Sugamo, a different side of Tokyo

In my previous post, I mentioned that Sugamo is a little part of Tokyo that is unlike the heavily populated areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku. The "Shoutengai" districts with rows of mom and pop shops seem to be slowly disappearing, as larger supermarkets and department stores take their places. One of my favorite things about Japan, though, is their preservation of tradition, and that people of my generation can still enjoy what still remains of it. I can't express in just words or pictures how excited and happy I was as Lisa and I explored this adorable shoutengai, but I tried my best!

Like I was told by a friend a while back, Sugamo is definitely heavily populated with folks of the older generation (hence the "Harajuku of the old ladies"). It's also originally known for the Koganji temple that is located halfway down the street, which is home to the Togenuki Jizo (diety of the children). The Jizo pictured at the bottom is actually not Togenjuki Jizo, but one that was located right outside the entrance of the shoutengai. It seemed a little lonely and out of place, but beautiful nonetheless in the late afternoon sun. I thoroughly enjoyed my mini excursion in Sugamo, especially the delicious rice crackers I bought as souvenirs!

前回の記事ににも書きましたが、巣鴨は「東京じゃない東京」です。とういと、新宿や渋谷みたいに慌ただしく、人が多すぎることはなく、穏やかで昔ながらの日本の商店街で今もにぎわっている場所です。私は歴史と文化が詰まっている場所が好きで、巣鴨も改めて好きになりました。商店街でお買い物をしているおじいさんおばあさんを通りかかると、心が癒されました。高岩寺で一息したり、可愛らしいおせんべい屋さんでお地蔵せんべいをお土産で買ったり。東京ではあまり経験できないゆったりとした時間を過ごすことができました。

photos by Paint with Stars and Samantha Mariko