林烱棋's Reviews

Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum

Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum is a popular spot located within Shibamata Park about three minutes on foot past Shibamata Taishakuten.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Museums

This museum mainly introduces the 'Tora-san' movies. As soon as you enter, you see a studio modeled after the Taishakuten approach, with shop displays, lighting, and sound effects that make you feel like you’ve stepped back into early 1960s Tokyo. Even though I haven’t seen the films, the detailed exhibits really bring the Showa era to life, letting you experience what everyday life was like back then. Most of the visitors I saw were older Japanese people, probably coming to relive their childhood memories.

Shibamata Taishakuten Sando

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.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Shopping Streets

There are so many old shops with a long history along the approach. As you walk, you can smell the amazing aroma of grilled eel everywhere. Pairing it with white rice and their sweet, secret sauce is just delicious. There's also the famous local treat, mugwort dango from Katsushika. The dango is topped with a thick layer of sweet red bean paste—it's got a gentle mugwort fragrance and is sweet but not too much. Walking down the old streets of Shibamata, you really need to take your time to enjoy the food and appreciate the beautiful old buildings and the people, sights, and atmosphere.

Shibamata Taishakuten Daikyo-ji Temple

The official name of Shibamata Taishakuten is “Kyoeizan Daikyo-ji.” It is a temple of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, and as it was built in 1629 it has quite the long history.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Shrines & Temples

After walking straight down the old street, you'll soon see the Niomon Gate of Taishakuten Temple. To enter the main hall for worship, you need to take off your shoes. There's also a Japanese garden called Suikeien at the back. It's not very big, but it's a traditional Japanese building. Sitting inside and looking out at the garden feels so peaceful and quiet. The intricate carvings around the Taishakudo are truly impressive and worth seeing.