“Shitamachi Ninjo” is a mouthful isn’t it? We are standing in front of Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street. This shopping street has supported the lives of local residents for many years. It is a community-based shopping street in the Kameido area of Tokyo.
Let’s dive into what makes Kirakira Tachibana Shotengai special. The eastern region of Tokyo has many old-town sceneries. Ryogoku, Asakusa, and Yanesen are known for their unique charms. But the Kyojima area where we are now, carries a special allure. Take a step off the beaten path. You will see old wooden housing and tiny stores straight out of mid-1900s Japan. Time slows down here. You can truly connect with the warmth of the local community. Tourism hasn’t seeped into this area yet. It remains a quiet destination.
This shopping street is a 10-minute walk from Keisei Hikifune Station. It proudly displays its banner with that unforgettable name. Despite being one station over from Oshiage Station, Kyojima has a surprisingly quiet atmosphere. Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street has developed strong ties to the local community over the years.
The shopping street’s administrative office has a bright-red sign. You can bring food you bought here and eat it between 10am and 6pm. It’s a very open space. The official name is Mukojima Tachibana Ginza Shopping Street. “Shitamachi Ninjo Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street” is a nickname. It was created 30 years ago in 1989 when the street was renovated.
The name was chosen from 4,000 others by public vote. “Shitamachi Ninjo” means “human warmth of local community”. “Kirakira” means sparkling. A third-grade girl came up with it. She wished for the shopping street’s even brighter future. Even the name shows how much the local community loves it.
Mr. Yamato says there are three types of shopping streets in Japan. The first is the “inbound type” for tourists. The next is the “bustling type” near train stations. The third is the “community-based type”. Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street is this third type. These streets serve the community.
Japan has many famous shopping streets. But 99% have lost their energy over the years. Many community-based shopping streets have closed. People moved to cities and started shopping online. This street is far from the station. This distance allows Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street to stay community based. People who cannot reach the supermarkets near the station, come to this street’s 24-hour market. Adults keep watch making it safe for children. Being far from the station helps this street contribute to the local community.
Many stores have closed because shopkeepers are getting older. The street had 135 stores. Now it has 75. To keep contributing to the community, the street has taken action. It has invited outside businesses. It has collaborated with local students. It hosts events. The meeting hall “Kirakira Kaikan” is used for events. Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street holds events every month. It continuously provides a place for the community to connect.
Perhaps, Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street will keep developing. It will support daily life like in the old times. But it will also evolve into something entirely different.
The Morning Market is held on the 4th Sunday of each month. It has lasted for nearly 40 years, since 1980. It contributes to the community as a community-oriented shopping street. It operates from about 6am to 9am. Hours may vary. It is perfect for a leisurely sightseeing trip.
From Keisei Hikifune Station, walk towards the shopping street. You can see the Tokyo Skytree between the buildings. Take a look at things that aren’t listed. You can see the contrast that good old wooden houses bring.
The signs will catch your eye. It has been recognized for its contribution to the local economy. It also contributes to regional revitalization. The stores open stands in front for the morning market. Some offer special menus only for the morning market. There are freshly fried satsuma, skewers, and sushi.
Sumame Café was opened by attracting a shopping street. They usually provide coffee and bread from Sumida Ward. But in the morning market, they sell fresh vegetables from Tsukuba. Customers talk with the store owners. Everyone is kind and cheerful. You can walk around the shopping street at your own pace. You can enjoy conversation.
There is a guesthouse in the shopping street. Tourists gather little by little. The shopping street remains close to the area. Be sure to visit Tamaru Inari Shrine in the corner of the shopping street.
Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street conveys the warm smiles of the locals to those who visit. Just a few steps off Tokyo’s urban road, a town full of human love and community awaits you.