Most of us like the new and modern districts of Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Shibuya and Roppongi. But some of us really want to see that classic japanese districts and the traditional Japan. The problem is that not many have survived in Tokyo.
In Japan, they refer to classic Japanese districts as "Shitamachi" (old town) while newer districts such as Shinjuku and Shibuya are referred to as "Yamanote" (Uptown). One thing classic japanese districts have in common is that they are cheaper, friendlier and quiet.
So, which are those "Shitamachi" districts ? Look at the list below.
Yanaka (谷中)
This is the most classic and traditional it can get. This district has all the feels of a "Shitamachi" district. The houses are small and have these well known Japanese ceilings. This district is also well known for having a lot of temples, in all sizes, and a humongous amount of cats. Maybe not humongous but more cats than I have seen anywhere else. In this district, you will find classic Japanese food, clothes, items, kitchen utensils, art, sweets, etc.
Once you are there you also can't miss the Yanaka Ginza shopping street.
This is a beautiful intellectual district. It is also known as the "Book District". This is because the district has over 150 second-hand shops and another dozen of book publishers making it the largest second-hand book district of Tokyo. It is not as "Shitamachi" like Yanaka but it certainly has a strong Japanese feel. Beside books, the district has several classic Japanese cafes, restaurants and shops. It is also close to the Imperial Palace.
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| Photo by Doing |
Tateishi (立石)
It mostly known because it is old and somewhat dirtier than other districts. The real gem here is hidden. As you walk through the streets you see a retro shopping street design and small alleys filled with workshops, markets and bars. The district may be intimidating at first because of its worn down looks but people there are nice and friendly. The individual shops have several traditional Japanese food at very low cost. It is slightly off the metropolitan area of Tokyo in between two rivers.
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| Photo by mrhayata |
Edogawa (江戸川区)
One of the districts that is not really a "Shitamachi" district but in my opinion gives you that feeling. If you have ever read a manga or seen an Anime about School, you may have noticed that they walk along a river as the sun sets. Well, this district nails it. In fact, there is a river that separates Edogawa from the Metropolis and along the river there are several schools. What a coincidence. Overall, the district is nice, quite and normal Japanese families live there not those who live in Minato, Chiba, etc.
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| Photo by Guilhem Vellut |
Other
Some other places where you can find this "Shitamachi" feeling is around the Shrines such as the Meiji Shrine and the Asakusa Shrine. In all the modern districts you will be able to find at least little of "Shitamachi". In Shinjuku, you can visit the Shinjuku Gyoen and the Golden Gai. In Roppongi, if you go around the German Embassy, you will find also some small homes with classical Japanese ceilings and alleys.
I hope this helps you. Enjoy <(_ _)>