Discover New Aspects of Attractive Shinjuku: Kagurazaka

Discover New Aspects of Attractive Shinjuku: Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka Area: a town with Japanese style

After developing as an area with streets lined with samurai residences in the Edo period (1603-1867), Kagurazaka later became a town of merchants and craftsmen and prospered as an entertainment district, called hanamachi (geisha district). Walking through the area, you can still hear the sound of shamisen practice by geisha girls. Known as a town with slopes, stone-paved alleys, and black walls in a traditional atmosphere, Kagurazaka attracts many Japanese people. Its many charms find expression both in day and at night.

Kagurazaka is a place you can enjoy not only the townscape but also Japanese culture at festivals. In July, “Kagurazaka Matsuri” festival is held at which people enjoy Awa-odori dance. “Kagurazaka-Street Stage: O-edo Tour” in November offers people an opportunity to enjoy traditional performing arts all over the town.

Japanese Culture Found in Kagurazaka

Zenkokuji (Bishamonten)
Going up the slope of Kagurazaka, you will see Zenkokuji (Bishamonten) which is a symbolic existence of Kagurazaka on your left. It has been popular with the area since about 200 years ago and has become the center of Kagurazaka.

Also notice that there is a guardian tiger instead of a guardian dog!

The Kagurazaka area has many opportunities to experience Japanese culture through food, various and sundry Japanese small items, and events. Wagashi, Japanese confectionery, is a sophisticated work of elaboration made by the skills of professionals. There are many wagashi shops around Kagurazaka.

While strolling in Kagurazaka, you will feel lured into shops selling interesting and cute Japanese items. They are popular souvenirs from Japan.

Kagurazaka and a Literary Figure

One of Japan’s greatest literary figures, Natsume Soseki, wrote about Kagurazaka in some of his novels. He lived in Waseda, which is near Kagurazaka, and therefore often visited Kagurazaka. It is obvious that Kagurazaka has aspects that attracted this literary figure and made him want to write about it in his novels.

The house of Soseki in Waseda, where many of his novels were created, is now the “Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum.” In the museum, his study room has been reproduced and you can see various materials related to Soseki, such as drafts of his writings.

*The information herein is as of September 2018.