Suginami City, only 10 minutes by train from Shinjuku! Go where the Japanese go after a hard day’s work
The number of travelers who would rather experience the daily lives of the locals—as opposed to hitting up tourist attractions—is on the rise! Unfortunately, the amount of information on these areas is severely lacking, and some of the restaurants can be intimidating to enter. But, if you can muster enough courage, you may just find yourself with a delicious and highly affordable meal before you. Many even claim that the interactions they had at these local eateries were the highlight of their trips! Today we’d like to talk about one of such places: Suginami City.
Suginami is located to the west of the ever popular Shinjuku. While only a 10-minute train ride away, the atmospheres of the two areas couldn't be more different! Step into real Japan and visit one of the local eateries, that's our advice. Unlike at chain restaurants, you'll notice the time and care are put into food preparation, unique menu items, and a generally laid-back and friendly atmosphere.
Now, we’d like to introduce you to some of our favourite restaurants around 4 of the largest stations in Suginami City.
【Koenji Sta.】 BALITORA
BALITORA makes great yakitori and stewed chicken, but don’t pass up the chance to try their delicious fresh chicken sashimi! The manager may look intimidating, but, I assure you, he has a big heart!
Address:3-69-1 Koenji-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours:Mon.-Fri.: 17:00-24:00, Sat., Sun., and Hol. 16:00-24:00
Closed:None scheduled
【Asagaya Sta.】 Yonekyu
Yonekyu specializes in oden, a winter dish consisting of daikon, boiled eggs, kelp, konnyaku, and other ingredients stewed in a kelp-based dashi broth. You have to try it to believe how good it is!
Address:2-11-17 Asagaya-Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours:17:00-L.O.23:30
Closed:Wed., Sun., Hol.
【Ogikubo Sta.】 Bird-ya
With chicken brought in daily, Bird-ya boasts exceptional freshness! While their yakitori is outstanding, they also serve a limited number of dishes of tasty chicken sashimi as well that you won’t want to miss.
Address:2-11-17 Asagaya-Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours:17:00-3:00
Closed:Open 365 days
Accepted credit cards:American Express / Diners / JCB / MasterCard / Visa
【Nishi-Ogikubo Sta.】 Masumori Jiro
Masumori Jiro is a great example of seafood at its finest. We highly recommend their fresh kaisen don (sashimi rice bowl) and their kaisen yosenabe (seafood hot pot).
Address:3-9-5 Nishiogi-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours:Mon.-Fri.: 11:30-15:00, 17:00-24:00 / Sat., Sun., Hol.: 11:30-24:00
Closed:Open 365 days
Accepted credit cards:American Express / Diners / JCB / MasterCard / Visa
This list is merely the tip of the iceberg. Just wander through any of the countless alleys to get a glimpse of the real Japan—the Japan familiar to locals.
Access to the 4 stations introduced in this article can be found below. Even the farthest station, Nishi-Ogikubo, is only 10 minutes from Shinjuku Station on the JR Chuo Line. All four of these easily accessible stations are awaiting your arrival!
When in Japan, do as the Japanese do: Head to Suginami!
Aside from Suginami City, Tokyo is home to many other attractive areas and tourist spots.
Please refer to the following article for a summary of tourist spots worth visiting and gourmet food worth trying during your Tokyo tour.