The Skytree & Oshiage: the tower and the old edge
The tallest tower in Japan, a cherry-tree canal, a surviving geisha quarter, and the river back to Asakusa. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Tokyo Skytree
The 634-metre broadcasting tower that opened in 2012 — the tallest in Japan, and at the time the tallest tower in the world. You don't have to go up; the better trick is to keep it over your shoulder all walk and watch it change angle. Up close it's almost too big to photograph.

2. Tokyo Solamachi
The shopping and eating streets wrapped around the tower's foot. Useful for a coffee and a roof terrace with the tower straight overhead. Walk through rather than around — it's the fastest way to the canal on the far side.

3. Kitajukken-gawa
The canal along the tower's northern edge, lined with cherry trees. In blossom the still water doubles the Skytree; the rest of the year it's a quiet promenade most visitors never find. Follow it a while before you turn for the river.

4. Mukojima
Across toward the Sumida, the largest of Tokyo's surviving *hanamachi* (geisha quarters) — much diminished from its prewar size, but still working, in low streets of *ryotei* you mostly can't enter. Walk it for the texture, not for a sighting.

5. Sumida Park
The riverside park along the *-gawa* (river), facing Asakusa across the water. The cherry avenue here is one of the old *hanami* spots. Drop down to the embankment walk and follow it south.

6. Azumabashi & the Asahi Flame
End at the bridge, with Asakusa on the far bank and, on this side, Philippe Starck's golden *Asahi Flame* atop the beer hall — the 1989 sculpture everyone politely declines to describe. Honjo-azumabashi station is a few minutes back for the Asakusa line.

The Skytree & Oshiage: the tower and the old edge