10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Kameido! Experience the Ambience of Edo!

When you think of Kameido, what kind of tourist spots come to mind? Kameido in Koto Ward, Tokyo, has a strong “downtown” image. It has been famous as a sightseeing area since the Edo period. Now located near the Tokyo Skytree, it is an area that has recently come back into the spotlight.

Kameido is filled with many historical shrines and temples. Enjoy the true spirit of Tokyo’s traditional downtown by exploring these sites. Here are 10 recommended tourist spots in Kameido!

1. Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Kameido Tenjin Shrine, affectionately known as “Kameido no Tenjin-sama,” is a beloved shrine in the area. It has been a popular sightseeing spot since the Edo period and was depicted in Hiroshige’s famous ukiyo-e series "Meisho Edo Hyakkei." Today, it is also a popular viewpoint for the Tokyo Skytree.

This shrine is famous for its “Wisteria Festival” held in spring, when many people come to see the lush purple flowers blooming on the wisteria trellises. It has long been known by nicknames such as “Kameido no Goshaku Fuji” and “Kameido no Fujinami.”

In addition, the enshrined deity is Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. Consequently, during exam season, many visitors come to pray for success. Kameido Tenjin Shrine is an unmissable spot if you’re touring shrines and temples in Kameido.

■Inspired by world-famous Western painters

Ukiyo-e master Hiroshige’s works such as “Meisho Edo Hyakkei: Kameido Tenjin Temple Grounds” and “Meisho Edo Hyakkei: Kameido Ume-Yashiki” influenced Western painters like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. The bold compositions and vivid colors of these prints were a refreshing departure from traditional Western art.

Monet’s “Water Lilies” features his own bridge and pond, which is said to have been inspired by the “Taiko Bridge” at Kameido Tenjin Shrine. In that sense, Kameido was once at the forefront of global trends, and remnants of that era remain within the shrine grounds. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the shrine to soak in its historical atmosphere.

2. Kameido Central Park

Kameido Central Park is a beloved spot for local residents. Originally, this area housed a Hitachi factory, which is one of the attractions of the vast park.

The park is divided into three areas: Area A features a clock tower and is equipped with athletic play equipment, making it popular among families with children. Area B has an artificial pond and a large lawn, providing a lush green space perfect for a leisurely walk. Area C is where you can enjoy sports with facilities such as tennis courts and sports fields.

Kameido Central Park is an ideal place to take a break during a tour of Tokyo’s downtown.

3. Kameido Shichifukujin

Kameido Shichifukujin refers to the Seven Lucky Gods enshrined across six shrines and temples in Kameido. It is possible to visit all of these sites in about 90 minutes by walking. As you stroll, you can receive the blessings of the Seven Lucky Gods—a two-in-one experience. Recently, collecting goshuin (temple stamps) has become popular, and many people are visiting the Kameido Shichifukujin sites.

For those unsure of the route, using a tourist map or the Koto Ward tourist guide is recommended so that you can tour the Seven Lucky Gods with ease.

4. Kameido Ume-Yashiki

Kameido Ume-Yashiki is a tourist facility that introduces the history and charm of Kameido. Named after the ukiyo-e “Meisho Edo Hyakkei – Kameido Ume-Yashiki” by Hiroshige, this facility has gained attention even overseas; it was once so admired that even Van Gogh made copies of it.

At Kameido Ume-Yashiki, you can enjoy not only ukiyo-e but also Edo Kiriko (cut glass art). Additionally, rakugo performances are held, bringing a touch of sophisticated humor.

Furthermore, Kameido Ume-Yashiki serves as a departure point for the amphibious bus “Sky Duck,” which offers a unique experience of plunging into the water—a special tourist activity.

5. Joko-ji

Joko-ji is a temple located about a 5-minute walk from Kameido Suijin Station on the Tobu Kameido Line. It is the sixth temple on the Edo-era pilgrimage route of the “Roku Amiida Meguri” and enshrines Juro Rojin, one of the Seven Lucky Gods.

As such, Joko-ji is an indispensable stop on the Kameido Shichifukujin tour. Experience the old downtown atmosphere of Kameido by visiting this temple.

6. Kameido Katori Shrine

Kameido Katori Shrine is popular as the “God of Sports.” With the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 on the horizon, many visitors come here to pray for the promotion of sports. It is also a popular tourist spot known for its views of the Tokyo Skytree.

Moreover, Kameido Katori Shrine is an essential stop on the Kameido Shichifukujin tour, enshrining Ebisu and Ōkuninushi. The shrine grounds include several subordinate shrines, such as Tensojinja and Suijin, and visiting all of them together is believed to enhance the blessings. Nearby, the Kameido Katori Shōun Shopping Street is also popular for its signature lucky goods.

7. Togaku-ji

Togaku-ji is a historic temple said to have been founded during the Muromachi period. It is also famous as the 73rd stop on the 88 Temples of the Imperial Route, modeled after the Shikoku Pilgrimage. In the Edo period, it was known as “Kameido Fudō,” attracting many visitors.

Additionally, Togaku-ji enshrines Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, making it a must-visit on a tour of Kameido temples.

8. Sarue Onshi Park

Sarue Onshi Park was originally a timber storage site during the Edo period, later donated to Tokyo City upon the wedding of the then Crown Prince (later Emperor Showa). It was opened as Sarue Onshi Park in 1932.

Today, Sarue Onshi Park is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, visible near the Tokyo Skytree, making it a popular tourist attraction.

It is conveniently accessible not only from Kameido but also from Kinshicho and Sumiyoshi. If you’re looking to take a break amidst greenery, this park is an ideal spot.

9. Fumon-in

Founded in 1552, Fumon-in is a historic temple. When it relocated to its current location in 1616, a bronze bell accidentally fell into a river—giving rise to the place name “Kane-gafuchi.” Fumon-in also enshrines Bishamonten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Kameido.

Other highlights include the “Wild Chrysanthemum Tomb,” where the grave of Saichio Ito, a Meiji-era writer known for this epithet, is located. With many attractions within its grounds, Fumon-in is a must-visit on any tour of Kameido.

10. Ryugen-ji

Also known as Hagidera, Ryugen-ji is famous for enshrining Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Kameido. The main attractions of Ryugen-ji are its flowers and haiku. The temple grounds have been renowned as a tourist spot since the Edo period for the beautiful flowers that bloom throughout. Autumn is especially notable for the “Hagi” flowers, a signature of Ryugen-ji. Throughout the temple grounds, stone haiku monuments are erected, allowing visitors to enjoy the refined art of haiku.

Additionally, you can catch a glimpse of the Tokyo Skytree from the temple. Ryugen-ji is recommended for a stylish sightseeing experience.

Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Kameido

Have you gotten inspired to visit Kameido’s tourist spots? Experience the charm of Edo that has been preserved through the centuries by visiting these historical sites.

In addition to its traditional atmosphere, Kameido is also known as a gourmet destination, famous for dishes like offal and gyoza. After strolling through the nostalgic streets, why not relax with a refreshing beer? That’s just one way to enjoy your sightseeing in Kameido. Enjoy the journey through this charming downtown area!

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10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Kameido! Experience the Ambience of Edo!