Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street is a popular shopping street in Tokyo's Toshima Ward, commonly known as "Grandma's Harajuku." Lined along the roughly 800-meter street are traditional Japanese sweet shops, delicatessens, pharmacies, clothing stores, and restaurants, attracting a wide range of visitors, especially seniors. Koganji Temple (Togenuki Jizo), the central figure in the shopping street, is home to an object of worship known as the "Araitai Kannon," and is known for attracting many visitors who come to pray for recovery from illness and good health. Experience the warmth and Showa-era atmosphere of the downtown area through shopping, eating, and worship.
Highlights
- Koganji Temple (Togenuki Jizo): Commonly known as "Togenuki Jizo." It is famous for the custom of "Arasu Kannon," where a part of the principal image is washed with a cloth in the hope of recovering from illness. Worship, amulets, and temple seals are also popular.
- A store selling red underwear (red pants) and health products: There are many stores selling red underwear and health products as lucky charms, and they are also popular as souvenirs.
- Japanese sweets and desserts: There are rows of shops selling traditional Japanese sweets such as salted daifuku, dango, and sweet shops. Perfect for eating while walking around.
- Scenery of an old-fashioned shopping street: Everyday stores such as pharmacies, clothing stores, greengrocers, and delicatessens line the street, retaining the atmosphere of the Showa era that is closely tied to everyday life.
- Strolling through the alleys and side streets: Just one block away you'll find small restaurants, coffee shops, and local favorites.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Get off at Sugamo Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Toei Mita Line, and walk for about 3-8 minutes (depending on the exit).
- Toden Arakawa LineGet off at Koshinzuka Station. You will arrive near the northern end of Jizo Street.
- others: 1-2 stops by JR or subway from Ikebukuro, Otsuka, etc. Please check the transfer information for each line.
- car: The shopping district is very pedestrian-heavy and parking is limited, so we recommend using public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Quick look around: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Visiting the shrine + eating and shopping: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Half a day (3-4 hours) including leisurely meals, coffee breaks, and strolls around the area
Nearby spots
- Rikugien Garden — A famous spot for enjoying autumn foliage and Japanese gardens (accessible from Komagome Station).
- Kyu-Furukawa Gardens — A spot where you can enjoy both Western and Japanese gardens (accessible by foot or train).
- Ikebukuro (Sunshine City, etc.) — Plenty of shopping and leisure facilities.
- Walking around the city on the Toden Arakawa Line — We also recommend taking the Toden tram to enjoy the surrounding downtown scenery.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: It gets very crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially on worship days and festival days (days when temples and shrines have events). When it gets crowded, walking will be slow, so please allow yourself plenty of time.
- Worship etiquette: Please pray quietly at temples and follow the instructions of staff when touching statues such as the Washing Kannon. There are places where photography is restricted, so check the signs.
- payment: Many small stores only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. Larger stores and cafes may also accept cards or electronic money.
- Opening hours: Many independent shops close early, and some may close in the evening, so be careful when visiting in the late afternoon.
- Barrier-free: The streets are generally flat, but it may be difficult to move around with a wheelchair or stroller when it is crowded or due to steps in front of the stores. Please check the route in advance if necessary.
- Seasonal precautions: Take precautions against the heat in summer and the cold in winter. As many elderly people visit, be careful of heatstroke and falls in crowded areas.
Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street is a place that retains a friendly atmosphere and the charm of the Showa era. Enjoy visiting the shrines and eating your way around, and then take a stroll along the surrounding area to see the sights.
