Located in Kita Ward, Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street has long been cherished by local residents, offering a blend of Showa-era charm and modern convenience in Tokyo. Just a few minutes’ walk from Higashi-Jūjō Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, this shopping street features a variety of shops along a calm, welcoming streetscape. From independently owned greengrocers, fish shops, and bakeries to cafés, izakayas, and snack bars, visitors can enjoy everyday shopping and dining simply by strolling through the area.
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What Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street Offers
Known as a community-focused shopping area, Higashi-Jūjō is home to a variety of establishments, including set-meal restaurants, deli shops, and Japanese and Western confectioneries. During lunch hours, it is bustling with people enjoying homemade-style meals and office workers, while in the evening, izakayas and snack bars come alive. In the snack bars, visitors can enjoy homey appetizers and specialty cocktails while listening to Showa-era songs, experiencing the warmth of the community through interactions with the proprietress and regular customers. The coexistence of nostalgic atmospheres with modern cafés and bakeries is what makes Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street so appealing.
History of Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street
The origins of Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street trace back to before World War II, when shops were scattered around the station. During the postwar reconstruction period, it developed as a shopping street supporting the daily lives of local residents and grew together with the surrounding residential area. Today, about 160 stores line the street, creating a lively mix of greengrocers, fish shops, cafés, izakayas, and snack bars. The street is also known for its vibrant events, including annual Spring and Autumn Festivals, mid-summer sales, and year-end lottery promotions, attracting many visitors each year. While retaining the nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere, the street has undergone renovations to meet modern needs, creating a comfortable environment for shopping and dining. This combination of history and community events gives Higashi-Jūjō its unique warmth and vitality.
Nearby Attractions Around Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street
Within a ten-minute walk of the shopping street, visitors can explore many historic and cultural sites. Jūjō Fujimi Shrine, located about an eight-minute walk north from the street, has been a central place of worship for local residents since the Edo period. Known for its beautiful seasonal scenery, the shrine’s torii gates and main hall preserve a traditional charm, providing a peaceful space for reflection. Combining a shrine visit with a stroll allows for a fulfilling day of shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Additionally, visitors can explore nearby locations such as the Kita City Central Library and Ōji Shrine, both offering opportunities to appreciate the local history and natural surroundings. Pairing these cultural visits with meals or café stops in the shopping street makes for an ideal day trip in the area.
Recommended Snack Bars Near Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street
1.“Snack Dear”: Homemade Appetizers and Exquisite Tomato Highballs♪ A Cozy, Friendly Atmosphere
3.“Hana”: A Red-Canopy Snack Bar Where a Thoughtful Gunma Mama Shines♪ Enjoy Daytime Drinks Too
Access to Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street
Higashi-Jūjō Shopping Street is conveniently located just a two-minute walk from JR Higashi-Jūjō Station. Despite its proximity to the station, the street maintains a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, making it enjoyable for both local residents and visitors. For those arriving by car, coin-operated parking is available nearby, allowing for worry-free shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
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!
