Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Walking Guide — Temples, a Garden, and Cultural Museums

The area around Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station is a layered walking destination where temples and shrines from the Edo period line quiet residential lanes, and cultural facilities — a garden, museums, and an art museum — are all within easy reach on foot. You can step away from the bustle into a serene temple precinct, then follow the traces of a celebrated poet before rounding off the day with contemporary art.

Suggested Route

Start at [Fukagawa Inari Shrine](/en/spot/8e368475-b7a0-4e31-bbb4-adc39363ca68), then weave into the backstreets to visit [Yukari Inari Shrine](/en/spot/79e2d40b-cd38-4a5f-aac0-5db4763fc4ae), [Zen'o-in](/en/spot/bc3c0cb9-852b-492c-a7dc-c4e6577fdc7f), and [Zentoku-ji](/en/spot/146f3c1f-5727-4006-8808-ac0e090443ad). Continue to [Enju-in](/en/spot/a77abf86-73e9-4891-bb95-b4575a182a33) and [Ichijo-in](/en/spot/5a9399b4-cccf-4edf-a608-a13f4a611599), then call in at the [Koto Ward Basho Memorial Museum](/en/spot/e2a54afe-1d64-4f43-b26f-c63650b1cbcf). Wrap up with [Kiyosumi Garden](/en/spot/9c0e7ecb-204e-4cff-b597-a41c8f4912d8), the [Fukagawa Edo Museum](/en/spot/c0673af3-4fb7-4fdb-9da1-1ac815bb5c54), and the [Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo](/en/spot/5292272c-33de-49fa-b753-d5f0157e53f7).

Fukagawa Inari Shrine

A local inari shrine near Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, cherished by residents as a place of everyday worship. It makes a welcoming first stop at the start of your walk.

Yukari Inari Shrine

Tucked quietly into a residential neighborhood, this small inari shrine has been preserved as a place of daily faith for the local community. It is one of several compact shrines scattered through the area, each adding another layer to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa's historical texture.

Zen'o-in

A temple nestled in the residential streets near the station. The area retains the atmosphere of an Edo-period temple town, and Zen'o-in is a long-established part of that fabric — its unassuming precinct ready to welcome a quiet pause during your walk.

Zentoku-ji

Situated in a calm corner of the shitamachi district, this temple is one of many that have stood here since the Edo era. Its tranquil grounds offer a moment of rest away from busier streets.

Enju-in

Just a short walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, Enju-in is one of several historic temples that give this shitamachi neighborhood its distinctive character. Stopping by mid-walk brings a brief sense of calm away from the city's noise.

Ichijo-in

Even as stylish cafes and coffee roasteries have multiplied in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa in recent years, temples like Ichijo-in continue to anchor the area's historical identity. Its quiet precinct is an ideal spot for a short rest during your stroll.

Koto Ward Basho Memorial Museum

A memorial museum near the station dedicated to haiku poet Matsuo Basho, who is closely associated with this part of Edo-era Tokyo. Visiting after the temple circuit deepens your sense of the area's cultural heritage.

Kiyosumi Garden

A traditional garden a short walk from the station, offering a spread of water and greenery. It is a natural resting point after a long stretch of walking.

Fukagawa Edo Museum

This museum brings to life the everyday world of Fukagawa during the Edo period. It pairs well with the temple walk, providing concrete context for the historical atmosphere you have been soaking up.

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

Reachable on foot from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, this contemporary art museum makes for a striking contrast at the end of a walk through centuries of history.

Tip: The area is dense with temples and shrines, so feel free to pick a subset that matches your interests. Some gardens and museums may charge admission — check in advance.