If you want to take a break, why not try these 14 sightseeing spots in Sugamo?

Sugamo is often called the "Harajuku for Grandmothers." Do you think Sugamo is just a place where only elderly ladies have fun? If so, you're completely mistaken!

In fact, Sugamo is full of shops and scenic spots that people of all generations can enjoy. Whether you're visiting with your grandchildren or going on a romantic date, there are plenty of attractions to explore. Sugamo offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind while watching the retro Toden Arakawa Line. From trending sweets to famous movie filming locations, Sugamo has so much to offer. Don’t miss out on discovering its hidden gems!

1. Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street

The well-known main street of Sugamo. Walk about five minutes from JR Sugamo Station, and you'll see the entrance. From there, the street extends towards Koshinzuka Station on the Toden Line, lined with approximately 200 stores. Even within this shopping street alone, there are many must-see attractions, including temples and delicious gourmet spots!

This shopping street is a prime example of Japanese hospitality, with all the shops aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere. On weekends, it's packed with tourists, and its warm ambiance is popular even among foreign visitors. Experiencing the kindness of the locals will surely make your shopping trip a satisfying one.

There are also some unique stores here!

Believe it or not, this is home to the world's first store specializing in red underwear! Have you ever heard of "Maruji’s Red Underwear"? If you visit Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, this is a must-see shop. Inside, you'll find rows of red underwear for both men and women.

The bright red color symbolizes good fortune, and the design helps keep the stomach warm, making them a popular choice. They are great for celebrating someone’s 60th birthday or for those with weak stomachs. Recently, they have even introduced cute character-themed designs, making them a hit with kids too. Your whole family might just become fans of Maruji’s red underwear!

And of course, no shopping street experience is complete without delicious food! You might assume Sugamo's shops cater only to older visitors—but that’s not the case! Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street offers everything from trendy sweets to stylish cafés that people of all ages can enjoy. There are even Michelin-listed restaurants! Recently, fluffy shaved ice has been gaining popularity, making Sugamo a perfect destination for gourmet tourism as well.

2. Edo Rokujizo-son Shinshoji Temple

At the entrance of Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, the first thing you'll see is Shinshoji Temple. The "Edo Rokujizo" refers to six Jizo statues placed along major Edo-period highways. The Jizo at this temple was placed in Sugamo, which was once the entrance to the Nakasendo route, to watch over the safety of travelers. Even today, it stands at the entrance of the shopping street, continuing to protect visitors. Starting your sightseeing with a visit here might just bring you a safe and pleasant day.

Sugamo is also closely connected to many famous haiku poets, including the renowned Matsuo Basho. Inside the temple grounds, you'll find a stone monument inscribed with one of Basho's haiku—be sure not to miss it!

3. Togenuki Jizoson Koganji Temple

A must-visit when coming to Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street is "Togenuki Jizo-son Koganji Temple." As a symbol of Sugamo, it welcomes countless visitors every day. The temple is famous for its "Mieki" amulets, which are believed to have powerful healing properties. These amulets feature an image of Jizo printed on traditional Japanese paper. It is said that placing this paper on a painful area can help cure ailments.

A legend tells of a woman who accidentally swallowed a needle—after consuming the Mieki amulet, the needle miraculously came out of her body. This story is the origin of the name "Togenuki" (literally "thorn remover").

Another famous feature of Koganji Temple is the "Arai Kannon" (Washing Kannon). Visitors pour water over the Kannon statue and then wash the parts of the statue that correspond to their own ailments, hoping for healing. If you have any aches or pains—whether it’s your back, head, or heart—head over to Koganji Temple right away!

4. Sugamo Sarutahiko Daijin Koshindo

At the end of the shopping street, near Koshinzuka Station, you'll find this small shrine. It is dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami, a deity from Japanese mythology. Despite its modest size, the shrine sees a steady flow of visitors due to its location in the bustling shopping street.

This shrine has long been a protector of travelers and continues to watch over tourists today. Nearby, there was once a teahouse where people would take a break—including the famous haiku poet Kobayashi Issa. If you're tired from walking around the shopping street, why not take a moment to rest here?

5. Sugamon’s Bottom

There’s one more must-see attraction in the shopping street—"Sugamon’s Bottom!"

Sugamon is the official mascot of the shopping street. Legend has it that if you touch Sugamon’s bottom, your romantic wishes will come true! If you’re lucky, you might even see Sugamon in person and get the chance to touch it directly.

However, since spotting Sugamon is rare...

A permanent version of Sugamon’s Bottom was placed near the entrance so that visitors could touch it anytime. As of 2022, it has been relocated to the Sugamo Regional Culture and Creation Center further inside the shopping street.

Sugamo is known for its many shrines, but if you’re looking for good luck in love, this might be the place for you!

6. Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot, attracting many visitors each spring. This park has been loved as a famous cherry blossom location since the Edo period. It all began when Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun of Edo, ordered the planting of numerous cherry trees in the area.

Even today, around 650 cherry trees are planted throughout the park. Since the Edo period, people have gathered here each spring to enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Asukayama Park is also historically significant as one of Japan’s first designated parks. It even appears in the artwork of Utagawa Hiroshige, making it a must-visit attraction in Sugamo.

7. Rikugien Garden

Sugamo has even more famous cherry blossom spots! One of the most popular among tourists is Rikugien Garden. Located about a six-minute walk from JR Komagome Station, this garden is on the opposite side of the station from Jizo-dori Shopping Street. Rikugien, along with Koishikawa Korakuen, has long been one of Edo’s two greatest gardens, beloved by visitors for centuries.

But it’s not just beautiful in spring—autumn brings stunning fall foliage, making it another peak season for visitors. One of the highlights is the illuminated nighttime scenery of Rikugien, creating an enchanting and romantic atmosphere. It's a popular spot for couples looking for an elegant date night. In the spring, the illuminated weeping cherry trees are a breathtaking sight. Visit at your favorite season and time of day to experience its beauty.

8. Toyo Bunko Museum

While many of Sugamo’s attractions are outdoors, here’s a great place to visit on a rainy day—the Toyo Bunko Museum, located near Rikugien Garden. This stylish and tranquil museum houses an extensive collection of over one million specialized books on Asian studies. One of the highlights is the "Morrison Library," a room lined with towering bookshelves that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from Harry Potter.

The museum’s theme, "A Journey Through Books Across Time and Space," perfectly describes its collection of works spanning different eras and countries. Whether you’re a book lover or a history enthusiast, you’ll be captivated by the quiet, otherworldly ambiance. The museum also features a restaurant run in collaboration with Koiwai Farm, making it a great spot for food lovers as well.

9. Former Furukawa Gardens

A popular tourist spot featuring a Western-style mansion with an English Renaissance design and a beautifully maintained European-style garden. The garden has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and remains almost unchanged from the Taisho era. Step inside, and you’ll also find a Japanese garden, making it a unique place that appeals to both local and international visitors.

The best time to visit is spring when the flowers are in full bloom. In May, the roses and the mansion are beautifully illuminated. Imagine enjoying a cake set on the terrace of the tea room while admiring the breathtaking garden scenery—an experience you won’t want to miss!

10. Honmyoji Temple

Surrounded by Sugamo’s many tourist attractions, Honmyoji Temple has a significant historical background. It is associated with the "Great Fire of Meireki" in 1658, which devastated much of Edo. While some say the fire originated here, a more widely accepted theory suggests the temple protected the true source of the fire.

Honmyoji Temple is also the resting place of several notable historical figures. One of the most famous is Kinshiro Toyama, known as "Toyama no Kin-san," a legendary magistrate famous for his dramatic justice stories. Easily accessible from other tourist spots, Honmyoji is a great addition to your Sugamo sightseeing itinerary. A visit here will surely provide a moment of peace and reflection.

11. Inariyu

A long-established sento (public bathhouse) that perfectly matches the nostalgic atmosphere of Sugamo. Does it look familiar to you? Many people might recognize it because this bathhouse was used as a filming location for the blockbuster movie Thermae Romae! This is the very sento where the character Lucius, played by actor Hiroshi Abe, first time-traveled. The scene where Lucius is amazed by the various bathhouse features prominently showcases Inari-yu. The fruit milk he drinks after the bath is a classic post-bath treat!

Located about seven minutes from Nishi-Sugamo Station on the Toei Mita Line, this new tourist attraction features a grand painting of Mount Fuji, embodying the traditional Japanese sento experience. The hot water temperature is a favorite among regular customers, keeping them coming back for more!

12. Somei Cemetery

Famous for being the resting place of many historical figures, Somei Cemetery is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. This location is actually known as the birthplace of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom variety.

In the past, this area was home to many gardeners from the former Somei Village, and it is said that one of them discovered this new cherry blossom variety. Today, about 80% of Japan’s cherry trees are Somei Yoshino. At Somei Cemetery, around 100 of these trees bloom beautifully each spring. If you want to see cherry blossoms in the place where they originated, this is the spot to visit.

13. Jigenji Temple

Quietly nestled behind Somei Cemetery, Jigenji Temple is home to the graves of several renowned literary figures. Among them is Ryunosuke Akutagawa, the celebrated author of Rashomon, as well as Shiba Kokan and Junichiro Tanizaki, who left their mark on Japanese literary history. Sugamo is deeply connected to many writers, making it an ideal place for literature enthusiasts to visit. If you are already exploring Somei Cemetery, take a moment to stop by this tranquil temple and reflect on the lives of these great minds.

14. Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA

Located right next to Somei Cemetery, this is the ultimate relaxation spot. This onsen offers a variety of baths, including an open-air bath, providing a luxurious experience. The water is known for its moisturizing and warming effects, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed. The facility also includes stone sauna rooms and traditional saunas, making it particularly popular among female visitors. The modern Japanese-style interior creates a calm and serene atmosphere, ensuring a relaxing experience for everyone.

Complete with a restaurant and massage services, this is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. A visit here will make you forget that you are still in Tokyo, offering a blissful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

◎ Summary of Sugamo's sightseeing spots

Sugamo is often associated with its shopping street, but as you can see, there are plenty of other attractions to explore! You may have discovered some unexpected sightseeing spots beyond its traditional image. Whether you choose to visit in spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms, pay respects at the graves of historical figures, or go on an elegant museum date, the sightseeing route is entirely up to you!

Most of the spots introduced here are within walking distance of Sugamo Station, which is conveniently accessible by both JR and subway lines. The heartwarming hospitality of Sugamo awaits you for a relaxing and enjoyable visit.

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If you want to take a break, why not try these 14 sightseeing spots in Sugamo?