Top Spots for Sightseeing! Here’s What Makes Ōji So Charming

Oji, located in the northern part of central Tokyo, serves as a major transportation hub where the JR Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, and Toden Arakawa Line intersect. Its "royal" name adds to its appeal, making it a multifaceted town popular with tourists. At the same time, Oji boasts a rich history as a scenic tourist destination that has attracted many visitors since the Edo period. From this "princely" town, we’ll introduce 10 recommended tourist spots!

1. Oji Shrine

Oji Shrine is the origin of the name Oji. It is an ancient shrine where Minamoto no Yoshiie is said to have visited in the 11th century before his conquest of Oshu and to have offered his armor. Even after the Edo Shogunate was established, the shrine was deeply revered by successive Shoguns, and was already a tourist spot known as "Oji Gongen" during the Edo period.

Another highlight of Oji Shrine is its branch shrine, Seki Shrine! It was enshrined as a shrine based on Seki Semimaru Shrine in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and is known as the god of the arts and hair. There is also a "hair mound" on the grounds to repay the favor for hair, and many barbers and hairdressers come to worship there. It is located right in front of the station, so it is of course a recommended healing power spot for general tourists as well!

2. Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park is a famous cherry blossom spot that can be said to be the symbol of Oji. It began when the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, planted cherry trees and opened the park to the public as a place for sightseeing and recreation. In 1873, it was designated as one of the first parks in Japan, along with Ueno Park.

It is famous not only for its cherry blossoms in full bloom but also for its azaleas, with about 15,000 azaleas planted there! We also recommend the "Hydrangea Path" at the foot of the eastern side. There are about 1,300 hydrangeas here, which can be seen from the window of a train on the Keihin-Tohoku Line when they are in bloom. If you are staying in Tokyo, this urban oasis that has existed since the Edo period is definitely worth a visit.

3. Asukayama Three Museums

South of Asukayama Park, there are three museums that are essential to the history of Oji. First, the Shibusawa Memorial Museum! It showcases the achievements of Eiichiro Shibusawa, a businessman known as the "father of Japanese capitalism," and is built on the site of the former Shibusawa residence. The adjacent Former Shibusawa Garden also has two buildings from the Taisho era that are worth visiting.

Next is the Paper Museum, a rare museum in Japan that collects materials related to paper from all over the world! Oji is where the factory that became the current Oji Paper Company was built. You can learn about the papermaking process in real life, even though you may think you know it. The last museum, the Kita-ku Asukayama Museum, is also worth a visit! It is said that the ancient Toshima Gunga was located southeast of Oji, and there are many exhibits related to history and nature from the Jomon period. If you plan to visit all three museums, we recommend purchasing a "three-museum joint ticket" for a good deal!

4. Asukayama Park Monorail "Ascargo"

It's a hike of just under 20m from Oji Station to the top of Asukayama Mountain! However, it can be a bit tiring for the elderly and small children... but the Asukayama Park Monorail, completed in 2009, is a great help for such tourists.

It is affectionately known as the "Asuka Park Rail" or "Ascargo" and is free to use! As its name suggests, it curves like a snail and slowly ascends and descends a distance of about 50m over the course of 2 minutes. The view from the window as it climbs diagonally is quite rare and interesting. If you are visiting the Oji area, it's definitely worth trying at least once.

5. Toden Arakawa Line

Trams once supported urban transportation throughout Japan. Tokyo had many lines, but now only one remains: the Toden Arakawa Line. Although it is a tram, there are few sections where it actually runs parallel to traffic on the road, and there are only two, here in Oji and in front of JR Otsuka Station. The section in front of Oji Station is a slope that goes halfway around Asukayama, so the tram atmosphere is particularly outstanding! Some local passengers even call the Arakawa Line the "Oji Train."

If you're visiting Oji, it would be a waste not to experience Tokyo's last tram! Just the section from Oji Station to Asukayama Station will make you feel that your visit is well worth it.

6. Nanushinotaki Park

It is said that the waterfall began in the late Edo period when the headman of Oji village built it on his estate and opened it to the public. It was later purchased by Seiyoken, a famous restaurant in Ueno, and developed into a tourist spot. It was once burned down in an air raid, but was redeveloped after the war and remains so to this day as a public park.

There are four waterfalls in the park - Otokotaki, Metaki, Dokkotaki, and Wakutamataki - and the sound of the water makes it an oasis in the city. It is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the station and admission is free, making it perfect for sightseeing! Along the way, you can also stop by tourist spots such as Oji Shrine and Oji Inari Shrine. There are also many maple trees, so it is recommended to visit from early summer to autumn.

7. Ogiya

If you're visiting Oji, you can't go without buying some Ogiya's tamagoyaki! It's famous as the setting for the rakugo story "Oji no Kitsune." Founded in 1648, Ogiya still faithfully preserves the taste of its thick tamagoyaki, which appears in the story. The thick tamagoyaki, which is about B6 size, is cooked to perfection, with plenty of carefully selected eggs and a broth passed down from father to son, and is fluffy and delicious! It has a slightly sweet Edo taste.

By the way, you will need to make a reservation to order the large-sized kettle-fried tamagoyaki. Be sure to stop by the location of the story where the fox is tricked by humans. It's in a building right in front of the station, so it's easy to access.

8. Otonashi Water Park

Shakujii River, a tributary of Sumida River, is called Otonashigawa River near Oji, and once formed a scenic spot called Otonashi Valley. It is now an urban river with concrete banks, but Otonashi Waterside Park was created to restore the old scenery along its old course.

The water flows between the rocks and is surrounded by trees, making it a true urban mountain stream! If you look out from the wooden Funakushi Bridge, which has been recreated to look like it was back then, you'll feel as if you've wandered into the mountains. It is almost directly connected to the station, and on both sides are Oji Shrine and Asukayama, two of Oji's major tourist destinations! This mini water town, selected as one of Japan's 100 best urban parks, is the perfect place to take a break during your sightseeing trip to Oji.

9. Otonashi Momiji Green Space

Let me introduce another waterside tourist spot along the Shakujii River. From Otonashi Water Park, go up the quiet riverside road for about 10 minutes. You will see a part of the concrete bank missing. This is Otonashi Momiji Green Space!

The name of the area nearby is "Takinogawa," but this is because there were so many waterfalls that it was once called "Oji Seven Waterfalls"! In order to get closer to the scenic view, an artificial inlet connected to the Shakujii River has been created. You can go down the stairs to the water's edge, and if you look into the water, you can see the fish. The neighboring Kongoji Temple is still a hidden tourist spot famous for its autumn leaves and cherry blossoms. If you are visiting Oji, be sure to make a trip here.

10. Banknote and Stamp Museum

The last place I recommend is the Banknote and Stamp Museum. The reason why there is such a museum is because the National Printing Bureau Oji Factory, which produces banknotes and stamps, is located right next door! It is well known that various special techniques are used to print banknotes to prevent counterfeiting. At this museum, you can trace the evolution of printing technology along with a number of valuable actual materials under the theme of "The History of Anti-Counterfeiting Technology."

On the second floor of the exhibition room, you can see a huge collection of coins, including banknotes from past generations, rare banknotes from around the world, stamps, and even passports, official gazettes, and revenue stamps. This place is also easily accessible, just a five-minute walk from the station, so it is a must-see tourist spot to add to your sightseeing in Oji.

Summary

Rakugo, cherry blossoms, paper-making, valleys... I hope you understand the charm of Oji, which is full of various attractions here and there. Oji is directly connected to many terminal stations in the city center, so it is very convenient for sightseeing! Whether you are visiting Tokyo as a tourist or live in the metropolitan area, you can feel the nature and human breath that you often forget in the city by walking around Oji.