🗺️ Yakuushi Ai Road Shopping Street薬師あいロード商店街振興組合

Meizhao-in is the largest temple in Nakano, Tokyo, known to the public by the name "Arai Yakushi." The approach to the temple from Nakano Station, called Monzen-machi, is lined with several shopping streets, one of which is the "Yakushi Ai Road Shopping Street." The name of the shopping street is derived from Arai Yakushi's reputation for blessing the healing of eye ailments, and it was named "Ai" (愛) to reflect the hope of becoming a "beloved shopping street" for customers. In addition to restaurants, pubs, meat shops, dessert shops, and kimono stores, the shopping street features beauty salons, hospitals, and public bathhouses, with about 120 shops scattered throughout. Some of these shops have been in operation since the Taisho era or the early Showa period, giving the entire shopping street a strong retro atmosphere. With a nostalgic yet fresh vibe, it attracts many locals and worshippers, as well as regular customers from various generations. On the auspicious days of Arai Yakushi, which fall on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month, a special sale called "Hachi no Hi Tokubai" is held, where various shops offer great deals on products and services.

The shopping street in front of Arai Yakushi Temple. From shops established in the early Taisho period to those that opened in the Reiwa era, there are about 120 stores lined up in succession. On the 8th of each month, a special sale day features a variety of great deals.