Market Days
Visit on the 4th, 14th, or 24th of the month to experience the lively temple festivals.
Tokyo, Japan
Neighborhood·Nostalgic, Traditional, Community Focused
Images coming soon!
Sugamo is a vibrant neighborhood in Tokyo that offers a distinct contrast to the city's modern skyscrapers. Known affectionately as 'Grandma's Harajuku,' it centers on the 800-meter-long Jizo-dori Shopping Street, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare lined with over 200 shops selling traditional clothing, sweets, and household items. The area's spiritual heart is Koganji Temple, where visitors queue to wash the Torigon-n-jizo statue, believed to heal ailments. Sugamo is particularly famous for its 'red underwear' shops, which are said to bring good fortune and health to the wearer. With its slower pace and deep-rooted traditions, it provides an authentic look at the daily lives of Tokyo's older residents and a taste of the city's Showa-era charm.
Sugamo is a vibrant neighborhood in Tokyo that offers a distinct contrast to the city's modern skyscrapers. Known affectionately as 'Grandma's Harajuku,' it centers on the 800-meter-long Jizo-dori Shopping Street, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare lined with over 200 shops selling traditional clothing, sweets, and household items. The area's spiritual heart is Koganji Temple, where visitors queue to wash the Torigon-n-jizo statue, believed to heal ailments. Sugamo is particularly famous for its 'red underwear' shops, which are said to bring good fortune and health to the wearer. With its slower pace and deep-rooted traditions, it provides an authentic look at the daily lives of Tokyo's older residents and a taste of the city's Showa-era charm.
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Highlights
The bustling Jizo-dori Shopping Street.
Koganji Temple and its healing Torigon-n-jizo statue.
Traditional snacks like Shio-Daifuku (salted bean mochi).
Shops selling iconic red underwear for health and luck.
Before you go: Sugamo essentials
The area is very popular with seniors, so the pace is slower than Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Most shops close relatively early compared to major commercial hubs.
It is easily accessible via the JR Yamanote Line or the Mita Subway Line.
Local Delicacies
Try the Shio-Daifuku, a salted mochi that is a signature treat of the area.
Best For
Nostalgic shopping and experiencing traditional Tokyo street culture.
Currency
JPY ¥
Average Cost
$70-$130 p/day
Languages Spoken
Japanese, English
Health Rituals
At Koganji Temple, use a cloth to wash the part of the statue corresponding to your own body's ailments.
Best time to visit Sugamo
March-May, September-November
Best Season
Spring
Ideal for strolling through Jizo-dori and visiting nearby Rikugien Garden for cherry blossoms.
Summer
The street can get quite warm; look for shops selling traditional fans and cold sweets.
Best Season
Fall
Excellent weather for exploring the neighborhood and enjoying seasonal Japanese treats.
Winter
A great time for a warm bowl of traditional noodles after visiting the temple.
Location
Sugamo, Tokyo, Japan
