In the area around the Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple you will find a group of yukata clad volunteers who will offer information about the area and festival events from 6:30 – 8:30 PM daily. Refresh yourself at the beer garden that is temporarily established within the temple precincts or pick up a hozuki-ichi (Chinese lantern) plant at one of the festival booths.

Head out Kagurazaka early in the day and Tour the Alleyways of Old Edo before taking in the impressive Awa odori in the evening. Kagurazaka is conveniently located in the center of Yamanote Line and is accessible from the JR Iidabashi station. As you exit the station, turn to your right and a one minute walk will place you at the base of Kagurazaka Dori. Tokyo Metro Iidabashi and Ushigome-Kagurazaka stations also provide access to the area. (area map)

Photo Credit: Flickr, Awa Odori festival

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Karyukai, or Geisha culture, was born in Kagurazaka and many Ryotei (Geisha houses) still operate in the area. In 1910 there were as many as 600 Geishas entertaining business men, famous writers and politicians in the area. Step off Kagurazaka-Dori and spend some time wandering the alleys and you will get a feel for what it must have been like in old Edo.

In contrast, a stroll up Kagurazaka-Dori will take you past trendy clothing shops, traditional tea merchants, lacquer ware stores and you will find sushi restaurants competing for business with French pastry shops. It’s quite the mix of old and new.

But don’t miss the alleyways! Continue reading to find out how…

On a recent visit to the area, while admiring the beautiful lacquer ware in one of the shops, the owner gave me a Walking Guide for Kagurazawa. This amazing map will direct your stroll through the alleys, past ancient temples and shrines, the current Geisha office and identifies a number of restaurants and stores in the area. The map is produced by Michi Travel but is not available online.

The front of my well used brochure is pictured on the left and I would recommend that you pop into one of the stores at the base of Kagurazaka-Dori and request a copy. Then take some time to wind your way through the cobblestone alleys of this fascinating area. Kagurazaka is conveniently located and accessible from the JR IIdabashi station on the Yamanote Line. As you exit the station, turn to your right and a one minute walk will place you at the base of Kagurazaka-dori. Tokyo Metro Iidabashi and Ushigome-Kagurazaka stations also provide access to the area.

The Shinjuku City Tourism Association offers a great guide to Kagurazaka with some photos and history of the various points of interest and don’t forget to pick up your Walking Guide for Kagurazawa from one of the area vendors.

Sources: The Ikamachi Club, KAGURAZAKA Explore the past in cosmopolitan ways
Photos: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler