Musashikoyama Shopping Street PALM in Meguro, Tokyo, is the city’s longest covered shopping street, stretching approximately 800 meters! Around 250 shops line the arcade, from traditional greengrocers and fish markets to boutiques, trendy cafes, and bakeries. You can enjoy shopping and dining without worrying about the rain. While supporting the daily lives of local residents, the street is also a popular tourist spot and frequently used as a location for TV shoots. Throughout the year, lively events like the Drift Ice Festival, Summer Festival, and Sun Carnival keep the street bustling, so there’s always something new to discover.

Blending the warm nostalgia of the Showa era with modern trends, this shopping street is a must-visit destination in Musashikoyama, where you can truly experience the charm of Tokyo.

History of Musashikoyama Shopping Street PALM

The story of Musashikoyama Shopping Street PALM began in the Taisho era, when the area was still sparsely populated. At that time, only a narrow two-meter-wide path ran through the quiet fields and rice paddies. In 1947, during Japan’s postwar reconstruction, local merchants came together to form an association aimed at developing the shopping street. Soon after, in 1956, the first arcade was completed. Its scale was so impressive that it was called “the largest in the Orient,” attracting visitors and inspection tours from across the country. By 1985, the shopping street became affectionately known as “PALM,” a name that quickly spread among the community. Even today, its 800-meter-long arcade remains the longest in Tokyo, offering a comfortable shopping experience rain or shine. Through countless community events, Musashikoyama Shopping Street has grown alongside Japan’s postwar recovery, preserving the warmth of the Showa era while carrying its history into the present day.

Attractions of Musashikoyama Shopping Street PALM

Renowned as one of the longest shopping arcades in Tokyo 🍴, Musashikoyama PALM stretches 800 meters and is lined with a wide variety of eateries and specialty foods, bustling with visitors on both weekdays and weekends. From greengrocers selling fresh, affordable produce to long-standing shops serving nostalgic, freshly made treats on the spot, visitors can enjoy food-hopping while experiencing the warmth and friendliness of Tokyo’s old downtown atmosphere. Many shops also offer takeout, so you can bring the flavors of PALM home to enjoy.

Within the shopping street, you’ll also find standing-style eateries full of nostalgic downtown charm. One of the unique joys here is grabbing a freshly grilled skewer and savoring it as you stroll along. What makes it even more special is the “pay for what you eat” system, where some regulars even buy in bulk all at once. The shop is also well-loved for its warm and friendly staff, making it a local favorite you’ll want to visit again and again.

 

In addition, you’ll find bars serving carefully selected craft beers, along with unique cafés and bakeries—making every visit full of new discoveries. Around the shopping street, it’s not just about gourmet food; you’ll also come across cozy snack bars where people can relax and enjoy friendly conversations. From shopping and dining during the day to unwinding and socializing at night, Musashikoyama Shopping Street PALM offers a different charm depending on the time of day.

Tourist Spots Around Musashikoyama Shopping Street PALM

Mitani Hachiman Shrine: Every morning at 7:30, the doors of the main hall open, welcoming a steady flow of worshippers from young to old. Thanks to the local parishioners’ regular cleaning, the grounds are always kept immaculate. In spring, plum and cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, while in autumn, local festivals are held. The shrine has a long history, said to have been enshrined by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi in 1030, and later revered by Ota Dokan. During the Edo period, it was relocated by a local village head and became cherished as the guardian deity of the Mitani area. Though modest in size, the shrine offers a serene and atmospheric space—perfect for a short stop during a stroll or shopping trip.

Access: The nearest station is Musashi-Koyama Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line, about a 3-minute walk. The route takes you straight through Musashikoyama Shopping Street PALM.

Rinshi-no-Mori Park: Established in 1900 as the Meguro Experimental Nursery, the site was later used as a forestry research station until 1978. After redevelopment, it opened as a public park in 1989. Covering about 120,000 square meters, the park stretches 700 meters east to west and 250 meters north to south in a long, narrow shape. Inside, you’ll find many large trees such as camphor and zelkova, creating the atmosphere of a true forest. A full loop around the outer path takes about 45 minutes, making it perfect for walking or jogging. Here, you can enjoy rich nature while still in the city, and it has even been selected as one of the 100 Scenic Spots of Shinagawa.

Access: The nearest station is Musashi-Koyama Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line, Toei Mita Line, or Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. From the station, it’s about an 8-minute walk to the South Gate and about 9 minutes to the West Gate.

3 Snack Bars Around Musashikoyama Shopping Street

1.Time Travel Back to the Showa Era: Peperumoko

2.Seasonal Small Plates, Red Chairs, and Music-Filled Comfort: Oshare

3.20 Years of Smiles! Raise a Glass with Mama at the Lively Long-Established Snack Bar One More

 

Access to Musashikoyama Shopping Street PALM

Getting to Musashikoyama Shopping Street is very convenient. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Musashi-Koyama Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line. There is also a Tokyu Bus stop nearby, providing easy access from various locations.

 

Experience a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide tour

After you enjoy the place, you can go to Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.

Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.

When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!

Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.

New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!