Experience Tokyo’s Cultural Heritage with All Five Senses

Tokyo has many charming historic neighborhoods that transport you back in time, offering an enchanting journey into Tokyo’s past and various cultural experiences.

First, head to Shibamata in Katsushika City steeped in history. Stroll along a lively approach to a temple lined with old-fashioned shops and try local delicacies. Then, take in the beauty of a traditional Japanese home garden, and immerse yourself in retro Tokyo at a museum dedicated to a long-running film series.

In Kita City, special cultural experiences await. Dress up in kimono and wander through the serene grounds of a shrine while listening to Gagaku, Japanese court music. Photos taken by a professional photographer will create lifelong memories. Furthermore, learn sword action techniques from a pro and feel like a samurai.

DISCOVERING TOKYO puts the spotlight on various recommended spots and experiences introduced by Tokyo’s many municipalities. Dive into Tokyo’s cultural heritage with all five senses.

A Glimpse of Old Tokyo
(Katsushika City)
A Journey through Samurai and Tradition in Tokyo
(Kita City)

Katsushika CityA Glimpse of Old Tokyo

Start your dive into Shibamata, a historic district in Tokyo, with a walk along Taishakuten-Sando, a street full of nostalgia lined with shops selling local delicacies and crafts.

For entertainment based around the Showa era (1926–1989), you should visit Shibamata Haikara Yokocho. For traditional sweets, visit Takagiya Roho, which is famous for kusa dango rice dumplings made with yomogi (mugwort).

To unwind, you can head over to Katsushika-ku Yamamoto-tei, a traditional mansion featuring some beautiful, peaceful gardens.

The Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum was established in honor of one of the most beloved characters in the long-running film series “TORASAN-SERIES”.

Lastly, there’s nothing more refreshing than a walk along the Edo River at Shibamata Park. It’s a great opportunity to relax with some beautiful views.

Enjoy an unforgettable trip in Tokyo by discovering its historical past and rich cultural heritage, as well as by experiencing the natural splendor of Shibamata.

General information

Takagiya-rouho

  • Business Hours : Cafes 9:00-16:00 / Shops 9:00-17:00
  • Regular Holidays : None
  • Address : 7-7-4 Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, TokyoMAP
  • Takagiya-rouho Official WEB Site   (Japanese only)

Sonoda Folkcraft Shop
Sonoda Wood Carving Shop

  • Business Hours : 9:00-18:00
  • Irregular holidays
  • Address : 7-6-15 Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, TokyoMAP

Shibamata Haikarayokochyou

Taishakuten Nitenmon Gate

Katsushika-ku Yamamoto-tei

  • Business Hours : 10:00-17:00
  • Regular Holidays : The third Tuesday of every month (but if the third Tuesday is a national holiday, the following weekday will be closed) and the third Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of December
  • Address : 7-19-32 Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, TokyoMAP
  • Katsushika-ku Yamamoto-tei Official WEB Site  (Japanese only)

Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum

  • Business Hours : 9:00-17:00
    ( Please arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time. )
  • Regular Holidays : The third Tuesday of every month (but if the third Tuesday is a national holiday, the following weekday) And the third Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of December *Open over the New Year holidays
  • Address : 6-22-19 Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, TokyoMAP
  • Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum Official WEB Site  (Japanese only)

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE!

Old-school Tokyo—A Guide to the City's Traditional Side

The GO TOKYO website provides travel information in a range of categories. Check it out to find other activities and outings similar to those we explore in these articles.

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