Cute jizo, rice crackers and red underpants: a walk through Sugamo's Jizodori in Tokyo

If you're already visited Tokyo and are planning another trip, then this feature is for you. Sugamo is on the Yamanote Line of Tokyo and is an old neighborhood with long-established stores and temples.

Jizodori Shotengai is known as the "Harajuku" for grannies, but it is still rich in history, culture and food. Jizo are guardian statues often seen in shrines and temples, while shotengai means a shopping street. So let's check out what's in store at this adorable shopping street.

1. Fuyuusha (布遊舎)

Known for chirimen (silk crepe), you can find a variety of cute goodies at this store.

This is a place ideal for souvenirs. You can find chirimen jizo dolls, daruma room slippers, noren, pouches, etc. Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/FQHWk38j1T8SqQk6A

2. Goma Fukudo (ごま福堂)

As you walk along, the aroma of sesame is sure to lure you into this store. A sesame specialty store, the most popular item here is the black sesame soft serve made with soy milk and topped with crushed white sesame.

You can also buy salad dressings, black sesame pudding, and other sesame snacks. Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/agv3GcdnmiYv8otW7

3. Raijindo (雷神堂)

Senbei are crispy rice crackers, but Raijindo is known for its "nure-sembei" or literally, moist rice crackers. Rather than salty like the crispy crackers, this one is slightly sweet and sour.

Because this street is dedicated to Jizo, you will even find nure-sembei in a cute jizo shape. Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/XcME395FDAVKFjKD7

4. Maruji (マルジ)

The color red is associated with good health and good fortune in the East. Apparently its very common to give the elderly something red like a handkerchief, etc.

So Maruji prides itself on the variety of red underwear they sell. From characters like Hello Kitty, Sugamon (the mascot) and even animals of the Chinese zodiac, there's something red for everyone. Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/5D2y8uhPMFAyBDv16

5. Koganji (高岩寺, temple)

No trip to Sugamo Jizodori would be complete without doing a ritual wash of a statue of Kannon to pray for good health. Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/EbviChyRsxSZQJqC6

The above are some of our favorite spots.

Other than these, you can also get lucky with secondhand shops selling antiques or kimono, especially on days with a 4, when there are food and other stalls out on the street.

Take pictures with the adorable Sugamon, duck mascot.

You can use the free WIFI available too.

End your trip here by visiting Sakura Somei Onsen, just a 8-min walk from the station, and also one of the few places that gives you a "ryokan" feel in Tokyo. Free shuttle buses also available from Sugamo Station. Hope you get a chance to visit this street during your next trip to Tokyo! Here's a Google Map list link for the area: https://goo.gl/maps/CX13fr3Zw6kyn6ip6

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