Nippori – Tokyo’s “Fabric Town”

Traditional fabrics, ancient temple grounds, and a 1950s-style amusement park

Adjacent to the retro-chic neighborhood of Ueno, Nippori maintains a similar old-school appeal. While much of Tokyo is characterized by ultra-modern buildings and metropolitan sensibilities, this part of the city feels much more down to earth.

DIY hobbyists will love Nippori Textile District, a one-kilometer stretch of road occupied by textile and fabric stores. You’ll find affordable cloth, buttons, and traditional fabrics available in both personal and wholesale volumes. Also nearby is Arakawa Yuen, an amusement park boasting classic rides for kids, a petting zoo, and a splash zone all year round. Temple lovers will enjoy Tennoji Temple and the surrounding Yanaka neighborhood directly adjacent to Nippori Station.

How to Get There

The closest access point is Nippori Station, accessible via the JR Yamanote Line, JR Joban Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Keisei Dentetsu Line, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner.

From Haneda Airport: 45 minutes by train.
From Narita Airport: one hour and 10 minutes by train.
From Shinjuku Station: 25 minutes to Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
From Tokyo Station: 20 minutes to Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote Line.

A century-old street for garment makers and artisans

Dating back to the early Taisho era (1910s), the Nippori Textile District is Tokyo’s fabric town, offering every fabric and sewing tool imaginable. The approximately 90 stores cater to both personal hobbyists and wholesale buyers. Take your time exploring each shop to find what you’re looking for.

Tokyo's only ward-operated amusement park for family fun

Arakawa Yuen, which first opened in 1950, reopened in April 2022 after a major renovation. The Ferris wheel and miniature trains have been renovated, and an indoor playground and a café made from recycled Toden trains have been added. The "Animal Plaza," where visitors can interact with animals, is also popular. This downtown amusement park mixes the new with the nostalgic, and is perfect for a day out with the family.