“Kagurazaka,” located in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo,is an area renowned for its historical charm and the lingering history of the traditional entertainment district known as the “hanamachi” or flower town. Kagurazaka is also better known as Tokyo’s “Little Paris.”
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How to get there
Iidabashi StationYurakucho LineNamboku LineExit B3 (5 min on foot)
From Haneda Airport: 65 minutes by train.
From Narita Airport: One hour 55 minutes by train.
From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Sobu Line for Iidabashi Travel time: 12 minutes.
From Tokyo Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line for Otemachi and transfer to the Tozai Line for Kagurazaka Station. Travel time: 30 minutes.
Kakurenbo Yokocho
It is said that the term ‘yokocho’ originated from the idea that even if someone follows you discreetly, they would lose track when you turn into one of these narrow streets and disappear. Let’s go and search for the hidden heart-shaped cobblestones.
Do you know what yokocho is?
Honda Yokocho
This is the largest alley in Kagurazaka. The alley is home to over 50 establishments, mainly restaurants, and features a mix of modern buildings and well-preserved traditional structures, including old wooden shops and former ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), nestled between the buildings.
Bishamonten Zenkoku-jiTemple
This temple is considered a power spot with blessings of warding off misfortune, bringing good luck, prosperity in business, and financial fortune. It attracts numerous visitors daily seeking these benefits. If you visit the temple on February 3rd, you will witness the bean-throwing festival in which evil spirits are chased out.
Japanese food(snack) in Kagurazaka
Within the charming streetscape, you’ll find numerous hidden gems and exclusive hideaways tucked away in the back alleys.
・Taiyaki
A traditional Japanese sweet consisting of sweet red bean paste sandwiched between two fluffy, pancake-like layers.
・Nikuman
Nikuman is a Japanese steamed bun filled with seasoned ground pork.
＼Would you like to enjoy interacting with locals in Tokyo?／
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!
