All Reviews of Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street

Known as “Grandma’s Harajuku,” Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street is filled with a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. As you stroll along, you can sample the famous salt daifuku and fragrant old-fashioned treats, and don’t forget to visit Koganji Temple to pray for health and safety. The street is lined with all kinds of clothing stores and prepared-food shops. The pace here is relaxed, and you can experience the warmth of Tokyo’s traditional downtown neighborhoods and the charm of everyday life~

For this trip to Tokyo, we chose to stay near Sugamo Station, where there are relatively fewer tourists. It was very close to the APA Hotel where we were staying, just a few minutes away on foot. Early in the morning, we first went to the nearby Beck’s coffee chain for a hearty and affordable breakfast to recharge for the day ahead.

Then we took a walk to the locally famous Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street. In the morning, the shopping street was full of lively, everyday energy. We wandered through the warm and welcoming little alleys, casually browsing all kinds of small local Japanese shops and getting an up-close look at the everyday lives of Japanese people.

This kind of wandering experience—getting away from the hustle and bustle and slowly settling into the pace of local life—has always been my favorite way to travel. If you enjoy a relaxing stroll, I highly recommend coming here to experience a different side of Tokyo’s old shopping streets.

This street feels pretty local by Tokyo standards—fewer tourists, more older locals—and the vibe is totally different from Shibuya or Shinjuku.
The whole street is packed with health foods, red underwear, and traditional wagashi. It has a real Showa-era feel.

I just looked around and didn't really feel like buying anything.

Came here for my first shrine visit of the year. There aren't many foreign tourists around.

Most of the shops sell really cheap and affordable products.

They call this place the 'Harajuku for seniors.' Most of the shops sell things for older folks, and you can find all sorts of daily necessities here.

The shops on this street are perfect for people my age to browse.

The shopping street is really well organized. Super fun to walk around and shop!