神楽坂 (Kagurazaka) / 新宿区 (Shinjuku-ku)
“Kagurazaka”. I think a lot of people living around Tokyo capital area says, “It is my favorite place in Tokyo”. “Kagurazaka” has both of Japanese historical shores and western style restaurants.
“Kagurazaka” has long history. It is said that people lived there in Jomon period (B.C. 16500 – B.C.3000) and “牛込城”(Ushigome Castle) had built in middle age.
As you might know, Tokyo was not capital city in Japanese history but “Kagurazawa” is the place for important rules in Japan.
Kagurazaka Street has constructed around 130 years ago. When “Togugawa Iemitsu” expand “江戸城” (Edo castle), he built 牛込見附 and 牛込御門通りand these come to be Kagurazaka street. Along with Kagueazaka street, you can meet with Edo style Japanese houses.
“和菓子”(Japanese cake and sweet) shop. Yes, there are a lot of sops of Japanese traditional goods. Japanese people love to find luxury one here for present to important freiends.
The out side appearance of “和菓子” stores also cool isn’t it?
It has long history and stores remains its old style.
Do you know shops only for “Kombu” (tangle/kelp). There is. “Combo” is luxury present in Japanese history.
When you enter into back street, people are living there.
There are also unique restaurant in back street.
A sign board. It is also art I think. This is Fugu (globe fish) restaurant along with Kagurazaka street.
I stopped by a shop selling incenses and Japanese papers.
Please see neat display. Do you feel exciting? I do not think so.
But you can find high quality and unique goods.
I bought a post card and an incense stand. 270 JPY in total.
It is cool isn’t it. Even receipt has Japanese “Omotenashi” spirits.
There are a lot of European style restaurants.
This is a wine bar.
This is also a wine bar.
This is a Chinese tea store.
This is a music bar, I love it.
In the middle of “Kagurazaka” street, you will find “毘沙門天” at “善國寺”.
Please note that Kagurazawa is the town people are living. Most of people are late risers. please keep quiet if you visit there in morning.