Hyperlocal Tokyo

Kinshicho: Beloved Long-Established Shops and Local Gems

Kinshicho: Beloved Long-Established Shops and Local Gems

While Kinshicho is widely known as the closest station to Tokyo Skytree, it is also a town that beautifully preserves a warm, traditional Shitamachi atmosphere. Join us as we introduce you to long-established shops and renowned eateries, cherished by locals for many years, where you can savor the unique flavors and ambiance of Kinshicho.

Long-Established Wagashi Confectionery

Nishijima Confectionery
Nishijima Confectionery
4.5(19 reviews)
Status
"They're making old-fashioned 'kinako bo' (mochi sticks coated in soybean flour). Amazingly, they're selling 50 sticks for 300 yen, including a chance to win a prize! They also sell them individually, so you can just drop by and buy some."
japanese_sweets

This wagashi shop has been a beloved fixture in Kinshicho for many years. Each traditional Japanese confectionery, crafted using time-honored methods, boasts a delicate and refined flavor. The seasonal wagashi, which change throughout the year, are also captivating with their exquisite beauty. You'll find a wide selection, from classic wagashi chosen by locals as souvenirs to special seasonal offerings. It's a long-established shop with a warm atmosphere, where you can truly feel Kinshicho's rich history.

Specialty Coffee Shop

Tommy's Coffee Specialty Shop
Tommy's Coffee Specialty Shop
4.3(220 reviews)
Status¥¥
"A Retro Coffee Shop in Kinshicho: "Tommy" This retro shop has a perfect old-school vibe. The wall-mounted menu also had a great Showa era feel. The hotcakes were pretty standard, but the coffee shop had a comforting and gentle atmosphere that calmed my soul."
cafe

A specialty shop in Kinshicho where you can enjoy authentic coffee. Each cup, carefully hand-dripped, offers a profound flavor that brings out the unique characteristics of the beans to their fullest. While maintaining the nostalgic ambiance of an old-fashioned Japanese coffee shop (kissaten), this establishment is driven by the artisan spirit of its owner, dedicated to the highest quality coffee. It's a warm, Kinshicho-esque space bustling with local regulars. A hidden gem where you can slowly savor your coffee.

Long-Established Ningyo-yaki Specialty Shop

Yamada Family Main Store, Makers of Ningyo Yaki
Yamada Family Main Store, Makers of Ningyo Yaki
4.2(196 reviews)
Status¥¥
"I recently visited Yamada-ya, a long-established ningyo-yaki (stuffed pastry) shop in Kinshicho, after watching the movie "Kinshicho Paradise." There are various theories about the "Oki-teke-bori" (Abandoned Ditch), one of the Seven Mysteries of Honjo, but one theory states that the tanuki (raccoon dog) stole the fish caught in the Kinshicho ditch, which is why the ningyo-yaki is shaped like a tanuki. Incidentally, there is another kappa (water imp) statue in Kinshicho-bori Park based on the kappa theory. As for the ningyo-yaki, it's delicious with a sweet, restrained red bean paste filling and a firm dough. There are three sizes of red bean paste filling: tanuki (large), taiko (medium), and mikasa (small). There's also a mochi (rice cake) shaped like a maple leaf with no red bean paste. I'm happy they sell them individually. Thank you for the delicious treat! **Please Note:** Closed on Wednesdays."
japanese_sweets

This is the main branch of a long-established Ningyo-yaki shop in Kinshicho. Since its founding, their Ningyo-yaki, made using traditional methods, perfectly balances a fluffy dough with subtly sweet anko (red bean paste). Freshly baked, warm Ningyo-yaki offers an exceptional deliciousness. It's also a popular souvenir and a taste of Shitamachi that has been loved by locals for many years. A must-visit shop if you come to Kinshicho.

Discover Shitamachi Warmth in Kinshicho

From long-established wagashi shops to specialty coffee houses and Ningyo-yaki parlors, Kinshicho is home to a collection of welcoming establishments cherished by its local community. Why not step away from typical tourist spots and immerse yourself in the daily life of Shitamachi, enjoying encounters with the unique flavors that only Kinshicho can offer?