Sugamo, Tokyo Travel Guide

Experience old Tokyo charm in Sugamo, a vibrant district known for its traditional shopping street and temples.

Sugamo, often called "Granny's Harajuku," offers a nostalgic glimpse into traditional Tokyo. Known for its Jizo-dori Shopping Street, it's a vibrant area popular with seniors, featuring local shops, temples, and a welcoming atmosphere.

A brief summary to Sugamo

Toshima City, Sugamo, Tokyo, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sugamo.

Visit Togenuki Jizo Temple to experience the "throat-washing" ritual at Koganji Temple and pray for healing.
Explore Jizo-dori Shopping Street for unique elderly fashion, including the famous "aka-pantsu" (red underwear).
Sample local food specialties like shio-daifuku (sweet and salty rice cakes) and daikon oden.
Visit on days ending in '4' to experience the flea market that runs up and down the shopping street.

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Explore Sugamo on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sugamo, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Sugamo Station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around ¥180. Alternatively, the Toei Mita Line also serves Sugamo Station. From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Sugamo Station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around ¥200.
Walking

From nearby areas like Komagome, Sugamo is easily accessible by foot. It's about a 15-20 minute walk from Komagome Station, offering a pleasant stroll through local streets.
Taxi

A taxi from Shinjuku to Sugamo typically takes about 10 minutes, costing approximately ¥3400-¥4100. From Tokyo Station, a taxi ride would be a similar duration and cost.

Discover more about Sugamo

Sugamo, nestled in Tokyo's Toshima ward, is a charming neighborhood that provides a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern urban life. Fondly nicknamed "Granny's Harajuku," Sugamo is particularly known for its popularity among the older generation, though it offers something for visitors of all ages.The heart of Sugamo is Jizo-dori Shopping Street, an 800-meter-long bustling thoroughfare lined with shops selling clothing, traditional food, and various goods marketed toward the elderly. Here, you can find everything from traditional sweets and tea to kimono and health goods. The street is also known for its street food, particularly the shio daifuku (sweet and salty mochi).Sugamo's cultural significance is deeply rooted in its connection to the elderly population and traditional Japanese values. Koganji Temple, with its revered Togenuki Jizo statue, is a significant cultural landmark, attracting visitors who seek blessings for health. The temple becomes particularly lively on the 4th, 14th, and 24th of each month. Shinshoji Temple, home to one of the six Jizo statues of Edo, is another key religious site.Sugamo's history dates back to the Edo period when it served as a rest area on the Nakasendo highway. Today, Sugamo offers a slower pace and inviting atmosphere, providing a respite from the city's modernity.