Edogawa

Long dismissed by Tokyoites as a part of Chiba Prefecture, Edogawa, the easternmost ward of Tokyo, is a blend of shitamachi (downtown) flair, brilliant waterways and expansive parks. Its outdoors beauty makes for plenty of seasonal entertainment and beyond.

In summer, splash around in one of its many bodies of water. The ward has easy access to several waterways, such as the Arakawa and Edogawa rivers, and it is also located on Tokyo Bay. That means water sports like jet-skiing and canoeing — something you might not think to do in Tokyo — are options when in Edogawa.

You can also stop by the two-day Edogawa Goldfish Festival, which is typically held in July.  This summer event is the city’s homage to its unique industry of goldfish cultivating since the 1800s. Try your luck at the Japanese game, kingyo-sukui, or goldfish scooping.

On an August evening, don a yukata, spread out a blanket on the riverbank, and watch the Edogawa River Fireworks Festival. The giant fireworks display is one of Tokyo’s most famous viewing spots.

Enjoy a traditional game of “goldfish scooping.”

In spring, escape the crowds and take a walk along the river banks that surround Edogawa. Here, partake in Japan’s main seasonal event, o-hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.

A classic cherry-blossom-viewing spot is at Kasai Rinkai (Marine) Park, which is central Tokyo’s largest park. Within its grounds is the Flower and Diamonds Ferris Wheel (Japan’s second largest at 117 meters tall) and Tokyo Sea Life Park, an aquarium known for its large tuna tank and penguin exhibition.

For those more into the man-made than natural elements, you can become a train conductor for a day at the Tokyo Subway Museum. Its interactive exhibition lets visitors take a hands-on tour of the history of Tokyo’s subways.

Other notable attractions in the area are, of course, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, just across the Edogawa River.