🗺️ Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street (巣鴨地蔵通商店街)巣鴨地蔵通商店街

Nudama Jizo Shopping Street, widely known as the "Harajuku for Grandmothers," has gained significant attention in recent years as a destination where people of all ages can happily explore. The shopping street, approximately 780 meters long, features about 200 various types of shops, including wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shops, Western pastry shops, bakeries, tea shops, senbei (rice cracker) shops, and Buddhist goods stores, all lined up closely together. The history of Nudama Jizo Shopping Street dates back to the Edo period. It is said that this street formed as the first rest stop along the Nakasendo route that began from Nihonbashi. Between "Edo Rokujizou-sen Shinjitsu-ji" at the entrance of the shopping street and "Sugamo Koushinsuke," there are many tea houses and dining establishments, bustling with worshippers and travelers alike. Later, in the 24th year of the Meiji era (1891), the "Sōtō-shū Mandokuzan Kōgan-ji," famous for its "Benevolen Jizō," relocated from Ueno to this area, becoming a representative sightseeing spot in Sugamo. The area also includes the nationally designated Special Scenic Spot, Rikugien, and the historic former Fukagawa Gardens, among other ancient temples and historical sites. It is worth extending your stroll to enjoy a leisurely walk in this charming area.

Known as "Grandmothers' Harajuku," this old shopping street is filled with many food spots, some of which have long lines for popular eateries. On the 4th of every month, a lively temple fair is held, attracting many visitors. Among the well-known attractions are Kōgan-ji Temple (高岩寺), famous for its "Butsu Shari" (拔刺地藏尊), and Jinjō-ji Temple (真性寺), recognized as one of the "Edo Six Jizō" (江戸六地尊).