Amazake Yokocho Street, Ningyocho, Tokyo

Old neighborhood with lots of sweets shops, bento shops, and traditional music instruments. Being located near Meiji-za, you see some old businesses supporting the traditional art performances, such as box makers, shamisen shops, kimono shops.

Short stroll on the Amazake Yokocho Street takes you to old Japan. There's not much "special" things to see, but it is such a nice little area to escape from the busy areas.



English links

About Ningyocho- English website.
http://www.chuo-kanko.or.jp/english/ningyou/profile.html


English Map: http://www.chuo-kanko.or.jp/english/ningyou/area_map.html

Interview with Traditional craftsmen: Iwai Tsuzura, Amazake Yokocho, Ningyocho, Tokyo
one of the only two shops in Tokyo still making Tsuzura, basket made of bamboo and lacquer.
http://www.tokyochuo.net/issue/traditional/2004/06/english.html

Suitengu, Tokyo

Suitengu is located between TCAT and old neighborhood of Ningyocho. People come to Suitengu Shrine to pray for fertility and for safe child birth. Naturally, you see a few stalls selling baby goods. Even sake brands they display has something to do with children.

If you are in the neighborhood, nice place to stop by.



How to get there: Short walking distance from TCAT in Hakozaki.

Japanese link
http://www.suitengu.or.jp/index.html - Suitengu Official Web Site

English area information at Royal Park Hotel page with some restaurant information offering bilingual menu.
http://www.rph.co.jp/english/access/acc00200.html

Ameyoko, Ueno, Tokyo

Ameyoko is very lively shopping area that stretches from JR Ueno to UR Okachimachi Station. It is interesting to see all kinds of shops from seafood, clothes, and cosmetics all mixed in the crowded small area.

This post on DannyChoo.com has really great pictures of Ameyoko.

How to get there: From Ueno - JR Ueno Central Exit, Hibiya or Ginza Line 5B Exit
From Okachimachi - JR Okachimachi North Exit, Hibiya or Ginza Line A2,A5, A7 Exit, Oed Line A7 Exit

Ameyoko Official English website: http://www.ameyoko.net/e/