Japan Retro Culture

A suggested Course Japan retro culture

Kitasenju is a place where you can glimpse the real lives of Japanese people. After touring the sightseeing spots, how about taking a stroll through the city while experiencing the lives of the locals? Here, we will introduce some retro spots in Kitasenju that are still loved by the locals.

Senju Honcho Shopping Street & Kitasenju Sunroad Shopping Street

Among the several shopping streets in Kitasenju, the two shopping streets “Senju Honcho Shopping Street” and “Kitasenju Sunroad Shopping Street,” which are separated by the street in front of the station, are unmissable. Known as the two major shopping streets of Kitasenju, they have a calm atmosphere that makes walking through them enjoyable.

The Honcho Shopping Street features over 100 various types of shops. With many stores closely related to daily life, such as restaurants, delicatessens, and beauty salons, you can catch a glimpse of the lives of the people living in Kitasenju just by walking around.

Spot 1: Kazama Delicatessen

A beloved local shop for side dishes and bento. Freshly fried karaage and croquettes are popular. Bento boxes can be purchased at very reasonable prices in the 300 yen range. The karaage is tender and well-seasoned, making it delicious enough to eat several pieces. It is a traditional delicatessen that supports the dining tables of Kitasenju residents. 

Spot 2: Dango no Biko

This shop manufactures and sells traditional Japanese sweets. Mitarashi dango is a type of dumpling coated with a sauce made from a mixture of sugar and soy sauce, and it is a popular snack among Japanese people of all ages.

Here, mitarashi dango is a popular product, with the sweet and savory sauce perfectly coating the chewy dumplings. It’s something you want to munch on when you have a little hunger.

Spot 3: Tabane no Shi

A crepe shop that just opened in September 2024. It specializes in “Japanese-style crepes” with matcha kneaded into the batter, which are popular.

The popular product “Kakegawa Matcha Brulee” is made by sprinkling sugar on the surface and caramelizing it with a burner, similar to crème brûlée. The crepe batter is chewy and not too sweet or bitter, allowing you to enjoy the depth of the matcha flavor. It pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet matcha cream.

The “mizuhiki,” a traditional Japanese decorative cord, attached to the wrapping paper is also stylish.

Crossing the street from Senju Honcho Shopping Street leads to Kitasenju Sunroad Shopping Street. Here, you will find individual shops, restaurants, and convenience stores, making it a great place to stop for a break.

Spot 4: LUSH COFFEE ROASTER and LABORATORY

Located just inside the Sunroad Shopping Street from the Kitasenju station front, this is Japan’s first specialty coffee shop focusing on East Timor. It’s a stylish café where you can enjoy specialty coffee from East Timor. 

Why not relax and unwind in the spacious atmosphere of the shop?

Spot 5: Senju Honcho Park

A small park facing the shopping street. The highlight is the slide shaped like an octopus. Slides of varying lengths and slopes are very popular among children. Adachi Ward is known for having the most octopus slides in Japan. I wonder why…

Spot 6: Yakitori Marusen

A shop selling yakitori at low prices, perfect for beer snacks or rice accompaniments. The smell of yakitori might tempt you to buy a lot.

You can enjoy it while walking or take it back to your hotel for dinner or snacks.

There are generally two types of yakitori flavors: the sweet and salty “tare” and the refreshing “shio,” so it’s a good idea to buy both and compare the flavors.

Rainbow Square

A local relaxation spot along the Arakawa riverbank. There is a semi-circular flower bed that looks like a rainbow from the promenade.
In spring, about 14,000 tulips and pansies bloom beautifully, delighting onlookers.

As you walk along the riverbank, you can also see soccer fields and baseball fields nearby, and you might spot people enjoying walking or running on the promenade.