River Cruise + Hamarikyu + Nezu
Rain clearing — get back outside for gardens and water
Day 4 Locations
Itinerary
- 7:00 AM Morning Walk — Sumida Park
Rain should be lighter today. Cherry blossoms with wet petals on the ground — beautiful in its own way.
- 9:00 AM Sumida River Cruise
Board at Asakusa Pier (5 min walk). ~35 min to Hamarikyu Gardens. Sit back, watch the bridges and skyline. Garden admission included in fare. You're covered on the boat.
- 9:45 AM Hamarikyu Gardens
Edo-era tidal garden. Get matcha at the teahouse on the pond — one of the most peaceful spots in Tokyo. Cherry blossoms. Gardens are gorgeous after rain.
- 11:30 AM Tsukiji Outer Market
15 min walk from Hamarikyu. Graze through stalls — tamagoyaki, fresh sashimi, grilled seafood on sticks. This is lunch.
- 1:00 PM Metro to Nezu
Ginza Line from Tsukiji area to Nezu. ~20 min.
- 1:30 PM Nezu Shrine
Built 1706. Tunnel of vermillion torii gates along the hillside. Azalea garden may be starting to bloom. Free. Torii gates glow in wet weather.
- 2:30 PM Nezu Museum
Pre-modern Asian art in stunning Kengo Kuma building. The garden is the real star — winding paths, stone lanterns, bamboo. Budget 1.5 hours.
- 4:00 PM Ginza Stroll
Metro from Omotesando to Ginza. Window shop the main boulevard (Chuo-dori). Sony showroom if curious.
- 5:00 PM Sento — Misuji-yu
Traditional neighborhood sento near the hotel. Very local.
- 7:00 PM Dinner — Mont Blanc Azumabashi
Japanese-Western near hotel. Or explore Asakusa side streets.
Tips
- Weather clearing — great day to get back outside
- River cruise is a great no-walking way to see the city
- Gardens after rain are extra beautiful — the greens pop
- Nezu Museum garden is as good as the art — don't skip it
- Nezu Shrine torii gates rival Fushimi Inari without the crowds