Remembering the Earthquake in a Quiet Spot in Sumida Ward — Walking through the Former Yasuda Garden and the Kanto Earthquake Memorial Tower

🏞 Remembering the Earthquake in a Quiet Spot in Sumida Ward — Walking through the Former Yasuda Garden and the Kanto Earthquake Memorial Tower

📍Former Yasuda Garden (1-12-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)

Located along the Sumida River, right next to Ryogoku Kokugikan. Just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots, you’ll find an astonishingly quiet and beautiful garden. The Former Yasuda Garden is a historic daimyo garden dating back to the Edo period and also a special place housing the Kanto Earthquake Memorial Tower within its grounds to honor the victims of the Great Kanto Earthquake.

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🌿 Features of the Garden
• Designed as a pond-strolling garden centered around the Shinji Pond, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal scenery while walking.
• Cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, and autumn leaves in fall—its changing expressions with each visit are part of its charm.
• Koi swim in the pond, and features like wisteria trellises and bridges are highlights. Admission is free, and the garden is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (closed during New Year holidays).

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🪦 The Quiet Memorial Tower — Kanto Earthquake Memorial Tower
• Located in the northeast part of the garden is the “Kanto Earthquake Victims Memorial Tower.” Built by Sumida Ward, this tower was established to console the spirits of those who lost their lives in the Great Kanto Earthquake on September 1, 1923.
• At first glance, it looks like a modern stone monument, but the inscription at its base and the flower offering stand convey its solemn significance.
• An explanatory panel is also installed nearby, allowing visitors to learn more about the earthquake and its impact.

🌸 On the day I visited, an elderly couple was quietly praying as birds chirped around. From this garden, where you can see the Tokyo Skytree across the pond, I felt grateful for the peaceful time to quietly reflect on the memory of the earthquake.

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🗺 Access and Basic Information
• 🚉Nearest Station: 5-minute walk from JR Sobu Line “Ryogoku Station” West Exit, 3-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line “Ryogoku Station” Exit A3
• ⏰Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Free Admission)
• 🏞️Address: 1-12-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
• 🚻Restrooms, vending machines, and rest benches available. Barrier-free access.
🧭 What to Combine with Nearby Spots?
• Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Museum) / Edo-Tokyo Museum (scheduled to reopen after renovation in 2025)
• Sumida Hokusai Museum and Sumida River Terrace are also within walking distance. Perfect for a cultural stroll where history and art intersect.

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