Kitasenju, located in the northern part of Tokyo, was famous for its post station called “Senju-juku” during the Edo period. Even though Senju-juku no longer exists, you can still feel the old town atmosphere in Kitasenju. Especially with Katsushoji Temple where the Tokugawa Ieyasu stayed on their way to Nikko.
Recently, redevelopment has been advancing, and Kitasenju has gotten really lively. It’s also convenient and accessible! The station has JR Joban Line, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Hibiya Line, Tobu Isezaki Line, and Tsukuba Express serving Kitasenju, so it’s easy for anyone to visit.
Tour Route For A Day in Kitasenju
When you are traveling in another country, have you ever wondered where locals usually go?
With its convenient transportation, Kitasenju is a popular choice for Japanese residents to spend their time with their friends. Today, I’ll share nice places to explore and where my friends, who know Kitasenju quite well, often go.
Senju-honcho Shopping Street – Credit: まるう
Shukubamachi-dori Shopping Street
When you arrive at Kita-Senju Station, take a 3-minute walk to ‘Shukubamachi-dori Shopping Street’ from the station. On the opposite side of the street, you’ll find ‘Senju-honcho Shopping Street,’ but let’s head to Shukubamachi-dori Shopping Street first.
As we mentioned before, there used to be a post station called ‘Senju-juku,’ and it was located along Shukubamachi-dori Shopping Street. Interestingly, it is said that approximately 10,000 people lived there during the Edo period. Furthermore, this street has a retro and historical atmosphere, so to fully immerse yourself in Kita-Senju, why not grab a paper map?
When you enter Shukubamachi-dori Shopping Street, you’ll come across a rest stop called ‘Senju-machi-no-eki.’ This tourist information center provides maps, pamphlets, and mini exhibition corners inspired by Kita-Senju. So let’s pick up a map to be prepared for your Kita-Senju journey!
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Siiic3rqUSYr5xMWA
Website: http://www.adachi-shoren.jp/member/detail.php?id=8
Kanmido Lunch Menu – Credit: ミオ on Instagram
Kanmido Cafe
Secondly, how about having lunch at Kanmido Cafe? Kanmido Cafe offers a wide range of dishes, from Western to Japanese, and from coffee to alcohol, all made with local and seasonal ingredients.
They use multigrain rice, so it is very healthy. On weekdays, your lunch set includes a drink and also free refills of rice and miso soup. Give a try to the Japanese cuisine in Kita-Senju!
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RwvbMuVjPiSgdZCn7
Website: http://www.kanmidou.com/index.html
Sd Coffee “Milkshake” – Credit: Hana Yokota
Sd Coffee Kitasenju
Do you have any favorite childhood places that you used to enjoy when you were young? When I was in elementary school, I often went to the dagashiya (candy store) with a 500-yen coin (about $3.34 USD) in hand and bought as many snacks as I could fit in both hands. Back then, you could buy snacks starting at 10 yen (67 cents USD). Unfortunately, many nostalgic places like this have disappeared recently.
However, you can still experience Japanese nostalgic vibes at Sd Coffee. The shop is filled with Showa-era retro decorations. One of the popular items, the milkshake, comes in various flavors and both children and adults can enjoy it.
For those who are interested but hesitant to go to Onsen, I highly recommend visiting Sd Coffee. It’s decorated with a painting of Mount Fuji, noren curtains, and wooden buckets, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional Japanese bathhouse. Not only are the vibes and atmosphere charming, but even the drink containers, plates, and merchandise they sell are adorable!
For a third thing, you can have a desert and experience the nostalgia of Japan, so please give it a try!
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3V6F2DSKGk8SdjYs5
Website: https://www.instagram.com/sdcoffee1010
Arakawa Riverside and Tulips – Credit: TECHD
Rainbow Plaza
After lunch, it’s time for a relaxing walk! Rainbow Plaza is located in the Arakawa Riverside area and is about a 10-minute walk from Sd Coffee. In the spring, you can see around 14,000 tulips and pansies, and in the summer, canna flowers are in bloom. The city lights are also beautiful.
Moreover, there’s a fireworks festival in the summer, and a local festival takes place in the autumn. This riverside is beloved by the local Japanese every season.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MhCFrHt1YPGhixHt8
Website: https://www.city.adachi.tokyo.jp/t-iji/shisetsu/nijinohiroba.html
Takara-yu – Credit: Ko. on Instagram
Takara-yu
Takara-yu is not a natural hot spring, but a popular public bathhouse with a beautiful Japanese garden and medicinal baths in Kitasenju. While hot springs are naturally occurring, public bathhouses are artificial, but Takara-yu is a Show-era and retro-style bathhouse beloved by the locals. In the Japanese garden, you can enjoy the koi fish and seasonal flowers. The best part about this place is you can get in even with tattoos! After a relaxing bath, you should try the Japanese tradition to enjoy a glass of delicious milk or beer!
Additionally, Takara-yu is located near the river, about 8~15 minutes walk from the Rainbow Plaza. It’s definitely a great idea to take a hot bath after a day of walking around!
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/84zJUAvcdrBs315n6
Website: http://slowtime.net/takarayu/
Sakazuki Brewing beer “正夢” (The dream came true) – Credit: “しゅーてぃん”のアルコール日記 on Instagram
Sakazuki Brewing
If you’re a beer lover, this is a must-visit!
Sakazuki Brewing is a craft brewery near the Kitasenju station, but also offers a standing bar on the first floor and a dining area on the second. On the first floor, you can enjoy their homemade beer while watching the brewing process. Moreover, there’s no seating charge or service fee, and they even have a special menu for solo travelers at 1,400 yen ($ 9.35 USD). It includes a beer, an appetizer, and a choice of a main dish grilled on charcoal.
The staff is friendly and ready to help you choose the best beer and dishes, so I recommend you visit here for their fantastic beer after taking a hot bath.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/efpu8QXjZjmJ4aS96
Website: https://www.facebook.com/sakaduki/
Uotoyo’s Sake menu – Credit: Hana Yokota
Uotoyo
Are you still hungry and sober after Sakazuki Brewing?
No worries! You can go to Uotoyo, located in Hatchobori, Kayabacho, and Ningyocho. This izakaya offers delicious seafood dishes and local sake. They don’t require a table or service charge, making it a popular place for “hashigo-zake,” which is the Japanese tradition of bar hopping in one night. I highly recommend it, especially for those who love sake!
Additionally, they offer both standing and seated table options, providing an interesting experience for customers.
Uotoyo’s Sake – Credit Hana Yokota
“But what should I order if I don’t understand Japanese?”
For those of you in that situation, I recommend the budget-friendly “Choi-nomi” set including any drink (with the exception of a few listed on the menu), and 2 fish dishes for 1,080 yen ($7.21 USD).
Firstly, enjoy some alcoholic drinks and delicious fish dishes to relax! Just like how I become fluent in English after a drink, you might be able to order in Japanese.
While pointing at the sake menu, try saying, “Osusume kudasai!” (can I get your recommendation?) and see how it goes!
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ze9Ddi9Hvc9NkCvC9
Website: https://www.instagram.com/uotoyokitasenju/
Takuuru Cafe. “Lo bah png” – Credit: ひか on Instagram
Takuru Cafe
When visiting Japan, don’t miss the chance to try different cuisines, especially authentic Asian restaurants! At Takuru Cafe, you can savor Taiwanese dishes expertly prepared by a skilled Taiwanese chef, adding amazing spice to your Japanese journey for sure!
Takuru is located in Kitasenju, and Japanese locals often go there for the lunch set menu “Lo bah png.” The meal is elegantly served on a round tray, resembling a flower, and includes the main rice bowl, soup, and side dishes. The best thing is a melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, braised for 2-3 hours, which offers a delightful sweetness with a subtle touch of spiciness. It pairs perfectly with white rice!
While Taiwanese cuisine often uses strong spices, Takuru has thoughtfully adjusted the spiciness for everyone to enjoy, which has made it a big hit among Japanese locals. Please be aware that the restaurant is not big, with limited seating, so it’s recommended for those who prefer to enjoy a meal alone or with a small group. Making a reservation is also a good idea!
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wyRX2nbZnz7ZYrfi8
Website: https://www.instagram.com/takuru_official/
Kitasenju – Credit: まるう
Kitasenju has much more to offer than the places I’ve mentioned here. You can explore from the nostalgic streets with Showa-era vibes to the cozy izakayas on the narrow streets. So, take a stroll through Kitasenju and discover your own favorite spots.
