes from Observatory Square, you will get to Kototoibashi Nishi Intersection. This five-forked intersection is on the west side of the Kototoibashi Bridge. The landmark here is a red sign that says “Haruta’s shoes.”

The Kototoibashi Bridge (Taito, Tokyo)
Shodencho Police Box (Taito, Tokyo)

There is a police box named Shodencho Police Box in front of the Haruta Building. Take the street on the right of the police box. Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple is about 2 minutes away.

Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple

Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple (Taito, Tokyo)

Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple is a subordinate temple of Sensoji Temple. While the principal image of Sensoji Temple is Sho-Kannon Bosatsu (Holy Kannon Bosatsu), Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple has Daisho Kangiten as its principal image.

Kannon Bosatsu, the Goddess of Compassion, changes into various forms to listen to our sufferings and wishes. Sho-Kannon Bosatsu is her original form. And Daisho Kangiten is one of the transformed forms of her.

For more information about Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple, please refer to the following blog post:

Mt. Matsuchiyama
Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple (Taito, Tokyo)

Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple is built on the top of Mt. Matsuchiyama. The altitude of this moutain is only 10 meters; Mt. Matsuchiyama is the lowest mountain in Tokyo.

According to Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple, Mt. Matsuchiyama was formed overnight in 535. At that time, a golden dragon appeared to guard this mountain.

Daikon Radishes
Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple (Taito, Tokyo)

One interesting of Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple is that prayers offer a Daikon radish when worshipping. You can purchase a daikon radish at the temple office for 200 Yen. You also can bring your daikon radish to offer.

Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple (Taito, Tokyo)
Note: The Nearby Bus Stop of Megurin Bus
Sumida Park Stop of Megurin Bus (Taito, Tokyo)

There is a bus stop of Megurin Bus in front of Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple. It’s Sumida Park stop of Megurin North Route (Asakusa). If you take Megurin Bus at Asakusa Station, get off the bus here.

Matsuchiyama Shoden Park

A Monument of IKENAMI Shotaro (Taito, Tokyo)

Matsuchiyama Shoden Park is located to the left of Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple. There is a monument of IKENAMI Shotaro, a Japanese writer of historical novels in the 20th century. According to the monument, he was born and raised in this neighborhood.

For reference, there is a restroom at this park in addition to one at Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple.

Sanyabori Park

Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple (Taito, Tokyo)

Now let’s walk along the street on the right side of Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple. If you walk for one minute or so, you will get to Sanyabori Park.

The Imadobashi Bridge and Sanyabori Park (Taito, Tokyo)

A long time ago, there was a waterway called Sanyabori from the Sumida River to Minowa. Sanyabori Park was built on the reclaimed land of the waterway.

Shin-Yoshiwara (AKA. Yoshiwara Yukaku), the biggest legal red-light district in Japan, was in the middle of Sanyabori Waterway. In the Edo period, sophisticated people visited Shin-Yoshiwara by taking a small boat through this waterway.

For more information about Shin-Yoshiwara, please refer to the following blog post:

Imado Dolls
Sanyabori Park (Taito, Tokyo)

Imado is the neighborhood of Sanyabori Park. And Imado Dolls are folk toys produced in the Imado area in the past. During the Edo period, Imado dolls were very popular among commoners.

Sanyabori Park features Imado dolls here and there. You even can take pictures of Tokyo Skytree with Imado dolls.

For reference, prayers offer an Imado doll when worshipping at Hikan Inari Shrine. Hikan Inari Shrine is in the precincts of Asakusa Shrine next to Sensoji Temple. It would be a good idea to visit Hikan Inari Shrine after this Tokyo Shitamachi Tour.

For more information about Hikan Inari Shrine, please refer to the following blog post:

Imado Shrine

Imado Shrine (Taito, Tokyo)

If you walk north on the street in front of Sanyabori Park, the street will split in two. Here, take the left path to go to Imado Shrine.

Imado Shrine enshrines Izanagi and Izanami, the god couple who procreated many gods and the land of Japan. One of their divine virtues is matchmaking. Therefore, Imado Shrine is famous as a matchmaking shrine.

For more information about Imado Shrine, please refer to the following blog post:

Note: The Nearby Bus Stop of Megurin Bus
Riverside Sports Center Mae Stop of Megurin Bus (Taito, Tokyo)

There is a bus stop of Megurin Bus between Sanyabori Park and Imado Shrine. It’s Riverside Sports Center Mae stop of Megurin North Route (Asakusa). If you take Megurin Bus at Asakusa Station, get off the bus here.

Taito Riverside Sports Center

Imado Shrine-Mae Crossing (Taito, Tokyo)

After crossing the street in front of Imado Shrine, there is an alley on your left. Take that alley to go to Taito Riverside Sports Center first.

Taito Riverside Sports Center (Taito, Tokyo)
Taito Riverside Sports Center (Taito, Tokyo)

The Sakurabashi Bridge, which is our next destination, is on the other side of this sports center.

If you get into the precincts of Taito Riverside Sports Center, you will see a path between the baseball ground and the tennis coat. Take that path to go to the Sumida River.

For reference, there is a restroom in front of the baseball ground.

Note: The Nearby Bus Stop of Megurin Bus
Riverside Sports Center Mae Stop of Megurin North-South Route (Taito, Tokyo)

If you want to return to Asakusa by bus, find the following bus stops in front of Taito Riverside Sports Center. They are in the same place.

  • Riverside Sports Center Mae Stop of Megurin North-South Route
  • Riverside Sports Center Mae Stop of Toei Bus (東 42 乙/Higashi 42 Otsu)

You can take any of them to go to Asakusa Station and/or Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji Temple. Our recommendation is Megurin Bus because the fee is only 100 Yen per ride.

Sumida River Terrace #2

Sumida River Terrace (Taito, Tokyo)
The Sakurabashi Bridge
The Sakurabashi Bridge (Taito, Tokyo)

The Sakurabshi Bridge is an X-shaped and pedestrian-only bridge over the Sumida River. This bridge is a famous filming location for movies and TV dramas.

The Sakurabashi Bridge (Taito, Tokyo)

When you visit the Sakurabashi Bridge, you should take some pictures of Tokyo Skytree. The unusual shape of the bridge makes your pictures interesting.

Washington Sakura (Cherry Trees from Washington DC)
Washington Sakura (Taito, Tokyo)

Between the Sakurabashi Bridge and Taito Riverside Sports Center, you can find cherry trees, called Washington Sakura, planted. Washington D.C. sent these cherry trees to commemorate the completion of the Sakurabashi Bridge.

In the early 19th century, First Lady Taft of the United States visited Tokyo and she was fascinated by the cherry blossoms of Mukojima. Mukojima is on the other side of the Sakurabashi Bridge.

With the initiative of American travel writer Eliza Scidmore and the support of the First Lady, Tokyo sent cherry trees to Washington D.C.

The Azumabashi Bridge
Sumida River Terrace (Taito, Tokyo)

Let’s walk along Sumida River Terrace from the Sakurabashi Bridge to the Azumabashi Bridge. It’s a paved, flat, and pedestrian-only promenade; it should be easy to walk. Also, there are benches here and there, so take a break once in a while.

Sumida River Terrace (Taito, Tokyo)

Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)

Asakusa Station on the Tobu Isesaku Line (AKA. the Tobu Skytree Line)

The Tokyo Shitamachi Tour ends at Asakusa Station, this time. You did a great job!

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