Sumida River Sumi-Yume Art Project 2025

An event where art, community, and life flow together

Kim Bergström   - 2 min read

Venue Various destinations around the Sumida River, Tokyo

When Sep 1st - Dec 21st 2025

Running from the start of September to late December, the Sumida River Sumi-Yume Art Project invites visitors to explore a world where art, community, and everyday life flow together like ink on paper.

Photo: Sumi-Yume Art Project Executive Committee

Launched in 2016 alongside the opening of the Sumida Hokusai Museum, this art project celebrates the legacy of Katsushika Hokusai, who spent nearly 90 years living and creating in the Sumida area. Much like Hokusai's delicate ink sketches being filled with color, the project encourages local residents, artists, and visitors to add their own creative touch to Sumida's cultural landscape.

Photo: Sumi-Yume Art Project Executive Committee

Throughout the festival period, events and installations will take place across the ward, from Sumida Park and the Hokusai Museum to riverside venues and local galleries. Monthly gatherings will offer a chance for artists and community members to meet, share ideas, and collaborate. Beyond the main schedule, the initiative continues year-round through the Sumiyume Network Projects, which foster ongoing artistic exchange and neighborhood vitality.

For detailed programs and updates, please head to the official website here: http://sumiyume.jp/.

Getting there

As mentioned above, this is a multi-venue event. If you're starting at Sumida Park, it's located just five minutes on foot from Asakusa Station.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸