Higashi Mukojima

From the Meiji Period onward, Higashi Mukojima blossomed. It became a hub of industry and entertainment. Land prices were more affordable here than in areas west of the Sumida River. This drew businesses like Seiko, whose museum dedicated to watches and clocks still stands in Higashi Mukojima. This area wasn’t always about industry though. Higashi Mukojima also housed a geisha district, one of the few surviving in Tokyo. The ryotei restaurants, where geisha perform, still line Kenban-dori. Higashi Mukojima has faced adversity. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and World War II bombings left their mark. Yet, compared to other areas, Higashi Mukojima emerged relatively unscathed. This resilience allowed it to retain a pre-war Showa Period atmosphere. You can experience this in places like Shitamachi Ninjo Kirakira Tachibana Shotengai and Hatonomachi Dori Shotengai. Higashi Mukojima is home to several key attractions. The Seiko Museum showcases the company’s history, from its founding in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori to the present day. The Tobu Museum of Transport & Culture, near Higashi-Mukojima Station, displays historic Tobu trains and buses. This includes their first steam locomotive, electric train, and electric locomotive. Not far from Higashi Mukojima is Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden. This historic strolling garden is over a century old and known for its plum blossoms and hydrangeas. Higashi Mukojima truly offers a blend of history, industry, and traditional charm. It’s a place where the echoes of the past meet the vibrancy of the present.