Shibamata, Tokyo’s retro showa neighborhood

Shibamata (柴又) is a nostalgic neighborhood full of magic that is often underestimated by visitors to Tokyo. Many tourists prefer to go to the most modern and bright areas, such as Harajuku or Shibuya, bypassing this beautiful neighborhood and its temple.

Shibamata is located in the Katsushika district of Tokyo, between the city’s urban center and Chiba Prefecture. Surrounded by green areas and Tokyo’s main rivers, Katsushika is the perfect place to explore for temples and nature in Tokyo.

In Shibamata you will find a good number of Buddhist temples and colorful streets with very particular shops, food stalls, and details that give us a nostalgic atmosphere.

If you are looking for something different from the fast and super urban life of Tokyo, these are some of the attractions that we recommend in Shibamata:

1. Shibamata Taishakuten Temple

Shibamata Taishakuten Temple (柴又帝釈天), formerly known as Daikyō-ji (題経寺), is near the train station, decorated with beautiful wood carvings that have stood the test of time. The artists who contributed these details also worked on the construction of Toshogu Shrine (東照宮 Tōshōgū), one of the most famous tourist spots in Nikkō.

Also, the temple, which is surrounded by an extraordinary traditional Japanese garden, is at the end of Shibamata Sandō (柴又参道), a popular shopping street lined with restaurants, gift shops, and stalls selling traditional items.

2.Yamamoto-Tei

Among the alleys of Shibamata, very close to the Shibamata Taishakuten temple, you can find Yamamoto-Tei (山本亭), the former residence of Yamamoto Einosuke (山本栄之助).

You can find cups of tea and traditional sweets at a good price, while you rest and relax admiring the splendid garden and wonderful architecture.

3.Tora-san Museum

Shibamata is also famous because it was the filming set for Kiyoshi Atsumi’s 男はつらいよ (Otoko wa Tsurai Yo, “It’s Hard Being a Man”) film series as Tora-san (寅さん), a homeless man. with a good heart who always has bad luck in love. With a total of 48 films published between 1969 and 1995, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the series of films with the same actor.

Tora-san fans can eat at the movie-themed restaurant and then visit his fun museum.

When you enter Tora-san’s museum, you will be immediately transported back to the Showa era!

4.Haikara Yokochō

And if you’re a fan of dagashi (low-priced semi-traditional Japanese sweets and knick-knacks), Haikara Yokochō (ハイカラ横丁) is the place for you. The store has a retro movie feel, very colorful with a nostalgic touch, making it the perfect place for a few Instagram photos!

You can find a lot of sweets, including “old school” trinkets, which many Japanese grew up with.

Already being in Shibamata, do not stop exploring each alley, you will surely discover small nostalgic corners, full of stories and memories.

The best way to travel within Japan is by train, which is super convenient and punctual, although its price can be high. For an even better price, we recommend traveling with the Japan Railways universal pass called JR PASS , which you can purchase on their website. This pass is purchased before traveling to Japan , arriving at the airport or at any train station , you can pick up your pass with proof of purchase .