If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking to enjoy a relaxing half-day, the up-and-coming area of Kiyosumi Shirakawa is worth exploring.
Its popularity has grown in recent years, especially after the opening of Blue Bottle Coffee, which blends the charm of traditional shitamachi (old town) with a touch of modern culture.
The neighborhood is now filled with unique and trendy cafés, along with charming specialty shops that have caught the eye of art lovers and travelers alike.
Kiyosumi Shirakawa sits in a shitamachi district along the Sumida River. It’s easily accessible via the Hanzomon Line and Oedo Line subway routes.
While preserving the traditional feel of the Edo period, the area is also home to a number of stylish modern art galleries.
Even with just half a day, you can enjoy a variety of experiences—from modern art and cozy coffee moments to strolling through a Japanese garden and relaxing by the riverside.
Here is a half-day itinerary in Kiyosumi Shirakawa that en.japaholic.com has prepared for Japafans who want to relax in Tokyo, Japan.
1:00 PM — Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
The first recommended stop is the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, which opened in 1995.
The building itself is a stunning piece of art, designed by renowned architect Takahiko Yanagisawa. With its bold use of metal and glass, the structure showcases a strong modern architectural style.
When sunlight filters through the building, it creates shifting shadows and mesmerizing visual effects that invite visitors to linger.
Inside, the museum’s spacious layout, high ceilings, and light-filled exhibition areas truly bring out the beauty of each artwork on display.
You’ll find a wide range of art here—from video art and installations to paintings and sculptures.
The museum also regularly holds special exhibitions, so each visit offers a fresh and unique experience—one of its biggest draws.
There’s also a museum shop selling art books and a variety of original products, making it a great spot to find souvenirs.
After exploring the exhibits, you can unwind at the museum café with a cup of coffee while reflecting on the artworks you’ve just seen.
Location Info
- Name: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
- Address: 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (inside Kiba Park)
- Access:
- Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line: 9-minute walk from Exit B2, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
- Toei Oedo Line: 13-minute walk from Exit A3, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
3:00 PM — Blue Bottle Coffee, a Must-Visit Spot for Coffee Lovers
Next, head over to one of Kiyosumi Shirakawa’s most iconic cultural landmarks, “Blue Bottle Coffee”, the brand’s very first store in Japan.
This specialty coffee brand from California, USA, chose this neighborhood for its Japan debut. Since then, Shirakawa has earned a reputation as a “coffee town” that continues to attract coffee enthusiasts from all over.
The store is located in a renovated former warehouse, creating an open and airy space. Its minimalist interior, dominated by white tones, gives off a clean and elegant vibe.
Here, coffee is carefully brewed by hand using manual brewing methods. Every cup offers rich aromas and deep flavors—thanks to the meticulous attention paid to everything from bean selection to brewing technique. The result is a truly exceptional coffee experience.
You can also enjoy a variety of cakes and desserts that are thoughtfully selected to complement the coffee, making your break even more enjoyable.
Kiyosumi Shirakawa is also home to many other unique cafés and bakeries. If you have extra time, try taking a mini “coffee tour” around the area and dive deeper into its vibrant coffee culture.
Store Information
- Name: Blue Bottle Coffee — Kiyosumi Shirakawa Flagship Store
- Address: 1-4-8 Hirano, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3641-0882
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Read:
4:00 PM — Kiyosumi Garden, A Four-Season Gem in the Heart of Tokyo
For your final stop, don’t miss one of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional Japanese gardens—Kiyosumi Garden.
Designed in the Rinsen Kaiyu-shiki style (a strolling garden with ponds and forests), this garden dates back to the Edo period.
It offers the perfect escape for those seeking calm and natural beauty amid the city’s hustle and bustle.
One of the garden’s highlights is its impressive collection of ornamental stones, sourced from various regions across Japan.
These stones are arranged around a large pond, creating a scene that feels like a classic Japanese painting.
Koi fish and water birds swim peacefully through the pond, enhancing the tranquil vibe and making it easy to forget you’re still in the middle of a metropolis.
In 1979, Kiyosumi Garden was officially designated as a Tokyo Cultural Heritage Site, and it continues to be a well-preserved historical landmark.
Inside the garden, you’ll also find a traditional sukiya-zukuri style pavilion called Ryo-tei, which extends over the pond.
It’s the only building that survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II air raids—adding even more depth to the garden’s serene, old-world atmosphere.
Take a break from the noise of the city and enjoy a peaceful, refreshing moment in this timeless oasis.
Location Info
- Name: Kiyosumi Garden
- Address: 3-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Toei Oedo Line and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
Avoid the crowds and spend a relaxing half-day exploring the peaceful neighborhood of Kiyosumi Shirakawa.
Whether you’re slowly sipping coffee at the flagship Blue Bottle Coffee, soaking in creativity at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, or taking a quiet stroll through a Japanese garden surrounded by the nostalgic riverside charm of shitamachi, each stop offers a refreshing and memorable Tokyo experience.
That wraps up your half-day itinerary in Kiyosumi Shirakawa. It may be short, but it’s packed with unique and enjoyable moments that give you a different side of Japan. Give it a try!
