Hello from the Osaki Train Depot (大崎運輸区 Ōsaki unyuku)! Thank you for your support in the Let’s vote! 7 virtual tours led by JR East’s train crew campaign. While it is a pity we were not selected to host a virtual tour this year, we would like to show you around the Nippori Area through this article today.
Say hi to your tour guide Koi-chan, whom you would have met earlier via our teaser video!
If you have been to Tokyo before, we’re sure that you would have ridden on the iconic Yamanote Line (山手線). Today’s tour will start from Nippori Station (日暮里駅), which is only 12 mins from Tokyo Station (東京駅) via the Yamanote Line. As Koi-chan is a train driver of this railway line, he has decided to do some sightseeing around Nippori Station since he still has some free time before starting work. Let’s begin!
Eat: Kakigori and minced beef cutlet
It’s super hot today! Eating kakigori (かき氷 Japanese shaved ice) is the one of the best ways to cool down on such a day. One of the most famous kakigori shops in Tokyo is found at the Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street (谷中銀座商店街).
Koi-chan is enjoying his shaved ice. It’s so huge! After the kakigori, Koi-chan realises he is not full yet. There are various shops where you can enjoy delicious food on the same street.
He chooses to snack on a minced beef cutlet (メンチカツ) this time. You can watch our teaser video to see the delicious minced beef cutlet, and then plan what you want to eat when you have a chance to visit Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street.
Himitsudo (ひみつ堂)
Address: 3-11-18,Yanaka,Taito-ku,Tokyo 110-0001
Nearest station: JR Nippori Station (日暮里駅)
Access: 4-minute walk from JR Nippori Station (日暮里駅)
Experience: Candy sculpting workshop
Next, Koi-chan visits a traditional candy store and joins a candy sculpting workshop. He was trying his best to make a candy rabbit, but it seems a little difficult for him. Yoshihara-san, the expert candy maker, shows us the way to make a candy “Pegasus”–the mythical winged horse.
Amezaiku Yoshihara Yanaka Shop あめ細工吉原 ワークショップ谷中店
Address: 3-18-6-1F, Yanaka, Taitou-ku, Tokyo 110-0001
Nearest station: JR Nippori Station (日暮里駅）
Access: 8-minute walk from JR Nippori Station (日暮里駅）
*Reservations required
Shopping: Dagashi
When you visit Nippori, you have to stop by a dagashi (駄菓子 Japanese traditional snacks) store. Dagashi is popular because of its affordable price and its unique and nostalgic taste. It’s hard to choose one from a wide selection, so this is the perfect place to shop and bring some souvenirs home!
Ooya sho-ten (大屋商店)
Address: 2-25-1-2F Nishi-nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo,116-0013
Nearest station: JR Nippori Station (日暮里駅）
Access from station: 4-minute walk from JR Nippori Station (日暮里駅）
Closing
After enjoying a short break during his free time, Koi-chan is finally heading off to work. We hope you have enjoyed this short tour around Nippori. Please visit Nippori Station on your next visit to Japan!
Header image credit: Osaki Train Depot
Writer’s profile: We, the members of Osaki Train Depot, are the drivers and the conductors of the well-known Yamanote Line. We’re all looking forward to welcoming you on board.
