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Top Things to Do in Kinshicho (Tokyo) – Plus Great Spots Nearby

Last updated: 28 September 2018

Just 29 minutes from Shibuya via the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and only 6 minutes from Akihabara on the JR Sobu Line, Kinshicho in Sumida Ward may not have the same tourist buzz as Shinjuku or Shibuya due to its slightly off-center location.

However, this area thrives as a major office and commercial hub, with Kinshicho Station serving as a key transfer point for the rapid Sobu Line. Let’s explore what makes this lively neighborhood worth a visit.

Stepping out of the south exit at JR Kinshicho Station, you’ll immediately spot the TERMINA shopping complex, directly connected to the station.

The lower floors (1F–3F) are home to Yodobashi Camera, while fashion boutiques occupy the 4th floor, restaurants fill the 5th, and the upper levels feature cultural classrooms and even a golf school. A basement-level grocery store makes it easy to get everything done without ever leaving the building.

To the left of the exit, you’ll also find LIVIN, another shopping complex, and TOHO Cinemas Kinshicho Rakutenchi. Renovated and reopened in late 2018, this theater continues to serve as a go-to spot for moviegoers in Sumida, offering a comfortable and modern viewing experience.

To the right of the south exit is Pia Kinshicho, a nightlife area popular among office workers looking to unwind after work. Nearby, you’ll also find TERMINA 3, a six-story building filled with izakaya pubs, family restaurants, karaoke spots, and more.

One major highlight on the south side is Marui (OIOI), built on the former site of the Toden Kinshibori tram depot. It houses a wide range of shops, from cafés like Starbucks and bakeries to cosmetics stores, luxury boutiques, the large craft shop Yuzawaya, a fitness club, and even a 100-yen shop.

Next door, the popular sushi spot Uotora often draws long lines. Known for its fresh tuna and octopus served at affordable prices, it's a favorite among locals. Nearby is WINS, the Japan Racing Association’s off-track betting facility, adding to the area’s unique mix of leisure.

About a 15-minute walk from the south exit is Sarue Onshi Park, a cherry blossom viewing spot with scenic beauty year-round. With facilities like baseball fields, tennis courts, and a concert hall, it’s a beloved green space for local residents.

The area around the north exit of JR Kinshicho Station has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, giving it a different vibe from the more nightlife-heavy south side.

Notable hotels like Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo and Lotte City Hotel make this area especially convenient. In fact, Lotte City Hotel was the very first business hotel established by the Lotte Group in Japan. With easy access to tourist spots like Oshiage and Asakusa, it's a popular choice for both business travelers and tourists.

While the south side is home to TERMINA, the north side features TERMINA 2. Divided into restaurant and fashion zones, it mainly targets female shoppers. Fashion-forward brands like ZARA and Samantha Thavasa are found here, along with stylish cafés such as Starbucks, Afternoon Tea, and Soup Stock Tokyo.

To the left of the north exit, you’ll see ARCAKIT Kinshicho, an 11-story shopping complex. This mall is packed with practical, everyday stores—including a large basement supermarket, McDonald’s, Uniqlo, Akachan Honpo for baby goods, MUJI, Daiso, and Kumazawa Bookstore—making it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors.

Another must-see on the north side is Kinshi Park, managed by Sumida Ward. Originally developed as part of Tokyo’s post-earthquake reconstruction after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, it opened in 1928 on the site of a former army provisions warehouse.

The park is spacious and especially popular during cherry blossom season, with over 160 sakura trees drawing crowds for spring picnics. It also features baseball fields, tennis courts, and the Sumida City Gymnasium, offering plenty of recreational options for the community.

Next to Kinshi Park is the shopping complex Olinas, which opened in 2006. It’s divided into Olinas Mall and Olinas Core. Olinas Mall features TOHO Cinemas—one of Japan’s largest multiplex theaters—on its 4th floor. Over at Olinas Core, you’ll find Yamada Denki electronics on the 2nd floor and Nitori, often called the “IKEA of Japan,” on the 3rd.

Though most shops in Olinas Mall were closed for renovations as of mid-2017, the complex completed its renewal and reopened in autumn 2018, offering an upgraded shopping experience.

Just a 3-minute walk from the north exit, Sumida Triphony Hall is home to the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. It plays a key role in the local arts scene, with its smaller hall—known for excellent acoustics—frequently used for student and amateur performances throughout Tokyo’s 23 wards.

For reference, Kinshicho Station is just one stop away from Oshiage Station, home of the Tokyo Skytree. You can also walk there in about 20 minutes by heading down Yotsume-dori, the main road alongside Kinshi Park, with views of the Skytree as you go.

While Kinshicho may not dazzle with flashy attractions, it offers a glimpse into everyday Tokyo life. If you're tired of the usual sightseeing spots, this down-to-earth neighborhood is the perfect place to experience the city’s more human side.