When you think of Tokyo, famous areas like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku probably come to mind. But to understand the essence of Japanese culture deeply, you need to experience more than just the well-known tourist spots and dive into local life. That’s why we at Arigato Travel offer our “SUPER SUGAMO LOCAL FOODIE ADVENTURE“, taking you to the hidden gem of Tokyo, Sugamo.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to our tour and highlight the unique aspects of Sugamo. We hope you’ll not only enjoy the local cuisine but also get the special energy from discovering this area.
Shiodaifuku Mizuno “Harajuku for the Older Generation” – Photo Credit: 東京デート
What Is SUPER SUGAMO LOCAL FOODIE ADVENTURE?
Our Sugamo tour is perfect for those who have fallen in love with Japanese traditional treats and the nostalgic downtown atmosphere of Japan. With our knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to indulge in an old-fashioned street with a century of history, explore a lively shopping arcade featuring regional shops, enjoy local foods, and learn the history of Sugamo.
Moreover, Sugamo is family-friendly and barrier-free, offering memorable experiences for visitors of all ages and accessibility! During the 3-hour tour, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and tastings of local foods at several stops, including sweets and beverages.
Shinshoji Temple – Photo Credit: はなたれ君
Why is Sugamo recommended for you?
Sugamo Jizo-dori Street, known as “Harajuku for the Older Generation,” has been renowned for its commerce and spirituality since the Edo period. Well, it all began when Koganji Temple relocated from Ueno to Sugamo during the Meiji era. Today, Sugamo has not only the Koganji Temple but also the Shinshōji Temple, and Jizo statues from both temples guard the city. This rich history has been passed down through generations of locals, even reflected in the name of Sugamo Jizo-dori Street.
Sacred Avalokitesvara – Photo Credit: なりきんや
Although the famous Togenuki Jizo at Koganji Temple is not open to the public, you can still pray to the Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu (Sacred Avalokitesvara). Interestingly, it is believed that pouring water over the statue and gently wiping it with a cloth can heal injuries or bad health corresponding to the areas washed. This might be one reason why the local elderly population remains so healthy!!
Moreover, Sugamo values its temples and traditional small shops, providing warm hospitality and old Japanese charm. This atmosphere attracts the elderly seeking a nostalgic place to live and also younger generations who want to retreat from the urban hustle. Furthermore, Sugamo embraces a strong vision of “city-building with kindness,” preserving its history and culture to offer visitors heartfelt hospitality and relaxation. Therefore, it’s a highly recommended spot to visit for sure.
A Day in Sugamo
Rikugien Garden – Photo Credit: shion-t
Morning (around 9:00 AM):
Start your day by savoring the seasonal colors, temperatures, scents, and sounds at Rikugien Gardens! This Edo-period garden, along with Koishikawa Korakuen, is one of Tokyo’s two greatest and largest gardens. It was designed in 1695 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, and it took seven years to complete. The garden features beautiful flowers, ponds, and also stunning architecture.
Rikugien Gardens’s Matcha set – Photo Credit: りんごじゃむ
Additionally, it is quite big, so if you feel tired, I recommend relaxing at the garden cafe, where you can enjoy authentic matcha while enjoying the pond. Rikugien is located on the opposite side of our tour meeting point and exploration area. I believe that taking a stroll in the early hours, when fewer people are around would be a great option!
Rikugien Gardens Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rodWqWzbRPsCyghz5
Koganji Temple – Photo Credit: 東京デート
Lunch (around 11:15 AM):
Let’s meet up with our guide to experience delicious food and encounters with locals in Sugamo!
The meeting point is about a 20-minute walk from Rikugien, so make sure to plan accordingly to arrive on time. The Sugamo tour departs at 11:30 AM and explores an area different from Rikugien. You’ll probably find the transition from the breathtaking garden to the bustling local shopping streets quite fascinating. Click here to check the details or book the tour!!
Jizo-Dori Shopping Street Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E1WB4zuokz7iVDXf7
A day ending in 4 – Photo Credit: スタジオアングル
Afternoon (after 2:30 PM):
The shopping street boasts around 150 stores. And it is now time for you to check out the shops you have missed during the tour. You can check out the shops here! Moreover, if you’re lucky enough to visit Sugamo on a day with a date ending in 4, you’ll experience Togenuki Jizo’s festivals, where nearly 200 street stalls are set up.
Below, you’ll find a list of events held at Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street. Be sure to check them and enjoy your visit:
- 1/24 – Togenuki Jizo-son Grand Festival (Koganji Temple)
- 2/3 – Setsubun Bean Throwing (Koganji Temple precincts)
- April – Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival) (Koganji Temple)
- 5/24 – Togenuki Jizo-son Grand Festival (Koganji Temple)
- The beginning of June – Sugamo Merchant Festival
- The end of June – Mid-Year Sale
- 6/24 – Edo Rokujizo-son Hyakumanben Daijuzu Kuyo (Shinshoji Temple)
- 7/2~4 – Sugamo Morning Glory Festival (Koganji Temple)
- 7/16 – Shinshoji Enma Festival (Shinshoji Temple)
- The end of August – Mini Mini Festival (Shinshoji Temple precincts)
- 9/24 – Togenuki Jizo-son Grand Festival (Koganji Temple)
- 11/6~14 – Sugamo Nakasendo Chrysanthemum Festival (Koganji Temple, Shinshoji Temple, Taisho University)
- The end of November – Year-End Sale
The annual festivals held on January 24th, May 24th, and September 24th at Koganji are especially remarkable. It is said that visiting on these days will bring you good blessings!
Onsen – Photo Credit: ぽんこつらぁめん
Afternoon (around 3:30 PM):
After a day of shopping and walking, nothing beats relaxing your tired body in a warm bath. Here are two great spots: Sugamo-yu, a traditional bathhouse, and Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA, a hot spring facility.
It was established in 1949, renovated in 2022, and is a beloved local Sento (bathhouse). Sadly, it’s closed on Tuesdays but is open from early afternoon until midnight. Since Sento prices are standardized by prefecture or city, Sugamo-yu is a budget-friendly option! For more details about the difference between Sento and Onsen, please check out this blog post.
In addition, you can enjoy a variety of baths, including silk baths, microbubble baths, cold baths, sleeping baths, electric baths, and saunas at Sugamo-yu. All the water here is soft water, which is super gentle on both skin and hair. Additionally, Sugamo-yu allows tattoos and offers affordable towel rentals, making it easy to visit even if you come without any equipment.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AMG5U6vCQVP5NVmM7
This hot spring facility features spacious open-air baths, saunas, and relaxation areas which are perfect for relaxing after a long day. The natural hot spring water, drawn from 1,800 meters underground, has a clear color and contains iodine, sodium, and chloride, offering excellent heating and moisturizing benefits. For more details on the water quality and benefits, I offer you this blog post!
For those who find hot water too intense, the hinoki (cypress) indoor bath offers lukewarm water. So I highly recommend it! However, please note that tattoos are not allowed at this place.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dp6XEXNwfn6TqvHA6
Please make sure to read our Onsen guide and refresh your knowledge of these wonderful bathing spots!
Highball – Photo Credit: Fidel Fernando
Evening (around 6:30 PM)
After a relaxing bath, how about dinner in Sugamo? Here are some recommended spots to grab a meal:
This gyoza restaurant is famous for its White Gyoza, which features thick skins fried to a crispy texture. Unfortunately, the last orders close at 7:30 PM, but if you have some time, you should definitely give it a try.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hKADTouNAxAU1UcG7
Do you like whiskey? If so, you should experience the all-you-can-drink Japanese highballs at Sumibitokemuri Sugamo. Here, you can enjoy charcoal-grilled yakitori and pour your own highballs from the taps right in front of you, making for a memorable night.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9KJujUByNj2QEKDg6
Sennari is an old izakaya with a history of around 70 years and is famous for its Motsuni. With a wide variety of food and drinks, it’s a favorite among locals. Particularly, their sea urchin spaghetti is something you must try. If you want to experience a traditional Japanese izakaya, this is the place to go!!
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JoTLDkEnFxMPthkn9
Lastly, I will introduce Kisaburō Nōjō, which offers delicious eggs from all over Japan. In Japan, where people eat raw eggs usually, you can enjoy comparing different brands of eggs. Moreover, besides eggs, guests can also try branded chicken and pork directly from farmers, ensuring high-quality, safe, and fresh dishes. It’s a bit far from the onsen place, but it’s worth the trip to taste some of Japan’s best eggs.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pebah99cQBPMdFKU8
Tamago kake gohan – Photo Credit: ぱくたそ
Exploring Sugamo offers a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture, delicious local food, and natural beauty. So now that you’ve seen this for yourself what do you think about Sugamo now? I hope you will enjoy the rich flavors and local interactions on an Arigato Travel food tour. Sugamo’s charm lies in its ability to change the atmosphere from a relaxing place to a vibrant community space, making it a must-visit destination in Tokyo!!
Featured Photo Credit: Jessica Iragne
For more great tours around Tokyo and other popular destinations, check out our Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka food tours to make your trip unforgettable!
