The Yotsuya Araki-cho Area

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The Yotsuya Araki-cho Area

Many Eateries Line this Calm Drinking Area Designed for Adults.

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From Yotsuya Sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, head east for about 100 meters along Shinjuku Dori to a gentle slope facing north. Go down the slope to find a row of small eateries and pubs in a drinking area aimed at adults.
During the Edo Period (1603-1868), it was the site of Matsudaira’s estate. There was a Japanese garden with a waterfall and pond surrounded by greenery.
After that, it became a picturesque place where restaurants gathered, prospering as a geisha neighborhood.
Even now, such vestiges of history can be felt among the landmarks dotting the area.
At Muchi-no-ike, or the “pond of the whip”, legend has it that Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan during the Edo Period, would stop here to wash his horse saddle while hawking in the area. On one side of this pond lies a small shrine, Tsunokami Benzaiten, dedicated to the goddess of water.

Highlights

  • From long ago, adults have gathered in the bars here.
  • Its topography features many slopes and stairs.
  • As it used to flourish as a geisha town, the flagstone-paved alleys retain their charm.

Photos

  • The back alley of Yotsuya Araki-cho

    The back alley of Yotsuya Araki-cho

  • Muchi-no-ike, the “Pond of the Whip”

    Muchi-no-ike, the “Pond of the Whip”

  • Flagstone paving

    Flagstone paving

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Details

Name in Japanese
四谷荒木町エリア
Postal Code
160-0007
Address
Araki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access
About 5 minutes on foot from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)