Snacking and Sightseeing in Tokyo’s Old Edo Neighborhood
Shibamata is known as the city’s most nostalgic neighborhood, a place with a warm atmosphere that lets you forget the hustle and bustle of the metropolis for a while. It’s a “shitamachi,” one of Tokyo’s old towns that still bear a close resemblance to Edo, one that has a special place in the heart of many a Japanese person.
The area is immortalized in the popular Otoko wa Tsurai yo (“It’s Tough Being a Man“) film series that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running movie series starring a single actor. Affectionately called “Mr. Tora’s town” after the series’ lead character, Shibamata is a reflection of Showa-era Japan. Greeting you at Shibamata station is a bronze statue of the film’s hero.
The approach to the temple is a scenic street – a lot livelier than the tranquil temple - dotted with numerous shops, stalls, and restaurants, selling delicacies typical for the area such as una-ju (eel on rice in a lacquered box), kusa dango (mugwort dumplings), and senbei (rice crackers). Located in Tokyo’s northeast, Shibamata is a mere 30-minute train ride away from popular Asakusa, offering an entirely different taste of Tokyo’s old days.
At the end of the promenade is Shibamata Taishakuten Daikyoji temple. Constructed in 1629, it is adorned with intricate wood carvings. Near its grounds is Yamamoto Tei, known for its Japanese garden and a grand traditional Japanese home. From the temple, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Edo, a river where you can ride a yagiri no watashi, (man-powered ferry). It’s the last of its kind in Tokyo and makes for a leisurely and memorable ride.
The area is immortalized in the popular Otoko wa Tsurai yo (“It’s Tough Being a Man“) film series that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running movie series starring a single actor. Affectionately called “Mr. Tora’s town” after the series’ lead character, Shibamata is a reflection of Showa-era Japan. Greeting you at Shibamata station is a bronze statue of the film’s hero.
The approach to the temple is a scenic street – a lot livelier than the tranquil temple - dotted with numerous shops, stalls, and restaurants, selling delicacies typical for the area such as una-ju (eel on rice in a lacquered box), kusa dango (mugwort dumplings), and senbei (rice crackers). Located in Tokyo’s northeast, Shibamata is a mere 30-minute train ride away from popular Asakusa, offering an entirely different taste of Tokyo’s old days.
At the end of the promenade is Shibamata Taishakuten Daikyoji temple. Constructed in 1629, it is adorned with intricate wood carvings. Near its grounds is Yamamoto Tei, known for its Japanese garden and a grand traditional Japanese home. From the temple, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Edo, a river where you can ride a yagiri no watashi, (man-powered ferry). It’s the last of its kind in Tokyo and makes for a leisurely and memorable ride.
