The Tokyo Skytree has been hogging the spotlight in Sumida Ward recently. With lineups to get in still pretty long, people in the area want tourists to check out the more historic parts of the neighborhood.
On Aug. 4, an event called "Twilight Summer Tour in Yukata" is organized by the Visit Sumida tourism office and introduces non-Japanese visitors to the ward's other charms.
Participants will have the chance to wear yukata (summer kimono) during the outing. They can be rented from the organizers along with geta, or participants can bring their own for a discount on the admission price.
The tour will take in Ryogoku and the backyard of the capital's main sumo arena. Afterward, an outdoor tea party will be held at the former Yasuda Garden where guests can listen to traditional music and haiku. As the night falls, tour participants can join in a local summer festival. Nothing says summer like a Bon dance in yukata.
"Twilight Summer Tour in Yukata" will take place Aug. 4 from 4 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. Reservations must be made by July 30 via website, e-mail or fax. The tour costs ¥3,800 for those who want to rent yukata and geta shoes, and ¥2,000 for those who bring their own yukata. For more information, call (03) 5608-6951 or visit visit-sumida.jp.