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Immerse Yourself in the Romance of Shitamachi at Katsushika Shibamata, selected as Japan’s Important Cultural Landscape.
Katsushika Shibamata has been chosen by the country itself as one of Japan’s iconic scenic spots. It’s also no exaggeration to say that Shibamata Taishakuten and its approach are iconic parts of Tokyo’s shitamachi (old town) areas that possess striking atmosphere and appearance. It’s also famous as the hometown of Tora, the protagonist of the film “The Otoko wa tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man),” directed by Japanese film master YAMADA Yoji. There is so much to see in the area, such as the “Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum” and “Yamada Yoji Museum” that bring you into the world of the film, as well as the elegant “Yamamoto-tei,” which was renovated between late Taisho era and early Showa era, and “Shibamata Taishakuten Daikyo-ji Temple,” an iconic landmark of the area. Every 60 days comes a “Koshin” day, during which Shibamata Taishakuten holds a temple festival, as it has done since back in the Edo period. The carrying of a matoi, or decorated standard, on “Yoi Koshin” (the eve of Koshin) is a must-see event. The large Koshin paper lanterns placed in front of Shibamata Taishakuten’s Niten-mon Gate add an air of elegance to the area.
Taishakuten Sando, with old-fashioned shops lined up along the street
The iconic landmark of this area, “Shibamata Taishakuten Daikyo-ji Temple”
“Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum,” where you can experience the world of the movie “The Otoko wa tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man)” ©Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum ©Shochiku Co.,Ltd.
Feel the essence of old-fashioned Edokko, those born and raised in Edo
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Shibamata Taishakuten Sando retains a strong old-town atmosphere. It runs from Shibamata Station to Taishakuten, and although it’s only a short street, it has a lot of character. Traditional wagashi shops, rice cracker shops, eel restaurants, and snack shops line both sides, with many long-established businesses that make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the Showa era. It was also an important setting for the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo, adding to Shibamata’s nostalgic charm. Compared with central Tokyo, Shibamata has a much more relaxed pace. It’s a great place to browse the shops slowly, grab a snack, and then visit Taishakuten to experience the warmth of old Tokyo.
As soon as you step out of the station, there’s a bronze statue of Tora-san. It really has the feel of an old Japanese movie and a lot of nostalgic charm.
The whole atmosphere feels like stepping back into the Showa era. It’s completely different from busy Tokyo and super relaxing!
After watching Ariyoshi-kun’s “Shoujiki Sanpo,” I put “Shibamata Old Town” on my list for my next Tokyo trip!
It’s so cool to feel traditional Japan right in the middle of a huge city—the mix of old and new is exactly what makes Tokyo so charming.
The moment you step out of the station, you can really feel that classic downtown (shitamachi) vibe. This area was also a filming location for the Japanese movie series “Otoko wa Tsurai yo.” Foreign visitors might not totally relate, but that scene where the main character, Torasan, says goodbye to his sister gives Shibamata a little extra nostalgic feel.
The moment you step onto the approach, it really has that old Tokyo vibe. Time feels like it slows down, and it’s perfect to pair with a visit to the temple to pray.
I really love the vibe of this old street. From the moment you leave the station, everything centers around Tora-san, the main character. The approach is lined with traditional wooden buildings and stone-paved streets. You can try classic street foods like grilled senbei and kusa dango, and there's a strong sense of community here—it's a real taste of Showa-era Japan. There's a theme, a story, and a rich culture. I felt like I got so much out of visiting.
