Are you interested not only in Takeshita Street fashion but also in the gourmet food and sweets that Harajuku has to offer? The Harajuku area is known as a hub for youth culture and fashion. Takeshita Street, in particular, is lined with shops offering the latest fashion trends and unique items, attracting many young people.

The district is home to several popular tourist attractions, including Meiji Shrine, an oasis of nature in the heart of the city; Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, which features the rooftop garden “Omohara Forest”; and Laforet Harajuku, a symbol of Japanese street fashion.

Harajuku is also a place where diverse food cultures come together. It is famous for Instagram-worthy sweets like crepes and cotton candy, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafés serving cuisines from around the world.

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How about experiencing a unique side of Tokyo, away from the crowded tourist spots? There’s a shopping street that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a retro trip through the city’s old downtown.

Joyful Minowa (ジョイフル三の輪) is a historic shopping street located in Minami-Senju, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo. Spanning approximately 400 meters, this covered arcade street extends from Minowabashi Station, the first stop on the Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram), to Arakawa-itchūmae Station. It features around 120 shops and is a well-loved destination for both locals and visitors.

Originally established in the Taisho era, Joyful Minowa retains a charming, retro atmosphere reminiscent of Showa-era Tokyo. The shopping street is particularly popular for strolling, street food, and traditional shopping experiences.

You can reach this shopping street easily by taking the Tokyo Sakura Tram, the last streetcar line in Tokyo, from the nearest station of my cooking school. Riding the streetcar from the station to the final stop offers a bit of a journey experience, making it a fun and scenic way to get there.

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Toyosu Market (Toyosu Fish Market) is a large market located in Koto City, Tokyo, where fresh fish, vegetables, meat, and other food items are sold. It moved from Tsukiji Market in 2018. It became an important place for Tokyo’s food industry, like the “new Tsukiji Market,” where you can buy fresh ingredients or enjoy meals.

Near Toyosu Market, there is a facility called “Senkyakubanrai (千客万来).” This facility is designed to welcome a large number of visitors and provide a variety of experiences for both tourists and locals. The name “Senkyakubanrai” literally means “welcoming thousands of guests,” and the facility focuses on offering activities such as dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

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