Sugamo

A popular spot with the elderly

Japan's senior citizens love Sugamo.

Elderly from all over the country flock to the Togenuki Jizo temple for worship.
Even the stores that line the shopping streets are geared toward the elderly, whether they are selling food, reading material or clothes.

Perhaps the most famous shops of all in Sugamo are the traditional Japanese cake shops and Maruji, known for its lucky red underwear.

These panties, long-johns and boxers are so popular that there are four Maruji stores along the Sugamo Jizo Dori shopping street.

While Harajuku is known for its crepes, Sugamo is known for its shio-daifuku. Shio -daifuku, a popular Sugamo snack,  consisting of sweet red bean paste at the center of a rice ball with a sprinkling of salt mixed in. Give one a try. They're yummy!

Also, Rikugien, a scenic Japanese garden, is just a 10-minute walk from Sugamo Station. Amble around the garden's glistening pond and enjoy its changing natural scenery.

And of course, don't forget to pick up a pair or two of red underwear on your way back to the station.


Togenuki Jizo Temple

This temple first opened in 1596 in the Yushima neighborhood of Edo (Tokyo's former name). Sixty years later, it moved to Shimoya-Kamikurumasakachou in Tokyo, and it finally ended in its present resting place in Sugamo in 1891.

The principle Buddhist image at the temple is of Togenuki Jizo, who is said to miraculously lengthen life.


Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Strip

This long strip of shops is the soul of Sugamo. Stop by the Ohashiya restaurant for some Jizo soba, buckwheat noodles in soup that combine three distinct flavors. It's a favorite of Sugamo visitors.

At Musashiya, you'll find Japanese sweets in the shape of the Jizo sold alongside the store's famous rice crackers.

Eitaro, a sesame Jizo, is a popular gift among the Japanese.  The tea shop Isodaen features its signature brew - Jizo-cha.

At the Japanese sweets store, Shougetsudou, you'll even find wafers filled with sweet bean paste called - wait for it - Jizo monaka, or Jizo wafers. And of course, don't forget the red underwear at Maruji. Basically, if you're up for a fun day in a part of Tokyo less traveled by foreign tourists, make your way to Sugamo.


Rikugien

This Japanese garden was constructed in 1702. It is designated by the government as a place of special natural beauty. You're likely to forget that you're in the middle of one of the world's largest cities as you take in the splendid greenery and stroll alongside the sprawling pond. Rikugien is also famous for its azalea blossoms, which bloom each spring.


Transportation Guide
Sugamo Station: JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Toei Mita Line