Kawashima Shopping Street (川島商店街)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A shopping street that has long supported local life, stretching from Nakano-shimbashi Station toward the Kanda River. Since it is not a tourist spot, it retains the unpretentious atmosphere of an old downtown neighborhood, and the closeness with shopkeepers is what gives this street its character. There are delicatessens, bakeries, and Japanese confectionery shops lined up, so each family member can pick what they want to eat. Picking up lunch here lets you spread out your bento right away at the next park. It is just a short walk from the subway station, making it a convenient starting point for a train-based outing.

Tips

Closed days and business hours vary by shop, so check in advance if there is a particular shop you want to visit. Bicycles pass through the narrow street, so hold your child's hand while walking. Since you will be carrying what you buy, an ice pack or cooler bag is reassuring in summer. Also bring a bag to take your trash home with you.

Best time to visit

About 55 minutes. Shopping before lunchtime means the shops are less crowded.

Access & map

3-14-6 Yayoicho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0013