Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street

While Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street is affectionately known as "Grandma's Harajuku", in recent years it has been drawing attention as a spot enjoyable for people of all ages and genders. Spanning approximately 780m, the shopping street is home to about 200 stores covering a diverse range of genres, including Japanese sweets, Western sweets, bakeries, tea shops, rice cracker shops, and Buddhist altar accessory shops.

The history of Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street dates back to the Edo period. It is said to have originated as a town built as the first rest stop for travelers departing from Nihonbashi, the starting point of the Nakasendo route. Along the stretch from "Edoroku Jizouson Shinshoji Temple" at the entrance of the shopping street to "Sugamo Koushin-zuka", tea houses and eateries were scattered, bustling with worshippers and travelers.

Later, in Meiji 24 (1891), "Togenuki Jizoson" of "Soto Zen School Mantouzan Koganji Temple ", famous for removing thorns, was relocated from Ueno, becoming a leading tourist attraction in Sugamo.

In addition, there are many historic temples, shrines, and historic sites scattered around the area, such as Rikugien Garden, designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the country, and the former Furukawa Garden. Extend your journey a little and enjoy a stroll.