“Mon-naka?” Does that nickname for Nakacho 2 intrigue you? Nakacho 2 is located in Tokyo’s Koto Ward. It is an area with an old town atmosphere. The area is full of hidden charm.
Historically, Nakacho 2 was a “monzenmachi”. A monzenmachi is a town built around a temple. This temple was the Eidaiji Temple. It was attached to the famous Tomioka Hachiman Shrine in the neighboring Tomioka district. Since then, it has become one of the most important areas in Tokyo’s Fukagawa quarter. It has a bustling commercial area, a main street, a subway station, and a bus station.
Nakacho 2 is easily accessible. Monzen-nakacho Station is served by the Tozai and the Toei Oedo subway lines. From this station, you can go to Roppongi and Iidabashi directly by subway without any transfers. Otemachi is also a mere 5 minutes away. Shinjuku can be reached within a half hour train ride.
The vicinity of Monzen-nakacho Station is a busy area. Many of the pedestrians are elderly residents. This adds to the town’s laid-back atmosphere. A short walk from the station will take you to an old-style shopping arcade. It has various shops including traditional green grocers and clothing stores. It is also not far away from nature spots. The Sumida River and the Fukagawa Park are nearby. Many children come to play in Fukagawa Park.
Around the station, there are plenty of convenience stores and restaurants available. So you won’t have to worry about getting a late dinner after a long day at work. There is also an Akafudado discount supermarket nearby. Antique fairs and flea markets are frequently held around the town. You can find food stalls that sell local favorites. Baby castella cakes and candied fruits are common. You can also find plenty of shops that sell daily goods and other items for a bargain.
While in Nakacho 2, visit the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine. It was originally built in 1627. The current main shrine was last reconstructed in 1956. Inside the shrine grounds, there is a statue of Ino Tadataka. He was a famous Edo Period surveyor who made the first complete map of Japan. He was known to pray at the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine before setting off on every journey to survey the land. Tomioka Hachiman Shrine holds many festivals and antique fairs throughout the year. It also houses the largest mikoshi in Japan.
Another place to visit is Fukagawa Winery. It is located just 5 minutes on foot from Monzen-nakacho Station. Fukagawa Winery was established as a winery that anyone can visit. Here you can learn about their winemaking process. You can even enjoy a taste of their wines taken straight from the cellar.
While you might think that Nakacho 2 is full of shops and restaurants with a nostalgic atmosphere you’ll be surprised when you enter MONZ CAFE. This stylish café is located along the Goriyaku-dori street going towards the Fudodo Temple. You can enjoy a drink in the café’s modern interior. Or go al fresco and sit outside on a refreshing sunny day.
Nakacho 2 is also home to Spicy Bistro Taprobane. This Sri Lankan restaurant is operated by a Sri Lankan national. He says that this place is the closest you’ll get to Sri Lanka without leaving Japan.
As you explore Nakacho 2, you’ll notice an abundance of nature within the area’s old town atmosphere. Despite its many food establishments and proximity to central Tokyo, it has a laid-back feel. Nakacho 2 is lively enough with its myriad of izakaya and shopping streets. It’s also tranquil as the home to shrines and traditional structures.
Nakacho 2 is an oasis of residential charm located centrally in Tokyo. It’s within a 15-minute train ride or cycle from Tokyo Station and the business districts of Marunouchi and Otemachi.