Page 19 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Tokyo

Sumida River ❮❮ 17

RIVER FIREWORKS
Since 1732, the Sumida
River around Asakusa
has hosted spectacular
firework displays. On
the last Saturday in July,
tens of thousands of
pyrotechnical wonders
illuminate the night sky
Eitai Bridge
6 between the Sakura and
Umaya bridges as
Convicts were once loaded onto boats
from this bridge (above) and shipped off to firework manufacturers
strive to outdo each
Japan’s penal colo nies. It offers other. Arrive very early
sweeping scenic river views. to secure prime view
spots (or book a cruise
on a boat), as the
festival attracts around
one million spectators.
Umaya Bridge
9
This imposing
steel structure is named
after the shogun’s horse
stables, once located
west of the bridge. Bas-
relief horses appear on
the ornamental pillars.

Basho Inari
Hama Rikyu
7 8
Shrine and
Garden
Statue Features of the origi nal
Dedicated to the haiku garden can be seen in
poet Matsuo Basho the tidal pond, in islets
(1644–94), this shrine linked by wooden
leads to an elevated bridges, and in a tea
garden with a seated pavilion. The pond is
statue of him. home to saltwater fish.
NEED TO KNOW Shrine to the Basho
Asakusa Pier: MAP R2 Memorial Museum,
Hama Rikyu Pier: MAP N6 a research center with
manuscripts, calligraphy,
• The best way to see the and illustrations of
river highlights is to take scenes from his life.
Tokyo Skytree
a water bus (see p120) 0
between Asakusa and • Next to Ryogoku The world’s tallest
Hama Rikyu Garden, or a JR station, Popeye Bar free-standing tower has
little farther on to Odaiba is an excellent place to observation decks at
Island. Enthusiasts of the stop for German- and two levels, along with
poet Basho can stroll just Japanese-style snacks a restaurant. It dazzles
north of the Basho Inari and craft beer. most when illuminated
at night (above).

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