Shibamata

This neighborhood is the setting for the world's longest-running movie series, "Otoko Wa Tsurai Yo," loosely translated as "It's Tough Being a Man." In the movies, the main character, Torajiro, known to everyone as Tora-san, was said to be born here. Thanks to this successful series of movies, Shibamata managed to preserve its old world feeling.

This area is also famous for the ferries that shuttle passengers across the Edo River, connecting with Matsudo City in neighboring Chiba Prefecture.  The area around the local temple has been designated by the Environment Ministry as one of Japan's 100 sound sanctuaries.

Mention Shibamata to a Japanese person, and nine times out of 10, they'll bring up Tora-san and the "Otoko Wa Tsurai Yo" movies. From 1966 to 1995, 48 movies in the series were produced, which makes it the longest-running movie series in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Sightseeing

Taishakuten(Temple)
Edo River
Tora-san

Transportation Guide

Takasago Station: From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line to Ueno Station and change to the Keisei Line. Ride to Takasago Station and change once again to the Keisei Kanamachi Line. Get off at Shibamata Station. It's just one stop from Takasago.

From Narita International Airport, board the Keisei Line and ride to Takasago Station. Change to the Keisei Kanamachi Line and ride one stop to Shibamata Station.

From Shinjuku, get on the JR Sobu Line and ride to Asakusabashi Station. Change to the Asakusa Line and ride to Takasago Station. At Takasago, get on the Kanamachi Line and ride one stop to Shibamata Station.