In my previous post, I mentioned that Sugamo is a little part of Tokyo that is unlike the heavily populated areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku. The “Shoutengai” districts with rows of mom and pop shops seem to be slowly disappearing, as larger supermarkets and department stores take their places. One of my favorite things about Japan, though, is their preservation of tradition, and that people of my generation can still enjoy what still remains of it. I can’t express in just words or pictures how excited and happy I was as Lisa and I explored this adorable shoutengai, but I tried my best!
Like I was told by a friend a while back, Sugamo is definitely heavily populated with folks of the older generation (hence the “Harajuku of the old ladies”). It’s also originally known for the Koganji temple that is located halfway down the street, which is home to the Togenuki Jizo (diety of the children). The Jizo pictured at the bottom is actually not Togenjuki Jizo, but one that was located right outside the entrance of the shoutengai. It seemed a little lonely and out of place, but beautiful nonetheless in the late afternoon sun. I thoroughly enjoyed my mini excursion in Sugamo, especially the delicious rice crackers I bought as souvenirs!
前回の記事ににも書きましたが、巣鴨は「東京じゃない東京」です。とういと、新宿や渋谷みたいに慌ただしく、人が多すぎることはなく、穏やかで昔ながらの日本の商店街で今もにぎわっている場所です。私は歴史と文化が詰まっている場所が好きで、巣鴨も改めて好きになりました。商店街でお買い物をしているおじいさんおばあさんを通りかかると、心が癒されました。高岩寺で一息したり、可愛らしいおせんべい屋さんでお地蔵せんべいをお土産で買ったり。東京ではあまり経験できないゆったりとした時間を過ごすことができました。
photos by Paint with Stars and Samantha Mariko
20 comments
Chiara T.
It's a city and a culture so different to mine. I wish to be able to visit Japan sooner or later!
http://www.bonjourchiara.com
Bonjourchiara Facebook Page
Jenny Scott Russell
Lovely pictures, I will definitely visit one day! x
Freya's Fashion Chapter
Colleen
What an adorable neighborhood! All the food looks so yummy and the packaging is so precious
COOCOO FOR COCO
Arden Rubens (TOPCOAT)
Stunning! Love this post. xx
TOPCOAT – FASHION BLOG
Sammy Scott
Ooh, these are lovely and very interesting photos to peek at. Thanks for sharing 🙂
xox
MERI WILD
Nice photos! <3
Diana Horsfall
wow, this part of the city looks so different! How bad I want to visit Tokyo!
http://differentcands.blogspot.com/
Melanie C.
Nice place! Those rice crackers look so yummy!!
xx,
http://www.mellowyellowblog.com
Marlen
I always soak up your mini excursion pictures, it's so cool to get a peek into Japan through your eyes. I'm imagining this neighborhood just filled with older people, like their own little island haha. That's awesome they're so committed to preserving tradition and are trying to not let the area change. You definitely don't come across that too often. It looks beautiful there!
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
Nina
I actually lived in Sugamo for a bit when I first arrived in Japan, and I liked it a lot. The old people were cute and it was at a very convenient location. I was constantly teased by my Japanese friends tho since like you said, it's known as the Harajuku for old people lol.
Amalia Fitry Baruna
Aaaaahhh, I love everything about your blog and how you post stuff. Your pictures looks amazing as well.
Stayed here as your follower, so I can be updated about japan because I'm planning to have a trip to tokyo this year. Hope you'll follow me back too;)
xoxo
amfiba
amfiba.blogspot.com
Ollyvia Laura
yeaaay finally you make a blog about Japan photodiary, i miss Japan so bad ;'(
NEW POST : MAY WISHLIST
Avellia Anwar
pretty view
visit mine,
Miss Aa
Kim Alston
That statue at the end is amazing! What a fabulous place!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
nunù sofia
very nice pictures honey, gorgeous 😉
kissssssss
Check it out my new post: http://www.honeyandcotton.org/must-jeans-a-vita-alta-camicia-nera/
Jane
I love places that have an old soul feel 🙂
Paolo TheLookLover
Ciao!!
I'm from Italy…wow,Tokyo!!!! I love seeing these images,wonderful!!
Kiss
Paolo
Marjorie Hirtz
Les photos sont superbes! J'aimerai beaucoup y aller !
MITCH
I've always wanted to visit Tokyo! Hopefully one day 😀
xx
Oh Dear Bumblebees
TDVR
Can I live in Japan too ? I'm in love with this post !
xo.TDVR
http://www.tenindvr.blogspot.com