Attractions in Sumida-Ku (Tokyo)

Ekoin Temple

This temple was built as a memorial to unknown victims of the great fire of 1657. It is associated with sumo, as bouts were held on the grounds here during the Edo period. Over the years the temple has become known for its memorial to missing pets and also for people who have died in various calamities. The nickname of Ekoin is "Rat Boy's Shrine," a reference to a legendary Japanese hero who helped the unfortunate and needy.

Chomei-ji Temple

A grateful shogun, Iemitsu Tokugawa, renamed this temple—previously called Josen-ji—to mean "Long Life Temple." The story is that one day he fell ill during a falcon hunt (a favorite pass time of shoguns.) He was brought to the temple and was offered spring water by the abbot. After the shogun drank, he soon revived. The temple then became widely known, and was a favorite venue for poets who composed the Japanese verse "haiku". It has even been referred to as Haikudera.

Tamonji Temple

Tamonji Temple is the temple of the deity Tamon, whose role is to thwart evil and protect the first six 'good luck deities'. The temple is noted for a lovely landscaped garden and is believed to be the only one still in existence with a gate topped by traditional thatching.

Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens

If you think Tokyo is only a bustling city, crowded with people and cars, you're wrong! There are green spaces that will transport you back in time and one such place is the Mukojima-Hyakkaen gardens. They date back to the Edo period. Everything here is well-maintained but you're in for a surprise! It's not grand but it has all wild flowers you'd ever imagine. Hyakkaen means ‘garden covered with all sorts of flowers in four seasons”. So be it summer, winter or spring, you'll never be disappointed. The garden is closed during New year's holidays.