Touring Tokyo at Night: Winter in Tokyo

Winters spent in Tokyo can be some of the most memorable moments for the tourist.   Even for us long term staycationist and long-term tourist, the charm of Tokyo never seems to die off.   We still love visiting are old favorites, like Asakusa Temple and we still love the smell of sweet potatoes wafting through the chilly night air.    We quaff our beers, especially the minus zero black stouts on tap kind.   There are very few rules to live by in Tokyo’s gastronome.    The rules are invented and broken here, and then reinvented again.   Who says you can't drink a minus zero black stout from a tap in winter?   

After about 3 cold ones we headed out to a scenic spot along the Sumida River to take in the singular view of Tokyo’s newly erected Tower of Babylon.  That behemoth  Tokyo Skytree that seems to look like every other tower.     If you get a little cold then there’s a Tully’s  50 meters away from you in Sumida Park.    Watch the tower light-up in red and blue and get swept away by its allure.   It’s beautiful.  

If you are coming from Kanagawa Prefecture the best way to reach this area is via cruise boat from Hamamatsucho Station.   JR Keihin Tohoku will get you there in about 38 minutes if you are coming from Yokohama Station, I do not remember how much I paid, but I am guessing it’s around 380 yen.   From the Hamamatsucho Station you can walk to the Hamamatsu boat terminal.   There are plenty of signs to guide you along the way, so I don’t think you’ll get lost.   There are a few boats you can choose from and they all allow you excellent views of the river.   

Sumida River Cruise

Sumida River has its own vibrancy and culture, or its own personality so to speak.   I have never seen Tsukiji Fish Market from the river before.    They start business at 4am and close up shop at around noon.   I like how you can see five star hotels collage into the skyline alongside Tsukiji Market.   This port is the life blood of Tokyo.  Without Tsukiji Tokyo would not exist.   The very first bowls of ramen ever made in Tokyo were  made from fish broth sourced from this port.   

Tsukiji Fish Market

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa speaks for itself.  No need for historical intros, just know that it is an amazing piece of architectural history and that no trip to Tokyo would be complete without visiting it.  The night scenery is gorgeous as well as the daytime view.  I love the little stalls and what they sell.  The aroma of sweet beans and incense is what defines the experience of being in a place that represents so much of Tokyo’s appeal.