Stroll Through Atmospheric Alleys and Backstreets! 12 Must-Visit Spots for Sightseeing in Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka, one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric areas, offers seasonal charm all year round, but spring and fall are especially recommended.
In spring, the rows of cherry trees around Akagi Shrine bloom beautifully, making it a great place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
The shopping street also becomes lively with events such as the Okaimono Kagurazaka Kuji and Aozora Festa.
In fall, the zelkova trees along Kagurazaka-dori Street, the back alleys, and the shrines and temples are colored with autumn leaves, deepening the area’s charm and making a stroll here a memorable experience.
Both seasons also have mild and comfortable weather, making them ideal times for sightseeing.

The three main nearest stations to Kagurazaka are Kagurazaka Station (Kagurazaka Exit) on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station (A3 Exit) on the Toei Oedo Line, and Iidabashi Station (West Exit) on the JR Sobu Line.
It only takes a few minutes on foot from each of these exits, so choose whichever route is most convenient from your departure point.
The table below summarizes how to get to Kagurazaka and the travel time from major stations in Tokyo.
As you can see, all of them offer excellent access within 30 minutes, which is one of the reasons Kagurazaka is so popular.

Akagi Shrine is said to have begun in 1300, when a divided spirit from Akagi Shrine at the foot of Mount Akagi in Gunma Prefecture was enshrined here.
It enshrines Iwatsutsuonomikoto, a deity believed to ward off evil, and Akagihimenomikoto, a deity said to grant women’s wishes. It is believed to bring blessings such as success in love, safe childbirth, and marital harmony, and many women come to visit.
The shrine building, with its modern glass-fronted design, was rebuilt in 2010 by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and it has also attracted attention as a stylish shrine.

Located around the middle of Kagurazaka, Zenkokuji Temple is easily recognized by its vermilion-painted gate.
Founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1595, it was first established in Nihonbashi, then moved twice before settling in its current location in Kagurazaka in 1792.
Beloved in Kagurazaka as Bishamon-sama, Bishamonten, around whom the temple town of Zenkokuji developed, is a warrior deity wearing armor and holding a treasure pagoda in the right hand and a staff in the left.
It is worshipped for bringing good fortune, protection from evil, and blessings. A bamboo blind usually hangs in front of the deity, but it can be viewed directly during special public openings held on tiger days in January, May, and September.

Hyogo Yokocho is a narrow lane lined with long-established ryotei, hidden-away restaurants, and Japanese restaurants in renovated old houses, all surrounded by stone pavement and black wooden fences.
Filled with traditional Japanese charm, this alley is a special space often used as a filming location for movies and TV shows.
The entrance to the alley is a narrow passage directly across Kagurazaka-dori Street from Bishamon-sama.
It is only wide enough for one person to barely pass through, but it gets a little wider as you go farther in.
Even so, it is not wide enough for cars to pass. It is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace while taking in the stone paving, the fences of the houses on both sides, and the greenery of the plantings.

Centered on Kagurazaka-dori Street, which connects Kagurazaka Station and Iidabashi Station, Kagurazaka is a popular area in Shinjuku with a hidden-retreat feel and a character all its own.
In the yokocho alleys branching off the main street, traditional Japanese scenery of stone paving, black fences, ryotei, and old houses stands alongside renowned restaurants serving Japanese, Italian, French, Chinese, and many other cuisines.
Within a street layout that dates back to the Edo period, it is a mysterious space where the spirit of Japan’s modernization, contemporary style, Japanese culture, and multicultural influences all coexist.

Located on the west side of Kagurazaka-dori Street, Geisha Komichi is a lane connecting Kenban Yokocho and Oguri-dori Street. It got its name because many geisha once passed through here on their way from the office known as the kenban to ozashiki banquet rooms.
The narrow path with its winding staircase is also called the Atamiyu Stairs, named after the nearby public bath Atamiyu.
Famous restaurants are scattered along this small lane, which is only Approx. 20–30 meters long.

Kagurazaka Yumeji is a kappo restaurant housed in a standalone building tucked away in a back alley behind Bishamonten.
Inside, a retro atmosphere evoking Taisho Roman welcomes guests into a world apart from everyday life.
The lighting, carpets, and other interior details are all unified with antique pieces, adding to its comfortable charm.
The menu consists only of kaiseki course meals, but there is no time limit, so you can enjoy your meal at your own pace.
The most popular option is the Kagura Course, made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Each dish is prepared with creative touches while staying rooted in traditional Japanese culinary techniques.
The contents change with the seasons, so each visit offers the chance to enjoy flavors at their peak.
The restaurant also offers a carefully selected lineup of sake and wine to pair with the food, making it a great choice for those who enjoy drinks.

Surrounded by black fences, Kagurazaka Ishikawa is a celebrated Japanese restaurant.
It is one of the most sought-after restaurants in the country, having earned three Michelin stars for 15 consecutive years since 2009.
Walk along the stone-paved path sprinkled with water, and you will enter a warm yet dignified space wrapped in pale wood.
The menu consists only of the omakase course, and while the base price of 49,500 yen plus service charge is not inexpensive, guest satisfaction is extremely high.
One reason is the owner-chef, Hideki Ishikawa, who knows exactly how to bring out the best in the finest ingredients.
Rather than flashy presentation, the restaurant serves dishes that pursue pure flavors, bringing out the clear essence of each ingredient.
Through the meal, you can experience the beauty of the seasons and encounter the true essence of Japanese cuisine.

Ristorante LASTRICATO is an authentic Italian restaurant located along the stone-paved lane of Hyogo Yokocho.
Go up the stairs to the second-floor dining room, and you will find a calm, antique-style atmosphere.
With its relaxed setting, it is an ideal place for dates, important anniversaries, and special dinners.
The menu is offered as the Chef’s Omakase Course for both lunch and dinner.
True to its name, the chef personally selects the ingredients, and you can enjoy Approx. 10 carefully prepared dishes made with time and attention.
Traditional Italian flavors are given a modern touch, and house-made dishes such as pasta and risotto are so delicious that they will stay in your memory.
The wine list is also extensive, and the sommelier will choose pairings that match your meal.

Blending into the streetscape of Kagurazaka, Echigo Shubo Hakkaisan Kagurazaka is an authentic Japanese izakaya with all private rooms.
As the name suggests, it collaborates with Hakkaisan, one of Niigata Prefecture’s representative sake brands, and offers an extensive selection of Japanese sake.
There are also many Niigata local dishes that pair perfectly with sake, such as Itaage (large deep-fried tofu) and mochi pork harihari dashi shabu, so you can enjoy both drinks and food.
Among the most recommended dishes are Today’s Assorted Fresh Sashimi, 7 Kinds, and Hakkaisan Shutozuke Bacon Aburi, which is packed with rich umami.
For the perfect finish, end your meal with hegi soba, known for its firm texture and green color from the seaweed used as a binder.

Kagurazaka Teppanyaki Himawari serves high-quality teppanyaki made with carefully selected ingredients and the skilled techniques of experienced chefs.
True to its name, the warm hospitality and the interior, blending wood accents, gently wrap guests in comfort.
Details such as tables carved with sunflower motifs and counters made with natural stone are also highlights worth noticing.
The menu offers three courses to suit different budgets and occasions, but the most recommended is the most popular Himawari Course with up to three drinks.
Centered on A5-grade Japanese black wagyu sirloin steak, you can enjoy a full 13 dishes including seafood, vegetables, and dessert.
Another popular part of the experience is the performance of showing the ingredients before cooking, which makes the meal even more enjoyable.

Facing Kagurazaka’s main street, from the Kagurazaka-shita intersection to the Sakaue intersection on Okubo-dori, this shopping street blends long-standing tradition with modern elements.
Its symbol, Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, stands along the street, which is lined with long-established Japanese sweets shops, souvenir stores, cafes, restaurants, and many other shops of all sizes.
It is also a perfect place to look for souvenirs and gifts, with many items and limited-edition products you will not find in other areas.
Another part of its appeal is the variety of ways to enjoy it, from street food to browsing stylish shops.
Events such as the Kagurazaka Festival and Tanabata Festival are also held every year.
Because you can experience Japanese culture in a lively setting, it offers a travel experience that is especially fitting for international visitors to Japan.

This building is located Approx. 1–2 minutes on the left after you start walking up Kagurazaka-dori Street from Kagurazaka-shita near the west side of JR Iidabashi Station.
The upper floors house facilities related to Tokyo University of Science, while the first and second floors contain shops centered mainly on restaurants.
With long-established Japanese sweets shops and popular Japanese restaurants, it offers the calm Japanese atmosphere that feels very much like Kagurazaka.