13 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Kitasenju: Easily Accessible!

Kitasenju, with its many well-preserved old buildings, especially along the former Nikko Kaido (highway) which was a post town during the Edo period, is a popular tourist destination known for its historical atmosphere.

In recent years, it has also been attracting attention as one of Tokyo's most desirable places to live due to its good accessibility with five train lines and the town's relaxed atmosphere. Here are 13 of the best sightseeing spots in Kita-Senju!

1. Senju-gai Machi No Eki

When you're ready to embark on a sightseeing adventure in Senju, one of the first things you'll need is a map. While smartphone map functions are convenient, there's something undeniably exciting about unfolding a paper map and exploring a new area.

Here at Machi no Eki, you'll find a wealth of maps and pamphlets to help you on your way. Originally a fishmonger, this building now serves as Senju's tourist information center. Its retro exterior is sure to catch your eye.

With a sign reading "Resting Place," the building offers comfortable seating for weary travelers. There's also a mini-exhibition corner featuring local attractions, making it a great spot to take a break from sightseeing.

2. Arakawa

Discover Arakawa River. This iconic waterway, though seemingly natural, was actually artificially constructed over 20 years. Located about a 15-minute walk from Kita-Senju Station, the Adachi Ward Arakawa Visitor Center is a tourist facility dedicated to showcasing the various aspects of the Arakawa River. With informative panels, displays of insects and aquatic organisms native to the river, and more, visitors can delve deep into the history and natural environment of this fascinating waterway. After learning and understanding the Arakawa River's role in the community, you will gain a new appreciation for this urban oasis. If you're visiting Kita-Senju, be sure to stop by the Adachi Ward Arakawa Visitor Center and discover the many wonders of the Arakawa River.

3. Senju Bridge

The renowned opening line, "Days are passing travelers of a hundred generations, and the years that pass are also travelers..." from Matsuo Basho's seminal travelogue "Oku no Hosomichi," is always included in Japanese language textbooks. Legend has it that this very bridge, spanning the Sumida River in Kita-Senju, was the starting point of Basho's epic 150-day journey through the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions. A monument near the bridge commemorates this historic departure.

Depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige's iconic "Famous Views of Edo," Senju Bridge boasts a history that stretches back to 1594, when it was first constructed under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This makes it the oldest bridge over the Sumida River.

The bridge underwent a significant transformation in 1927, replacing its wooden structure with a striking blue steel tied-arch bridge. Today, Senju Bridge stands as a major tourist attraction in Kita-Senju, drawing visitors from far and wide.

4. Yokoyama Family Residence

Dating back to 1855, during the Ansei Era, the Yokoyama Family Residence is a well-preserved merchant house that once served as a paper mill in Kita-Senju. It is said that they sold "Asakusa paper," the Edo-era toilet paper, to Nihonbashi. Located on the former Nikko Kaido, a bustling post town during the Edo period, this historic building has stood the test of time, weathering major events like the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II. Despite a renovation in 1936, its original architecture remains largely intact, making it a valuable cultural asset and a designated tangible cultural property of Adachi Ward.

Although the interior is not open to visitors, the exterior offers a glimpse into Japan's past. The deep sword marks on the entrance pillar serve as a stark reminder of the Ueno War in 1868, marking a pivotal moment in Japan's transition from the Edo to Meiji era.

5. Tokyo Sushi-Making Tour

Sushi, the soul food of Japan. It is a delightful blend of vinegared rice and a variety of fresh toppings. It's no wonder that "SUSHI" is a global sensation! Ever wondered how to recreate this delicious dish at home?

Discover the art of sushi-making in Kita-Senju! Sushi-making workshops are open to everyone, from children to adults, locals to tourists, Japanese to foreigners. In just two hours, you can learn about sushi etiquette, trivia, and how to make three types of sushi: maki (rolled), nigiri (hand-pressed), and gunkan maki (boat-shaped). No equipment or cooking experience is necessary! Expert instructors will guide you through the process, allowing you to enjoy learning the techniques of a sushi master. Why not drop by Kita-Senju and give it a try? There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of enjoying sushi you've made yourself.

6. Senju-juku Historical Petit Terrace

Senju-juku Historical Petit Terrace is a tourist facility that has relocated the warehouse of the Yokoyama family, a traditional Japanese paper-making merchant house that has been in business since the Edo period. It is now also used as a gallery. The exterior and interior of the clay storehouse convey a sense of weight that has been acquired over many years. The exhibits are also impressive, making it a tourist spot where you can truly ponder the history of Kita-Senju, which flourished in the Edo period. The sight of flowers in bloom throughout the four seasons is also very beautiful, making it a recommended tourist spot for those who want to leisurely learn about the history of Kita-Senju.

7. Shosen-ji Temple

Shosen-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kita-Senju known for its distinctive red-brick main hall, giving it the nickname "Aka-mon-ji" (Red Gate Temple). Founded in 1260 during the Kamakura period, the temple boasts a history that includes visits by Tokugawa Hidetada and Iemitsu, the second and third shoguns of the Tokugawa shogunate. The current main hall, constructed in 1906, is a sturdy concrete structure modeled after Indian temples to withstand the frequent floods of the Kita-Senju area. The temple is famous for its annual "Enma-hiraki" festival, held on January 15th and 16th, featuring a grand 1.8-meter tall Enma statue and attracting numerous visitors.

8. Sekido Museum

The Sekido Museum, located in Kita-Senju, was established in 2006 by Senju Sato, former president and chairman of Senju Metal Industry Co., Ltd. It houses a collection of artwork gathered from around the world. The museum's unique hexagonal structure features a copper roof and red-brown brick tiles. Inside, the museum is fully accessible with ramps and other barrier-free features, and it also houses a cafe, "Myoko," run by people with disabilities.

The museum's primary collection consists of ceramics, lacquerware, and metalwork. From tea ceremony kettles to lacquerware, jadeware, and bronzeware, visitors are sure to be captivated by the beauty of these vessels from around the world. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of religious art, with a particular focus on Indian religious art. For those seeking a more serene and cultural experience, the Sekido Museum is a must-visit destination in Kita-Senju. Be sure to take your time and appreciate the Gandharan Buddhist sculptures and Hindu art.

9. Senju Honcho Park

Senju Honcho Park, a 5-minute walk from Kita-Senju Station. Situated along the old Nikko Kaido (highway), this park was created with the concept of conveying the atmosphere of Kita-Senju, which once thrived as a post town in the Edo period, to tourists visiting Kita-Senju. With an information board on historical sites and old ruins of Senju, you can leisurely ponder the scenery of the Edo period in this park filled with a sense of style. It is not only a place of relaxation for the people of Kita-Senju but also a recommended park for tourists to enjoy.

10. Senju Honmachi Shopping Street

Located just west of Kita-Senju Station, Senju Honcho Shopping Street is part of the Honcho Center Shopping Street. Built on the former site of an Edo-period post town, the area retains a historical charm with various historical spots scattered throughout. This has made it a popular tourist destination for those interested in exploring historical sites.

However, it's also deeply rooted in the local community and beloved by Kita-Senju residents. A casual visit can easily turn into a longer stay, as the nostalgic atmosphere and the authentic flavor of this traditional downtown area draw you in.

11. Senju Ema-ya Yoshida Family Home

Yoshida Ema-ya in Kita-Senju is a historic workshop that has been crafting traditional Ema boards since the Edo period. The maker, Akiko Yoshida, is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property holder of Adachi Ward and continues to preserve the traditional Edo-era Ema-making techniques.While the interior is closed to visitors, the building's exterior and the beautiful Ema displayed at nearby Choen-ji Temple offer a glimpse into this rich tradition. When visiting Yoshida-ya, we recommend also visiting Choen-ji Temple.

12. Nagura Clinic

Once renowned nationwide as "Senju's Nagura," synonymous with bone-setting, the Nagura Clinic in Kitasenju has left its mark on history. Its quaint building, designated as a tangible cultural property of Adachi Ward, is now a tourist attraction in Kitasenju.

The Nagura Clinic began its bone-setting practice in Kitasenju during the Edo period. At its peak in the Taisho era, it is said to have seen 300 to 500 patients a day, with patients suffering from fractures and dislocations overflowing the area.

Having provided bone-setting treatment to countless people in Kitasenju and across Japan, the Nagura Clinic continues to operate today as an orthopedic clinic, albeit in a high-rise building near Ochanomizu.

13. Adachi Fireworks

While there are various fireworks festivals held throughout Japan and Tokyo, the Adachi Fireworks held in Kita-Senju is particularly popular. The reason for this is that you can see the spectacular fireworks up close. The view of the numerous fireworks from the Arakawa Riverbank is absolutely breathtaking!

The Adachi Fireworks began in the Meiji era. It is said to have started as a celebration for the completion of the Senju Bridge with the launch of fireworks. The first "Senju Fireworks Festival" was held in 1924. Although the festival was temporarily suspended during the war, it resumed after the war. However, it was discontinued due to river improvement work, but thanks to the ardent wishes of the citizens of Kita-Senju, it was revived in 1979 as the "Adachi Fireworks Festival."

Beloved by the people of Kita-Senju, the Adachi Fireworks is held around late July every year. If you are visiting Tokyo in the summer, we recommend you plan your trip to coincide with this event.

◎ Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in Kitasenju

While the dazzling sights of Tokyo are certainly appealing, leisurely exploring a more tranquil neighborhood with a map in hand can be a delightful change of pace. Kita-Senju is one such town, offering a peaceful retreat for weary travelers. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, be sure to visit. You'll likely discover a sense of calm returning to you.