Exploring Shibamata: a guide to a traditional town in Tokyo

Nestled in Tokyo’s northeastern Katsushika Ward, Shibamata is a charming district that makes you feel the history of Japan. With Taishakuten Temple, the museum of an old film and nostalgic Showa-era streets, you can experience the warmth of people, and the so-called “Ninjo” of downtown. In this guide, we will introduce you to Shibamata, from why it is famous, to spots you should visit!

Location: Shibamata, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0052

Why is Shibamata famous?

What makes Shibamata famous? This district is known as the hometown of Tora-san, the protagonist of the famous film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo (‘It’s Tough Being a Man’). Spanning 48 films from 1968 to 1995, this story followed the adventures of Tora-san, who is a kind-hearted but eccentric stall-holder. His character, and life, have been loved by many ever since the series started. In addition to this, all throughout Shibamata, you can find traditional sweets and beautiful historic streets. In particular, Yamamoto-Tei is the best place to visit for touring well-preserved tatami rooms and gardens.

A Brief History Of Shibamata

Shibamata’s history dates back to the Edo period. It flourished as a riverside town along the Edo River at that time. For travellers, Shibamata was a comfortable rest spot while heading to and from Edo which was renamed Tokyo in 1868. It was also known as the lively area where a lot of merchants and geisha lived. Despite the rapid modernisation of Tokyo, there are many well-preserved landscapes and buildings in Shibamata.

Things To Do In Shibamata

There are several spots in Shibamata where you can explore unique Japanese architecture, traditions, and culture. Let’s dive into them one by one!

Shibamata Taishakuten Temple

Since its establishment in 1629, Shibamata Taishakuten Temple has been the heart and soul of locals. The god in this temple, Taishakuten, is believed to protect people from fire disasters and disease through exorcising. At this temple, you can see Buddhist carvings and the inner gardens. Taishakuten Sando is also an interesting place that leads to the temple from the Shibamata station. This street is lined with traditional souvenir shops and food stalls. Try local foods and enjoy a walk-and-eat tour!

Address: 7 Chome-10-3 Shibamata, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0052

Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Entrance fee: 400 yen

Website: http://www.taishakuten.or.jp/eng-taishakuten1.htm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibamata_taishakuten

Tora-san Museum & Yamada Yoji Museum

Nestled close to the Edo River, Tora-san Museum is a great spot to explore the world of the beloved film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo. You can see displays of real costumes, sets, dioramas, and videos there. If you buy a ticket, you can also visit the Yamada Yoji Museum, next to the Tora-san Museum, where you can learn about the director, Yamada Yoji, and see his photographic camera as well as posters of his works. If you have watched Otoko wa Tsurai yo and the movies of Yamada Yoji, it will be a precious experience to see and feel Tora-san’s life and journey!

Address: 6 Chome-22-19 Shibamata, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0052

Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Entrance fee: 500 yen (adults)

Website: https://www.katsushika-kanko.com/tora/

Yamamoto-tei

Residing next to Taishakuten since the 1920s, Yamamoto-tei is an elegant house that mixes the traditional Japanese architecture style “shoin-zukuri” and European architecture. Originally, it was the residence of an industrialist and his family; however, he moved his house after the Great Kanto earthquake. In 1988, the Katsushika Ward acquired Yamamoto-tei. In this building, you can see the furniture of shoin-zukuri style such as the paper screen door, uneven shelves and Tokonoma. The paper screen door, or “Akari shoji,” is for admitting natural light into the room. Also, the shoin-style garden has a splendid view. Visitors can enjoy watching this scenery with tea and traditional Japanese sweets.

Address: 7 Chome-19-32 Shibamata, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0052

Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Entrance fee: 100 yen

Website: https://www.katsushika-kanko.com/yamamoto/

What to eat in Shibamata

Shibamata is a great place to try classic Japanese street foods as well as traditional sweets. Here are some local dishes you must try:

Kusa dango (mugwort dumpling)

A signature sweet in Shibamata made from glutinous rice mixed with mugwort. Its taste is a little like green tea, in addition to the unique aromatic flavour of mugwort. There are several shops for eating kusa dango in Shibamata, especially at Taishakuten Sando.

Senbei

Also known as Japanese rice crackers, senbei’s crispy texture and slightly savoury taste attract many people. Its dough, made with non-glutinous rice flour, is baked and fried on a hot plate to create satisfyingly crispy crackers. Kanekoya in Taishakuten Sando offers various kinds of senbei that are baked by hand, one by one.

Address: Kanekoya, 7 Chome-7-5 Shibamata, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0052

Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm

Entrance fee: 70 yen~

Website (only in Japanese): https://www.kanekoya.biz/senbei.html

Unaju

A dish consisting of grilled eel fillets served with cooked rice. In Shibamata, several restaurants offer this dish which has been loved over generations. Each restaurant has a different recipe for a sweet soy sauce-based tare which makes the most of Unagi’s taste.

A trip to Shibamata provides a glimpse into Japan’s past, a life far from the neon lights in the metropolis. There are a lot of spots where you can learn the history and traditions such as Taishakuten Sando, Tora-san Museum and Yamamoto-tei. You can also enjoy many local delicacies, including wagashi and unaju. Whether you visit Taishakuten Temple, historical buildings or enjoy the local foods, Shibamata can take you on a nostalgic escape for a bygone era. When you travel to Tokyo, explore Shibamata as well and experience the history of Japan!

Featured Photo Credit: wanderplans.com

While you’re in Japan this summer, come explore with a local on one of our summer food tours!