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Updated: March 16, 2023

A relaxing old town in eastern Tokyo with waterfront views, ancient shrines and local dishes

Despite being close to the business districts of central Tokyo, Fukagawa has a laid-back and serene atmosphere, characteristic of Tokyo's traditional "shitamachi," the old heart of the city. This bayside district was historically a merchant neighborhood, and it still retains an unpretentious, down-to-earth feel.
One reminder of the old days is a clam and rice dish—a local delicacy—known as "Fukagawa-meshi." Make sure to try some of this soul food for yourself during your visit.

There are many festivals and traditional performances that give you a taste of the shitamachi culture rooted in the area. We suggest the Fukagawa Hachiman Fesatival held at Tomioka Hachimangu Shine, the Oedo Fukagawa Sakura Festival—which features riverside cherry blossom views—and Kibanokakunori at Kiba Park—a form of folk entertainment where lumberjacks show off their skills.

Tips

  • See the ornate mikoshi floats at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine and learn about Sumo history.
  • Try traditional "Fukagawa-meshi," a working-class meal enjoyed in the area for centuries

How to Get There

The closest access point is Monzen-nakacho Station, accessible via the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and the Toei Oedo Line.

From Haneda Airport: 50 minutes by train.
From Narita Airport: 90 minutes by train.
From Shinjuku Station: Take the Toei Oedo Line for 35 minutes to Monzen-nakacho Station.
From Tokyo Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Otemachi Station.
From there, change to the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and get off at Monzen-nakacho Station. Travel time: Approximately 25 minutes.

Shrines and Festivals

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, know as the Fukagawa’s home to Hachiman (the god of war) was built in 1627. This Shinto shrine showcases two elaborately decorated mikoshi floats, covered in gold, diamonds and rubies. Such floats serve as portable shrines, which are carried through the streets for the Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri, a massive neighborhood festival held every three years. This shrine also has connections to the sumo wrestling world, as ritual promoting the grand champion is conducted here.

Tomiokahachimangu Shrine
Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri

In spring, the local tradition of admiring cherry blossoms from Japanesestyle ships is preserved through the Oedo Fukugawa Sakura Festival. In addition, the area, which was once home to many lumberyards, has kept the logging spirit alive with the Kibanokakunori—a form of folk entertainment where lumberjacks display their skills atop floating logs.

Oedo Fukagawa Cherry Blossom Festival
Log-Rolling Performance (Kiba No Kakunori)

 

Enjoy a hearty meal unique to the region

For a bite to eat, consider trying "Fukagawa-meshi," which consists of a handsome serving of asari clams and mushrooms served on top of steamed rice. This simple meal was first created to satisfy the appetites of local fishermen in need of a simple and filling lunch.
If you have time, take a short walk to explore the neighboring Kiyosumi Shirakawa area.

Fukagawameshi
Yakatabune

Parks & Gardens

 

Bridges

 

Art & Museums

 

Nearby Attractions