Ever wondered where Tokyo-style ramen was born? It happened right here in Ogikubo. This is a residential area in Tokyo’s Suginami ward. Ogikubo is about 8 km west of Shinjuku.
Ogikubo Station is a transport hub. It serves the JR Chūō Line and the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. American Express has its Japanese headquarters nearby.
Let’s dive into Ogikubo’s story. According to legend, around 708 AD a devotee carried a statue. This was the thousand-armed deity Senjukannon. Reaching this area, the statue became too heavy to move. The devotee believed it was fate. So, he built a hut for the statue. He used Amur silvergrass, called “Ogi” in Japanese. He named it “Ogi Temple.” The area then became known as Ogikubo. You can still see Ogi grass by the tracks at Komyoin Temple.
Ogikubo was once a retreat for the wealthy. From the Taisho era (1912-26) into the Showa era (1926-89) it was popular. People said, “Kamakura in the west, Ogikubo in the east.” Famous figures lived here. These included Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe and music critic Motoh Otaguro. Their homes are now Tekigaisoh Park and Otaguro Park.
The “Asagaya Literaries” moved to Ogikubo in 1927. Many old soba shops remain from this time. Honmura-an was founded in 1924. Harukiya Honten opened in 1932. It created Tokyo-style ramen with soy sauce and sardine flavor. Other shops followed, making Ogikubo famous for ramen.
Ogikubo’s shopping areas offer much to explore. Nakadori Shotengai is south of the station. Kyokai Dori shopping street is on the north side. For nightlife, the Ginza area offers dining and drinks.
Ogikubo hosts refined events. Otaguro Park has fall foliage illuminations. The Ogikubo Music Festival features classical music. Suginami Festa in November offers family fun.
But back to ramen! The Tokyo “shoyu” soy sauce style originated here. Harukiya Honten created it in the 1930s. You can even buy “Souvenir Chuka Soba” packs from Harukiya.
Don’t miss Komyoin Temple on New Year’s Eve. Chudoji Temple is another choice, allowing everyone to ring the bell. The Animation Museum offers a free look into anime history.
Ogikubo also has a strong connection to classical music. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra is based at Suginami Public Hall. Motoh Otaguro’s former home is now Otaguro Park. The Ogikubo Music Festival is held every November.
Ogikubo seamlessly blends history, culture, and delicious food. It is a place where ramen, music, and art come together. Take a walk around Ogikubo. Enjoy the calm atmosphere of this unique Tokyo neighborhood.