TOBACCO & SALT MUSEUM

April 26, – June 22, 2025

Sumidagawa (as it is known in Japanese) was a river with which the urban citizens of Edo were very familiar. The environs were interspersed with Sensoji, Mokuboji, and other historic temples, and there were scenic spots where the beauty of the seasons and nature such as spring cherry blossoms, the cool of summer evenings, the autumn moon, or winter snow could be enjoyed. A plum blossom garden (Hyakkaen) and a flower garden (Asakusa Okuyama) were opened, and little luxuries could be savored at fancy restaurants. The Mukojima district was not so far from the center of Edo by boat and yet, one could relax in a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect resort.
There are many ukiyo-e in which the Sumida River is depicted. Series featuring famous views of Edo always include pictures of the environs of the Sumida River, and there are even series focused exclusively on the environs of the Sumida River. In addition, it also appears tinily in the background or cuts of yakusha-e (portraits of kabuki actors) and bijinga (portraits of beauties), showing how picturesque and charming a river it was.

It is exactly ten years since the Tobacco & Salt Museum moved from Shibuya-ku to Sumida-ku in 2015. The Tobacco Monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Finance built a factory along the Sumida River, and it was an important river for the tobacco industry. At the Tobacco & Salt Museum, we have focused on the Sumida River, and ever since moving to Sumida-ku, we have been collecting various archival materials, including ukiyo-e, concerning the Sumida River.
This exhibition is composed of ukiyo-e related to the Sumida River from our collection, including those we owned from before our move to the present location. Introduced here is the Sumida River overflowing with charms such as nearby shrines and temples, floral sights, and Japanese-style restaurants as depicted in ukiyo-e.

[General admission fees]

General (Adults and university students)
individual:300yen

Children and pupils of primary, juniorhigh, and high schools
individual:100yen

Visitors over 65 years old
individual:100yen

※Free admission for up to 1 accompanying person with disabilities upon presentation of a disability certificate (Mirairo ID is acceptable).

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  Seven Wonders of Honjo

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  Fireworks near Ryogoku-bashi bridge