Sugamo tourist information

2023.05.17 - Area Information

When it comes to Sugamo, it’s known as the “Granny’s Harajuku.” This neighborhood is a gathering place for the older generation, but don’t let that fool you. As you wander along the Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, you’ll discover a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to people of all ages.

Sugamo Station is conveniently served by both the JR Yamanote Line and the Tokyo Metro Mita Line, with the nearby Sugamo Shinden and Koshinzuka stops on the charming Toden Arakawa Line. And guess what? Just a single ride on the Yamanote Line connects you effortlessly to bustling Ikebukuro and vibrant Shinjuku. Talk about excellent accessibility!

Now, let’s talk about the heart of Sugamo—the lively Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street. Stretching approximately 780 meters, this bustling shopping paradise boasts around 200 shops. It’s a delightful mix of stores catering to those visiting Takinowa Temple and local businesses rooted in the community. From mouthwatering traditional Japanese treats like salted daifuku and monaka to tantalizing Western pastries, artisanal bakeries, cozy tea houses, savory senbei shops, and even specialized stores offering Buddhist paraphernalia, you’ll find an abundance of unique and must-try delights.

But mark your calendar because the excitement reaches its peak on days with the number “4” (4th, 14th, 24th). These are the lively festival days when the Togetsunuki Jizo Shrine comes alive, and the entire street transforms into a vibrant wonderland with bustling food stalls and vibrant vendors. It’s an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!

Sugamo is a fun destination for tourism, but it also offers adult entertainment establishments!
There are establishment-based adult entertainment venues as well as “married women”establishments where you can have fun with women in their 50s.
However, choosing the wrong establishment can lead to regrettable experiences.

As of now, there aren’t any noteworthy rumors about adult entertainment venues specifically catering to foreigners. To have a memorable experience in Sugamo,
it’s best to focus on enjoying the town’s sightseeing attractions.

Main tourist spots in Sugamo

Togetsunuki Jizo Shrine, Koganji Temple
A Soto Zen Buddhist temple known for the Togetsunuki Jizo, a statue of Jizo Bodhisattva that was bestowed upon a man who prayed for his wife’s recovery from illness after childbirth. It serves as the main deity of the temple.

Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street
Also known as “Granny’s Harajuku,” this shopping street is lined with popular products among the elderly, such as red underwear, salted daifuku (mochi with sweet filling), and handmade senbei (rice crackers). It remains lively and bustling every day.

Tokiwa Shokudo Sugamo-ten
A diner located on Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, offering meals made with fresh seafood in a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere.

Rikugien Garden
A daimyo (feudal lord) garden constructed by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a prominent figure in the early 18th century who played a leading role in the government as a high-ranking official during the reign of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the 5th shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty.

Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA
A day-trip bathing facility located about an 8-minute walk from Sugamo Station on the JR Yamanote Line.

Furunaya Sugamo Honten
An udon noodle shop tucked away in the backstreets of the main thoroughfare of Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street.

Maruji Ichigokan
A clothing store situated in a corner of Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street. It is well-known for its longevity gift, red underwear, which has been featured in various media.