Free: All time
The neighbourhood of Sumida is one of the areas that suffered the most lost during both the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II. As a result of the 1923 quake, more than 70% of the city was destroyed and more than 50,000 people were burnt to death. Again, during WWII air raids, over 110,000 people were killed. In Yokoamicho Park, find many memorial buildings dedicated to these disasters. A small museum hall exhibits a sombre collection of photographs and articles salvaged from these two events. Adjoining the museum is the memorial hall where all the unclaimed bodies are put to their final resting place in the temple pagoda.
Address: Yokoamicho Park, Sumida-ku, 130-0015, Tokyo
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am – 4:30pm; Closed Mondays
Direction: Train JR Sobu Line to Ryogoku Station; Subway Toei Oedo Line to Ryogoku Station, Exit 1A
Phone: +81 (03) 3622 1208
Website: tokyoireikyoukai.or.jp/yokoamichopark-en
Photo credit: www.kmine.sakura.ne.jp
