A restaurant that serves freshly caught river fish can also be found, and the area is characterized by the friendly atmosphere of the traditionally commercial, working-class neighborhood.
If you come to Shibamata, the Tora-san Museum is an absolute must-visit. As explained earlier, it is all about the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo that revolves around the wandering salesman Tora-san and his sheer eternal story of his unsuccessful love life. Running between 1969 and 1995, it holds the world record for the world’s longest-running movie series starring a single actor. As such, Otoko wa Tsurai yo and its endearing main protagonist, played by Kiyoshi Atsumi, has a large fandom not only in Japan. The museum itself was opened in 1997. Even if you have never heard of this show up until now, the Tora-san Museum is well-worth the visit. The dumpling store and print shop of the series have been faithfully recreated, offering not only a nostalgic paradise for fans of Otoko wa Tsurai yo but also a very authentic glimpse into Tokyo’s 60s and 70s. Other parts of the museum take you even further back: beautiful dioramas show how Shibamata has looked back in the 1930s when Tora-san was a child. There even is a life-sized wagon of a man-powered tramway as it was used decades ago! For fans of Otoko wa Tsurai yo, we highly recommend also visiting the Yoji Yamada Museum, dedicated to the director of the series and many other movie masterpieces – it’s right next to the Tora-san Museum.
Kingyozaka was established by a goldfish wholesaler with about 350 years' history. You can enjoy delicious tea and meals while looking at goldfish swimming elegantly. (Or an alcoholic beverage and a cigar if you so desire!) They sell goldfish in the tank outside the cafe as well as goldfish-motif goods.
Don Quijote Picasso Akasaka store is a well-accessed store within a 5-minute walk from the nearest stations which is Akasaka Station and Akasaka Mitsuke Station. It is close to the popular spot Akasaka Sacas, and there are many business hotels nearby. A comprehensive discount store with the store concept of ”convenience + discount + amuse”. We have around 20,000 items, mainly food, daily necessities, clothing, and home appliances.
Among other clothing stores, Sugamo Maruji became very popular for its red underwear and it is always busy with people looking to get their hands on the famous garment. The 4th branch store of the world's first red underwear shop has an outstanding signboard indicating ”Japan's best red underwear” in the front so it can't be missed. The red color is considered to symbolize vitality and happiness. Thus people buy it for a gift for seniors as well as for their own daily use. Aside from underwear, a lot of red colored items, such as shirts, belly-warmers, and socks, are available as well. Sugamo's famous red clothing makes a great unique souvenir for friends and family, senior or not!
Colorful plastic samples are displayed at Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya. On the second floor of the Kappabashi Showroom, you can experience making food replicas using wax. Based on a program designed by artisans, the staff will teach you the traditional techniques. You will make two kinds of plastic tempura and a head of lettuce in approximately one hour. A reservation by phone is required. Please note that the instruction is available only in Japanese.
A general discount store based on the concept of ”convenience, discount, and amusement”. The store offers approximately 40,000 to 60,000 items, including food, daily necessities, clothing, home appliances, and brand-name products.
The Don Quijote Ikebukuro Higashiguchi Eki-mae Store is a one-minute walk from the east exit of JR Ikebukuro Station and is a general discount store based on the concept of ”convenience, discount and amusement”. The store offers 40,000 to 60,000 items, including food, daily necessities, medicines, clothing, home appliances, and brand-name products.
This shopping spot called mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi makes use of Manseibashi bridge, which was built in 1912. Taking advantage of the quaint atmosphere brought to life by the bricks and arches of the bridge, a lot of shops gather here like general stores, restaurants, and craft beer stores, among others. There are also a multitude of Japanese goods and sweets stores, so you might want to go here if you're looking for a souvenir.
Don quijote is one of the largest discount retailers in Japan, known for its focus on convenience, discount, and entertainment. Stores offer a vast selection of products, with around 40,000 to 60,000 items available, including food, everyday essentials, clothing, home appliances, and brand-name goods.
Ueno Park, one of the best flower viewing spots in Japan, and Yushima Tenjin, the god of learning, are located here, with the JR Yamanote, Ginza Subway, and Chiyoda Lines nearby for easy transportation. A general discount store based on the concept of ”convenience, discount, and amusement”. Supplying Japanese goods, pharmaceuticals, brand-name products, and other popular Japanese souvenirs.
Japanese Pottery Shop Dengama is a Japanese pottery speciality store which directly purchases the product from the potteries all over Japan such as Arita, Kutani, Mashiko and Mino. They handle a wide range of products focused on bowls with made with traditional Japanese pottery techniques and pictures, along with fine articles from famous potteries, and products for ordinary daily use as mugs, tea cups and small plates. Don't forget to check the bargains near the entrance of the shop.
”It is a store with a full range of cutting-edge categories. We also have products with popular content such as anime characters, and cosplay. In addition, We have a wide selection of cosmetics that are popular in Japan, and we are creating stores for a wide range of age groups and customers who come to our stores can get a glimpse of Japanese culture. On the exterior, ””Edo Kiriko”” pattern is arranged according to the urban development of the area that emphasizes the history and emotion of Edo, and the inside of the store is ””Don Pen”” transformed into a youkai with motifs such as ””The Seven Wonders of Honjo”””
Échiré Maison du Beurre is the world's first speciality store of Échiré butter which was opened in the Marunouchi Brick Square. Échiré butter is the fermented butter which is made in the traditional methods in the town of Échiré in France. At the store, they sell products such as the pastries which is made with Échiré butter. The butter cake and the croissant are the popular products which are often sold out in early hours. For souvenirs, Sable Échiré and Galette Échiré are recommended.