“Shitamachi” Shopping Streets

One of the area’s many cats takes a breather as the crowds start to return after an afternoon downpour.

The Torishō chicken stand has been serving the community for over 50 years. One of Torishō’s perennial bestsellers, the “chicken gyōza” dumplings are made from several different cuts of chicken.

Ōwa Kazumichi: “This street is part of the fabric of the local community.”

The Tokyo Skytree from Tōbu Hikifune station.（Photo courtesy of the “Visit Sumida” Tourism Office）

Oden: Many find it tastes better than it looks! The Skytree makes another appearance.

Skytree tōfu on sale at the Miyoshi tōfu shop.

A shopper picks up some takeaway sushi at Tanuki Sushi. The shad-like kohada and geso (squid) are just two of the many varieties on offer.

Kira-Kira means “twinkle twinkle” in Japanese. These stickers adorn the “Kira-Kira brand” products in the local shops.

A view down the Hato-no-Machi shopping street.

An eerie quiet now hangs over what was once a red-light district. The distinctive tiled exterior is a clue that these buildings once housed bordellos. On the right, a survivor from an age before smartphones.

The Eden gets its name from “East of Eden,” the classic movie adaptation of the Steinbeck novel. Not much has changed inside since James Dean’s day.

The owner serves another helping of the daily special.  An old phone and abacus sit by the entrance.

Matsuhashi Kazuaki: “We want to preserve our unique atmosphere and history.”

A view of the Suzuki-sō building.

The Kami Kōbō Dōchidō paper shop.

Spot the Skytree!

The Koguma café occupies part of an old building that dates back to 1927.

These old medicines were left behind when the pharmacy that used to occupy the premises closed down.

One of many wooden buildings on the street. “You get a vivid sense that you are experiencing a slice of real life.”