Tokyo is home to famous districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, but beyond the neon lights and vibrant shopping streets lies a quieter side of the city. Kiyosumi Shirakawa, tucked into the eastern part of Tokyo, is where tradition meets creativity. Once a warehouse and merchant area along the Sumida River, it has transformed into a hub for art galleries, artisan coffee roasters, traditional gardens, and small craft shops.
For international visitors who have already explored the big-name attractions on their first trip to Japan, this neighborhood offers something different: a slower pace, rich culture, and the chance to experience Tokyo like a local. In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Kiyosumi Shirakawa and share a 1-day itinerary that mixes coffee, art, history, and nature.
I’m Hiro, originally from Costa Rica and now living in Tokyo since my college days. I love exploring new neighborhoods on foot, discovering unique corners of the city, and spending hours in art museums and galleries. Coming from a country known for coffee, I’d like to think I have a good eye (and taste) for great cafes too. With years of living in Japan and a passion for uncovering hidden gems, I hope to give you trustworthy insights to make the most of your visit.
About Kiyosumi Shirakawa
Sumida River view
Kiyosumi Shirakawa has long been shaped by its location along the Sumida River. During the Edo period, it flourished as a merchant town and later evolved into an industrial hub, characterized by warehouses and extensive riverside shipping routes. After the war, the area remained somewhat low-profile, with quiet residential streets and functional warehouses.
In the past two decades, those same warehouses began to find new life as coffee roasteries, art galleries, and design studios. The arrival of Blue Bottle Coffee in 2015 marked the beginning of Tokyo’s “third wave coffee” boom, solidifying Kiyosumi Shirakawa as the city’s coffee capital. Today, the neighborhood blends its historic roots with a creative spirit, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both authentic culture and modern Tokyo trends.
Getting There & Around
The main gateway is Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, served by both the Hanzomon Line and the Oedo Line. From Shibuya or Shinjuku, the ride takes about 20–30 minutes with one transfer. Tokyo Station is only 15 minutes away.
From Shinjuku: Take the Oedo Line directly to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.
From Shibuya: Ride the Hanzomon Line straight through (about 25 minutes).
From Tokyo Station: Take the Hanzomon Line from Otemachi (15 minutes).
Exits matter:
Use Exit A3 for Kiyosumi Garden.
Use Exit B2 for Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT).
The neighborhood is compact and best enjoyed on foot. Most major spots are within a 10–15 minute walk from the station. Bring a good pair of shoes and enjoy wandering through alleys lined with old warehouses converted into cafes and galleries.
Things to Do in Kiyosumi Shirakawa
Coffee Culture: Tokyo’s “Coffee Town”
Kiyosumi Shirakawa has earned its reputation as Tokyo’s coffee capital, where renovated warehouses and riverside locations have been transformed into stylish cafes. Here are some of the best spots to experience its vibrant coffee scene:
1. CLANN BY THE RIVER
Located right along the Sumida River, CLANN BY THE RIVER is a stylish cafe and grill with spacious terrace seating that makes it perfect for relaxing outdoors. The atmosphere is casual yet modern, with a menu ranging from hearty burgers to soups and waffles.
Popular for its in-house craft beer and the chance to enjoy food and coffee while watching the river flow, it’s a spot I recommend for combining good flavors with a refreshing riverside view.
Signature Dishes/Drinks
• American Waffle Plate
• Kiyosumi Clam Chowder Soup Set
• Pulled Pork Burger with French Fries
Designed as a “park stand” cafe in harmony with the seasons, this relaxed dining cafe offers a bright, open interior and comfortable ambiance. Known for its well-crafted fusion menu—featuring salads, curries, and comfort plates—and its friendly daytime vibe, PARK STAND is especially popular with locals.
It’s a great stop for brunch or a light meal while exploring Kiyosumi Shirakawa thanks to its proximity (≈ 148 m from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station) and its menu that balances comfort, creativity, and cafe simplicity.
Signature Dishes/Drinks
• Tomato & Chicken Spice Curry
• Khao Man Gai
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken
A cozy, relaxed cafe just ~466 m from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, TOKAKU Coffee + is beloved for its soft lighting and intimate seating. They focus heavily on single-origin pour-overs, especially Dominican and Ethiopian beans, and their signature pudim is a two-layer dessert (firm custard over sponge soaked with coffee) that gets raves.
It’s popular for its warm staff, caring craftsmanship, and peaceful vibe — the kind of place where you can sip carefully brewed coffee and savor dessert in a calm, hidden Tokyo corner.
Housed in a renovated former timber warehouse with high ceilings and exposed beams, this cafe/roastery pairs industrial charm with a calm, creative vibe. Through floor-to-ceiling glass you can watch beans roast while sipping coffee. It’s known for New Zealand / Oceanian espresso styles (long black, flat white) and light cafe fare.
What makes it special is that you can enjoy both the craft of coffee-making and mellow ambiance in one space — perfect for relaxing and appreciating Tokyo’s coffee culture.
Signature Dishes/Drinks
• Flat White (smooth espresso + microfoam)
• Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
• Banana Bread / baked goods (served with coffee)
This is Blue Bottle’s flagship in Japan, housed in a minimalist industrial-style warehouse with high ceilings and abundant natural light. Its design includes a “C-bar” where a coffee concierge assists with bean selection and offers brewing tips, as well as counter seating that allows you to watch baristas prepare pour-overs. The cafe is known for its “seed to cup” philosophy, specializing in seasonal beans from origin through extraction.
It’s especially attractive for those who appreciate precision, aesthetics, and a quiet, refined cafe experience.
Signature Dishes/Drinks
Cafe Latte (single origin or blend)
Americano (single origin)
Seasonal Pound Cake (or loaf cake as a dessert pairing)
Located just a short walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, Dreadnought combines a cozy cafe with an independent bookstore. It’s popular for its relaxed, studious atmosphere, with power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and seating designed for reading or working. You can browse new and used books while enjoying thoughtfully prepared coffee, light meals, or treats.
Because the food is made in-house, everything feels personal and fresh. Recommended for those who want to pause their walk and linger over flavor, literature, and ambiance.
Beyond coffee, Kiyosumi Shirakawa is a hub for contemporary art and design, with both major museums and intimate galleries:
7. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT)
Opened in 1995 and renovated in 2019, MOT is one of Japan’s leading spaces for contemporary art. With over 5,700 works in its collection, it presents rotating exhibitions spanning painting, design, media, and large-scale installations.
The museum also houses an art library, cafe, and outdoor artworks.
Why Visit
Bold exhibitions featuring Japanese and international contemporary art
Spacious galleries with natural light, perfect for large installations
Relaxing extras like the art library and cafe
For Who?
Ideal for art lovers seeking Tokyo’s cutting-edge creative culture.
Price: Varies depending on the exhibition. Please check the official website for more details.
Located just a 5-minute walk from Kiyosumi Shirakawa station, ondo is a gallery and creative space run by G_graphics, housed in a renovated 60-year-old kominka (traditional house). It hosts curated exhibitions (often featuring illustrators, designers, and contemporary artists) roughly twice a month, and also houses ondo STORE, which sells art goods and products.
Why Visit
Intimate setting that fosters a connection between the visitor and artwork
Regular rotation of local illustration and design exhibits
Opportunity to browse unique art goods in the store annex
For Who? Ideal for art lovers who prefer small, thoughtfully curated exhibitions beyond major museums.
KANA KAWANISHI GALLERY, founded in 2015 and moved to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa in 2017, showcases Japanese and international contemporary artists—often through photography and visual media.
Why Visit
Regularly rotating solo and group exhibitions reflecting social themes
Architecturally thoughtful gallery spaces designed by Yuko Nagayama & Associates
Active participation in international art fairs, giving you exposure to cutting-edge works in Tokyo
For Who?
For art lovers interested in photography, conceptual visual arts, and discovering avant-garde creators in Tokyo.
Kiyosumi Shirakawa also offers places where you can immerse yourself in traditional Tokyo culture:
*Note: If you’re planning on visiting both Kiyosumi Gardens and the Fukagawa Edo Museum, be sure to visit Kiyosumi Gardens first. Then, show the Kiyosumi Gardens entrance ticket when paying for the Fukagawa Edo Museum to receive a discount.
10. Kiyosumi Gardens (Kiyosumi Teien)
A strolling-style Japanese garden first opened in 1880; Kiyosumi Gardens was developed on land once owned by Edo merchants and later remodeled by Mitsubishi founder Iwasaki Yataro. With hills, a pond, stepping-stone paths (iso-watari), islands, and over 4,200 tall trees, it’s a measured blend of water, rock, and planting.
Why Visit
Walk across stone bridges and stepping stones to shift your perspective on the water and garden.
Admire the special stones collected from around Japan and placed with care
Enjoy seasonal flowers and quiet corners—gorgeous in spring and autumn
For Who?
Perfect for travelers seeking calm, photogenic green space and a taste of classic Japanese garden design in the city.
Admission Fee:
General: 150 yen
Age 65 and over: 70 yen
(Free for elementary school children and younger, and for junior high school students who live or study in Tokyo)
Situated just steps from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, this immersive museum recreates a mid-19th-century Edo (Tokyo) street scene, complete with shops, homes, a fire lookout tower, and a canal.
Why Visit
Walk through life-size buildings you can enter and explore
Experience shifting light and sound effects that mimic the time of day and atmosphere
Volunteer guides (some English-speaking) enrich the storytelling
For Who?
Great for history buffs and culture lovers who want to step into Edo-era Tokyo and feel its everyday life.
Admission Fee:
Adults: 400 yen
Elementary, junior high, and high school students: 50 yen
For quirky, memorable shopping, Kiyosumi Shirakawa has plenty of surprises:
12. Cheese no Koe
Tokyo’s first natural cheese boutique dedicated to Hokkaido products, Cheese no Koe is run by a passionate “cheese concierge” who carefully selects and introduces each variety. The shop is popular for its creamy, pure dairy soft-serve ice cream as well as its rare artisan cheeses and blends.
It’s worth visiting not only to taste and purchase unique cheeses unavailable elsewhere in Tokyo, but also to enjoy the knowledgeable staff’s guidance — making it both delicious and educational.
Signature Products
• Over 200 varieties of natural cheeses from Hokkaido (soft, semi-hard, aged)
• Seasonal soft-serve ice cream made from leftover whey and Hokkaido milk
• Specialty cheese blends (miso-flavored, mugwort mozzarella)
This nostalgic souvenir shop wears the spirit of old Edo: run by a “chonmage”-wearing proprietor, it’s filled with quirky trinkets, candies, toys, and local specialty foods. The shop is especially known for its Fukagawa Meshi no Moto, which you can easily buy and cook later.
It also draws attention for the proprietor’s street performance and the “fun surprise” aspect — wandering through its packed shelves feels like taking a journey through Tokyo’s past.
Signature Products
• “Fukagawa Meshi no Moto” (seasoned clam rice mix)
• Edo-style toys and playful trinkets (like spinning tops and old-fashioned games)
• Quirky souvenirs such as candies, retro dagashi snacks, and small accessories
Rikashitsu is a concept store that transforms scientific glassware into lifestyle design. Founded on a legacy of laboratory equipment manufacture, it offers elegant, functional glass goods that double as decor.
Its “distillery” side crafts cold-brew coffees and aromatic waters using scientific apparatus. It’s popular for blending form and function — you can shop glassware, sip a beverage made through lab tools across the street, and see how science meets aesthetics.
Signature Products
• Lab-standard glassware (beakers, flasks, test tubes) for everyday use
• “Rikaroma” home distillers & aromatic water kits
• Heat-resistant glass drinkware like handled beakers
Here’s a realistic day plan through Kiyosumi Shirakawa, complete with walking times, entry fees, and tips from firsthand experience.
Morning
Arrive at Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. Use Exit A3 for both CLANN BY THE RIVER and PARK STAND TOKYO Kiyosumi Shirakawa.
Exit A3 at Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station
Start your day with breakfast at CLANN BY THE RIVER (10 min walk). Their clam chowder breakfast set with coffee (¥1,650) is delicious and filling, making it perfect for enjoying while taking in the riverside view.
clam chowder breakfast set with coffee
If you’d like a more casual option, PARK STAND TOKYO Kiyosumi Shirakawa (3 min walk from the station) offers a bright, relaxed space with dishes like tomato & chicken spice curry or buttermilk fried chicken.
Walk 8 min to Kiyosumi Gardens, a beautifully designed Japanese stroll garden. Entry is just ¥150 for adults, an incredible value for its ponds, stepping stones, and seasonal scenery. Plan for about 45–60 minutes here.
Midday
On your way from the garden to the museum, stop by Edo-Miyageya Takahashi (5 min walk). This quirky shop is packed with Edo-style souvenirs, toys, and the famous Fukagawa Meshi no Moto (clam rice mix).
Continue 3 min to the Fukagawa Edo Museum. Admission is usually ¥400, but if you show your Kiyosumi Garden ticket, you get a discount (¥300). Inside, you’ll walk through a recreated Edo-period townscape with shops, homes, and seasonal effects. Allow about 45–60 minutes.
For lunch, walk 9 min to Dreadnought Books & Cafe. Their keema curry lunch set with coffee (¥1,700) is highly recommended. Note: if you want to read a book while at the cafe, you’ll need to purchase the book first. Expect to stay 45–60 minutes.
keema curry lunch set with coffee.
Afternoon
Pass by Fukutomigawa Park when heading to MOT
Walk 10 min to the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT). Visiting all exhibitions can take 1.5–2 hours, and if you see everything, expect to pay around ¥3,000. The Cafe & Lounge Sandwich Upstairs, located within the museum, is also a good spot for a coffee or a sweet break.
After the museum, continue to either ondo gallery (16 min walk) or KANA KAWANISHI GALLERY (10 min walk). Be sure to check their websites in advance, as exhibitions rotate and galleries may be closed on certain days. If both are closed, there are still many other small galleries in the neighborhood.
Alternative Afternoon Option
Not so into art, or no exhibition catches your eye? Head south to explore unique shops like Cheese no Koe (specialty Hokkaido cheeses) and Rikashitsu (scientific glassware turned lifestyle goods). The cafe right next to Rikashitsu is also very popular, so this makes a great swap for an art-free afternoon.
Evening
You can dine in Kiyosumi Shirakawa itself, as there are plenty of small restaurants and cafes near the station. But if you want to extend your day, I recommend hopping on the train:
Tsukishima (about 5 min by Oedo Line): Famous for Monjayaki, a savory pan-fried dish that’s a true Tokyo specialty. A must-try if you haven’t had it before.
Kinshicho (about 6 min by Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line): A lively neighborhood with excellent ramen, yakitori, and casual izakaya streets.
Both areas make excellent evening destinations, rounding off your day with hearty, local flavors.
*Alternative Half-Day Option: If you only have a few hours, combine coffee + Kiyosumi Garden + one museum, then enjoy lunch and visit one or two shops before leaving.
Practical Tips for Visiting Kiyosumi Shirakawa
Best Seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms at Kiyosumi Garden) and autumn (maple leaves). Summer mornings and winter afternoons are also pleasant.
Weekdays vs Weekends: Weekdays are quieter. Cafes can get crowded on weekends.
Budget: Expect to spend around ¥5,000–¥7,000 for food, drinks, and entrance fees in one day.
Tickets: MOT (~¥500–¥1,200 per exhibition), Fukagawa Edo Museum (~¥400), Kiyosumi Garden (~¥150).
Best Time to Visit: Many cafés here are extremely popular, and lines can form quickly—especially at Blue Bottle Coffee and Allpress Espresso. If you want to avoid waiting, go in the early morning. On the other hand, most galleries open only in the afternoon, so plan your schedule carefully to balance both.
Check Hours in Advance: Always confirm the opening days and hours on the official websites of cafés and galleries. Many of them close on specific weekdays, and hours can change depending on events or exhibitions.
Transportation: The area is best explored on foot, but note that it’s spread out. Wear comfortable shoes and expect plenty of walking between cafés, museums, and shops.
Cash & Cards: While most major cafés and museums accept cards, smaller shops (like Edo-Miyageya Takahashi) may be cash only, so it’s wise to carry some yen.
FAQs
Is Kiyosumi Shirakawa suitable for families with children?
Kiyosumi Shirakawa can be enjoyable for families with children. Kiyosumi Garden offers open spaces and interesting paths for kids to explore. The Fukagawa Edo Museum is particularly engaging for children, offering interactive recreations of life in the Edo period. Some cafes are child-friendly, although it’s always a good idea to check in advance for specific amenities, such as high chairs. It’s a quieter neighborhood, making it less overwhelming than busier Tokyo districts.
What if it rains?
Focus on indoor attractions: MOT, Fukagawa Edo Museum, and cafes. Distances between most of the major attractions are within a 10-minute walk.
Souvenirs?
Kiyosumi Shirakawa is an excellent place to find unique and authentic souvenirs. Look for locally roasted coffee beans from one of the many specialty cafes, often available in beautifully designed packaging. Also, the aforementioned “Cheese no Koe”, “Edo-Miyageya Takahashi”, and “Rikashitsu” are all unique shops where you can find something you won’t find elsewhere.
Kiyosumi Shirakawa is a refreshing change of pace from Tokyo’s more hectic districts. With its mix of art museums, traditional gardens, third-wave coffee, and local food, it is an excellent neighborhood for repeat visitors who want to explore beyond the obvious.
Whether you follow our 1-day itinerary in Kiyosumi Shirakawa or craft your own, you’ll discover why this hidden gem is becoming one of Tokyo’s most beloved local destinations.
For more related articles, be sure to check out the following links as well!
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world.
Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip.
And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit.
Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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