Kiyosumi Shirakawa: Tokyo’s Hub of History and Culture 🏙️🍢
Explore the Unique Coffee and Art in This Serene Corner of the City 🛒🎨
Kiyosumi Shirakawa (清澄白河), located in the historic Fukagawa (深川) area in eastern Tokyo, was once home to merchants and working-class specialists during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Known as “Low Town” for its low ground level and large lower-class population, the district has managed to preserve its original charms, now hosting art spaces, coffee cafes, and cycling pathways.
Explore the Town’s Cafes ☕
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Tokyo’s “Coffee Town,” is known for its growing coffee scene. Blue Bottle Coffee, a popular spot for coffee lovers, is a California-based coffee retailer offering both Western-style espresso and Japanese siphon coffee. Nearby, ARiSE Coffee Entangle provides an authentic Japanese coffee experience. From New Zealand, Allpress Espresso opened its first store in Kiyosumi Shirakawa in 2013. Iki Espresso offers distinctive New Zealand flavors with a brunch menu and Japanese adaptations. Another popular destination, Fukadaso Cafe, renovated from an old apartment building, gets crowded, so it’s best to come early or be prepared to wait.
Kiyosumi Garden 🌿
Just minutes from the Kiyosumi Shirakawa station, Kiyosumi Garden offers seasonal foliage in a traditional landscape garden. Originally built for an Edo-era feudal lord, it features a large central lake with iso-watari stepping stones, turtles, fish, and a ryōtei (料亭) restaurant floating above the lake, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Museum of Contemporary Art 🎨
- Address: 4 Chome-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0022, Japan
- Google Maps
- The Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art, situated in Kiba Park, reopened in 2019 after renovations. It showcases paintings, sculptures, fashion, designs, and architectural works from 1945 onwards, including works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Don’t miss the gift shop for exclusive exhibit items.
Fukagawa Edo Museum 🏛️
The Fukagawa Edo Museum offers an immersive Edo period experience, recreating homes and streets from 17th to mid-19th century Tokyo. English volunteer guides are available to walk you through the museum and explain the lifestyles of people during that era.
