Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, where Tokyo's old-town charm blends with modern culture. OlaChill suggests a delightful day enjoying cafe hopping in the birthplace of Blue Bottle Coffee, experiencing art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, and immersing yourself in nature at Kiyosumi Teien.
Jul 24, 2026·✍️ olablog·⏱ 10 min read
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, where Tokyo's old-town charm blends with modern culture. OlaChill suggests a delightful day enjoying cafe hopping in the birthplace of Blue Bottle Coffee, experiencing art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, and immersing yourself in nature at Kiyosumi Teien.
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清澄白河(Kiyosumi-Shirakawa) is a charming area located in the eastern part of 東京(Tokyo), where the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional downtown blends exquisitely with sophisticated modern culture. It is particularly known as a "coffee sanctuary," attracting many coffee enthusiasts from both Japan and abroad. In this article, we will introduce information for spending a fulfilling day in 清澄白河, including cafe hopping, art appreciation, and strolling through beautiful gardens.
What is 清澄白河? The Charm of a Town Woven with Old-Town Vibe and Art
清澄白河 has a history of once flourishing as a warehouse district, but in recent years, unique cafes and galleries have successively opened in renovated buildings, drawing attention as a new hub for cultural dissemination. While offering excellent access from the city center, this town provides a relaxed pace, making it a hidden oasis that allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of urban life. Lush green spots such as the historic 清澄庭園(Kiyosumi Teien/Kiyosumi Garden) and the expansive 木場公園(Kiba Park) are also scattered throughout, creating a unique atmosphere where art, nature, and delicious coffee blend seamlessly into daily life.
Enjoy Cafe Hopping in the Birthplace of Blue Bottle Coffee
When talking about 清澄白河, its cafe culture is indispensable. In particular, the ブルーボトルコーヒー清澄白河フラッグシップカフェ(Blue Bottle Coffee Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Flagship Cafe), originating from California, USA, is known for igniting Japan's third-wave coffee boom. The spacious cafe, a renovated former warehouse, features high ceilings and an open atmosphere filled with natural light.
Here, you can savor meticulously roasted coffee beans carefully selected from around the world, brewed cup by cup by baristas using the hand-drip method. Beyond coffee, homemade sandwiches, pastries, pudding, and seasonal tarts are also popular sweets, pairing perfectly with the coffee.
ブルーボトルコーヒー清澄白河フラッグシップカフェ (As of July 2026)
- Address: 東京都江東区平野1-4-8 (1-4-8 Hirano, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Closed: Open daily
- Price Guide: Coffee is around 500 JPY (approx. $3-4 USD), with sweets also starting from a similar price point.
清澄白河 is also home to numerous other unique cafes. 「The Cream of the Crop Coffee 清澄白河ロースター」(The Cream of the Crop Coffee Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Roaster), the Oceania-style cafe 「iki Roastery&Eatery」, and 「WORLD NEIGHBORS CAFE清澄白河」(WORLD NEIGHBORS CAFE Kiyosumi-Shirakawa) which has a laundromat attached, each possess their own unique concept, captivating visitors. Discovering your favorite cafe while strolling through the town is one of the unique pleasures of 清澄白河.
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, a Sanctuary of Modern Art
One of the reasons 清澄白河 is called an "art town" is the presence of the 東京都現代美術館(Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art/MOT). Opened in March 1995, this museum aims to promote contemporary art and houses approximately 5,500 works of modern art from Japan and abroad. Its Collection Exhibition showcases works that provide an overview of contemporary art trends, and large-scale Special Exhibitions are also held throughout the year.
Its location, adjacent to the lush greenery of 木場公園, is also attractive, and its unique architectural design, which cleverly incorporates natural light, is a highlight. During breaks from art appreciation, taking a rest at the museum's cafe, 「二階のサンドイッチ」(Nikai no Sandwich), is also recommended.
東京都現代美術館 (As of July 2026)
- Address: 〒135-0022 東京都江東区三好4-1-1 (4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0022)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission to exhibition rooms 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a public holiday, closed the following weekday), New Year holidays, exhibition changeover periods
- Admission Fee:
- Collection Exhibition: General 500 JPY (approx. $3.50 USD), University/Vocational Students 400 JPY (approx. $2.75 USD), High School Students/Seniors (65+) 250 JPY (approx. $1.75 USD), Junior High School Students and younger Free.
- Special Exhibition: Varies by exhibition.
- Discounts: Free for visitors with disabilities (e.g., physical disability certificate) and up to two accompanying caregivers. Free for seniors (65+) on the third Wednesday of every month.
- Access:
- 9-minute walk from Exit B2 of 清澄白河駅(Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station) on the 東京メトロ半蔵門線(Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
- 13-minute walk from Exit A3 of 清澄白河駅(Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station) on the 都営地下鉄大江戸線(Toei Oedo Line)
When visiting attractive facilities like the 東京都現代美術館, it is advisable to book tourist tickets or passes in advance for a smoother experience. Book Tourist Tickets and Passes
清澄庭園, Where Edo-Period Charm Remains
Another face of 清澄白河 is its historic and beautiful garden. 清澄庭園 is one of the representative gardens of the 「回遊式築山泉水庭」(kaiyu-shiki tsukiyama sensui tei/stroll garden with artificial hills and a pond) style, which was used for daimyo (feudal lord) gardens during the 江戸時代(Edo period). In the Meiji era, 岩崎彌太郎(Iwasaki Yataro), the founder of the 三菱財閥(Mitsubishi Zaibatsu/Mitsubishi conglomerate), purchased this land, drew water from the 隅田川(Sumida River), and arranged famous stones collected from all over the country to create its current appearance.
Within the garden, you can find 「磯渡り」(isowatari/stepping stones) arranged as if floating on the pond, and a 「芭蕉の句碑」(Basho's haiku monument), allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. This quiet and expansive space, which makes you forget you are in the city center, is perfect for a stroll.
清澄庭園 (As of July 2026)
- Address: 東京都江東区清澄3-3-9 (3-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
- Closed: New Year holidays (December 29 - January 1)
- Admission Fee:
- General 150 JPY (approx. $1 USD)
- Seniors (65+) 70 JPY (approx. $0.50 USD)
- Elementary school students and younger, and junior high school students residing or studying in 東京: Free
- Group discounts available (20+ people).
- Free for visitors with disabilities (e.g., physical disability certificate) and one accompanying caregiver.
- Free Admission Days: みどりの日(Greenery Day) (May 4), 都民の日(Tokyo Citizens' Day) (October 1).
- Garden Guide: Free guided tours on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (suspended in July and August).
- Access: 3-minute walk from 清澄白河駅(Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station) on the 都営大江戸線(Toei Oedo Line) or 東京メトロ半蔵門線(Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line).
Exploring Galleries and Unique Shops
清澄白河 is known not only for the 東京都現代美術館 but also for its small yet charming galleries and shops. At 「ondo gallery」, a renovated 60-year-old traditional Japanese house, special exhibitions by illustrators and artists are held approximately twice a month, and artist goods can also be purchased at the attached store.
Additionally, 「topso」, a showroom dealing in designer furniture and domestic crafts, exhibits and sells design products primarily from the 1930s to the 1980s, making it an irresistible space for design enthusiasts. By visiting these galleries and shops, you can discover 清澄白河's diverse art scene and creative side.
Strolling through 清澄白河 is not just about visiting cafes and museums; encountering these unique shops is also a major attraction. A tour exploring the art and cafes of 清澄白河 is highly recommended as part of See Day Trips from Tokyo.
Access to 清澄白河
清澄白河 offers very convenient access from the city center.
- By Train:
- The nearest stations are 清澄白河駅(Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station) on the 東京メトロ半蔵門線(Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line) and 都営地下鉄大江戸線(Toei Oedo Line).
- From 東京駅(Tokyo Station): Take the 東京メトロ丸ノ内線(Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) to 大手町駅(Otemachi Station), then transfer to the 東京メトロ半蔵門線 for approximately 30 minutes.
- From 新宿駅(Shinjuku Station): Approximately 40 minutes on the 都営大江戸線.
- From 渋谷駅(Shibuya Station): Accessible directly without transfers on the 東京メトロ半蔵門線.
- From 羽田空港(Haneda Airport): Approximately 50 minutes by train.
- From 成田空港(Narita Airport): Approximately 90 minutes by train.
Tourist spots are concentrated within walking distance around 清澄白河駅, making train access very convenient. For convenient travel on these subway lines, consider purchasing an IC card like Suica or Pasmo, which can be used for all public transport in 東京.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What kind of town is 清澄白河? A. 清澄白河 is an area where the traditional downtown atmosphere from the 江戸時代 remains, while in recent years, many cafes and galleries have opened in renovated warehouses, drawing attention as a "coffee sanctuary" and "art town." Its unique charm lies in the fusion of history and modernity.
Q. Which cafes are recommended for cafe hopping in 清澄白河? A. The ブルーボトルコーヒー清澄白河フラッグシップカフェ is a famous shop that sparked Japan's third-wave coffee boom and is a must-visit. Additionally, there are many other unique cafes offering specialty coffee, such as 「The Cream of the Crop Coffee 清澄白河ロースター」 and 「iki Roastery&Eatery」.
Q. Is advance purchase required for tickets to the 東京都現代美術館? A. For some Special Exhibitions, time-slot specific online ticket sales may be conducted. Same-day tickets are also sold at the museum's ticket counter, but quantities are limited, so online advance purchase is recommended, especially on weekends, public holidays, and towards the end of an exhibition period (as of July 2026).
Q. How much is the admission fee for 清澄庭園? A. As of July 2026, the admission fee for 清澄庭園 is 150 JPY (approx. $1 USD) for general admission and 70 JPY (approx. $0.50 USD) for seniors (65+). Elementary school students and younger, and junior high school students residing or studying in 東京, are free. Visitors with disabilities (e.g., physical disability certificate) and one accompanying caregiver are also free.
Q. Can 清澄白河 be enjoyed with children? A. Yes, it can be enjoyed with children. The expansive 木場公園 and 清澄庭園 are perfect for walks with kids. The 東京都現代美術館 offers free admission to the Collection Exhibition for junior high school students and younger, and free admission to Special Exhibitions for elementary school students and younger, demonstrating family-friendly considerations. Additionally, some cafes are easily accessible with strollers.
