The rainy season (between June and July), or tsuyu (梅雨) for those in the know, can catch tourists off guard and disrupt their plans. Caught in a downpour while strolling, looking for food, or shopping? Take refuge in the nearest shotengai (商店街)!
What are shotengai 商店街?
Shotengai (商店街) are covered shopping streets found in many neighborhoods, both in Tokyo and throughout the rest of Japan. Most of them are covered, so even when the weather is unpredictable, shoppers are sheltered.
While the shops vary depending on the location, in general you can find everything: restaurants, markets, everyday products, specialty shops, souvenir shops, clothing stores, etc.
Their location is always very convenient because shotengai 商店街 are usually located near train stations and/or near historical sites.
The shotengai 商店街 of Tokyo
Among the most well-known in Tokyo, we recommend:
– Ameyoko (Ueno district): if you want to find good deals, you will find a wide selection of clothing and food products at bargain prices!
– Nakano Sun Mall (Nakano district): a must-see for fans of Japanese animation! Indeed, at the end of the street is the famous Nakano Broadway complex where you can find better deals than in Akihabara.
– Hisagodori (Asakusa district): If you want to bring back souvenirs and even a kimono, this shopping street with its traditional charm is perfect for you. And the icing on the cake (or plum on the rice) is that Senso-ji Temple is just a stone's throw away!
Bonus: if you like unusual neighborhoods, we recommend the Asakusa Chika Shotengai, one of the oldest underground shopping streets in Tokyo!
– Kappabashi Dori (Between Ueno and Asakusa): This street is famous for its large number of shops dedicated to cooking (utensils, cutlery, chopsticks, plates, dishes, etc.). You can also find those famous plastic dishes that restaurants put in their windows to attract customers!
In summary? Don't hesitate to add the shotengai (商店街) to your list of places to visit!
