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Street Food Adventure at Togoshi Ginza, Tokyo's Longest Shopping Road
- TOGOSHI
- SHINAGAWA
- TOKYO
- DINING
- SHOPPING
- SIGHTSEEING
- SPECIAL
- NEIGHBORHOOD_CULTURE
- REAL_LOCAL_LIFE
- SHOPPING_ARCADE
- SOUVENIRS
- STREET_FOOD
- CROQUETTE
It might not be the most famous spot in Tokyo but it's surely worth a visit for its uniqueness. Togoshi Ginza is a homely shotengai (shopping street) located in Shinagawa Ward. With its 1.3 km length it's the longest shopping street of the capital and one of the longest in the Kanto area. Be charmed by the energetic shopkeepers and the laid-back atmosphere, and enjoy some of the best street food that Tokyo has to offer!
After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the district of Ginza was having problems with the disposal of bricks from devastated zones. These bricks ended up being given to the area of Togoshi who used them to pave the poorly draining streets that often caused floods. After this, the area took the name of Togoshi Ginza.
The story of Togoshi Ginza's name is explained in this plaque. You can see the actual bricks that came from Ginza.
Togoshi Ginza Station on the Tokyu Ikegami line was opened in 1927. In 2015 it underwent some remodeling works and now it sports beautiful wooden structures made to resemble old station buildings.
A memorial board on the platform
The street is closed to cars from Monday to Saturday between 3:00pm and 6:00pm, and from 2:00pm to 7:00pm on Sundays and holidays.
You will meet a lot of different people here. Office workers scurrying around in their suits. Tiny old ladies getting an early morning massage or chatting with the shop owners. A lot of people walking their dogs, often in a stroller. A multitude of young mothers are constantly zigzagging through the crowd in their mamachari (literally 'mom bicycles', they are equipped with luggage racks and several child seats).
There are several markets where people can buy fresh groceries and other daily necessities. Mom-and-pop shops are ruling the street apart from a few chain stores. There is a pleasant mix of old, nostalgic shops and new and stylish joints.
Togoshi Ginza has a mascot character called Togoshi Ginjiro or Gin-chan for short. You will see many versions of him all over the street. If you're lucky enough, you might even meet him in person.
Several shops showcase a statue of Gin-chan at the entrance. Each of them is themed after what the shop sells and they are really cute.
There are also three life-size statues called “Gin-chan’s of good fortune” scattered along the street. Make sure you rub the ball when you pass by. Lucky Gin-chan will help you with your fate, healthy Gin-chan will take care of your body and lovely Gin-chan will add some romance to your life. See if you can find them all and make your day lucky!
You can also purchase Gin-chan merchandise!
Gin-chan senbei, 5 flavors pack 390 yen
Tucked away in one of the side streets, Togoshi Hachiman Shrine rises among the shade and peace of high trees. When you enter the gates you will be welcomed by a soft music and the tinkling of wind chimes.
It was the first time I saw sofas in a shrine. These are for visitors to rest and enjoy the peace after praying. From here you can see the Kagura Hall, where music and dance are performed for the gods.
Address: 2-6-23 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Website (Japanese-only): http://togoshihachiman.jp/
Past Hachiman Shrine and Bunko no Mori Park is Togoshi Park, highlighted by the Edo period style wooden gate. Enjoy some relax and shade in a beautiful Japanese style garden. The pond is quite populated with animals and there are also a stream and a small waterfall.
Address: 2-1-30 Yutakacho, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
For only 460 yen you can enjoy authentic hot spring water with beneficial properties for your skin. There is an indoor bath with a beautiful mural of mount Fuji and an outdoor bath with a Tokyo sky view. The place even has a Jacuzzi and a sauna!
Address: 2-1-6 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 3:00pm - 1:00am
Also open in the morning on Sundays and holidays 8:00am - 12:00pm
Closed on Friday
Website (Japanese-only): http://togoshiginzaonsen.com/
■Don't Miss Croquettes, Togoshi Ginza's Signature Food
Thanks to the Togoshi Ginza Croquette Promotion Project, many of the shops have started making their own original croquette (korokke in Japanese). Be sure you visit on an empty stomach because there is a lot to try and it's fun to compare!
■Potato croquette by Nakamura Tadashi Shoten
Potato croquette 100 yen
We started with a classic at this butcher shop. The potato croquette is everything you wish from the popular street food. A crunchy skin filled with hot, creamy mashed potatoes.
Address: 1-5-2 Yutakacho, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Closed on Sundays
■Oden Croquette by Goto Kamabokoten
Oden croquette 70 yen
After a classic, we were eager to try something unique. This kamaboko and oden shop had what we were looking for. They serve something called oden croquette, which is basically a piece of oden wrapped in potatoes and fried. I was surprised by the deliciousness of this unlikely combination!
*Kamaboko is food made with fish paste. Oden is a kind of hot pot dish.
Cheese hanpen 90 yen
This shop sells a lot of other unique treats. My friend couldn't resist the curiosity and she also ordered cheese hanpen, a fluffy fish cake filled with melted cheese. It came with a delicious sauce.
Address: 2-6-8 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Website (Japanese-only): http://510oden.com/
■Sample Some Togoshi Ginza Unique Bread
Togoshi Ginza's Curry bread 200 yen
Even Gin-chan is recommending this tiny shop's curry bread, so we couldn't pass! It had a very soft, chewy dough and it was filled with mild and sweet curry. If you visit, also inquire about their signature walnut muffins and Gin-chan muffins.
Address: 2-7-5 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00am - 8:30pm
Closed on Wednesdays
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.harimaya1054.com/
■Too Cute to Eat! Henteco's Animal Cookies
I challenge you to bite into these impossibly cute cookies without feeling bad about it. Not only are they cute, but the products from this store are baked every day using organic and healthy ingredients.
Pumpkin flavored Hamster cookies set 370 yen
Address: 1-4-12 Yutakacho, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm
Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and irregularly
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.hen-teco.jp/
■Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Floresta
Talking about cute, if you're more of a donut person you have to stop by Floresta! In this Togoshi Ginza joint you'll be able to sample some of the cutest donuts ever produced. They just scream to be immortalized on Instagram. They also have seasonal products, so always look out for the current specialty.
Usagi-san rabbit donut 200 yen
Address: 2-18-8 Hiratsuka, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.nature-doughnuts.jp/index.htm
■Get Your Daily Calcium at a Retro Milkman
Milk bottle (180ml) 127 yen
Get healthy with some fresh milk from Togoshi Ginza's Milkman! These nostalgic glass bottles are actually really popular nowadays. One bottle contains your daily dose of calcium and iron and it tastes really, really good. They also have yogurt, coffee and other drinks.
On the storefront you'll also find some Togoshi Ginza original products like sake and meat sauce.
Shinagawa beer 513 yen
I also saw this local beer made in Shinagawa Ward and took it home to enjoy on a rainy day. It has a nice amber color and a delicate taste.
Address: 1-4-11 Yutakacho, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Closed on Sundays
Website (Japanese-only): http://milk.togoshiginza.net/
■Feast on Extra Crunchy Chicken
Boneless fried chicken, 100g 260 yen
Karaage fried chicken is another staple of Japanese street food. Nakatsu is famous for their boneless fried chicken with juicy, tender meat that just melts in your mouth. The staff prepares it right in front of you after you order.
Address: 2-18-5 Hiratsuka-ku, Shinagawa, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Irregular holidays
■Revel in Meat Juice Goodness
Fried shoronpo (Xiaolongbao), 2 pieces 250 yen, 4 pieces 400 yen, 6 pieces 600 yen
Another staple of Togoshi Ginza, this shop serves Xiaolongbao, a Chinese specialty that the Japanese call shoronpo. Minced meat is wrapped in a thin dough and made into a dumpling. While it cooks, all the juices released by the meat stay inside the dumpling and it literally explodes in your mouth when you eat it. Not the best food to eat on the go, but luckily they have tables where you can enjoy them and maybe wash them down with a refreshing pint.
Address: 2-6-4 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.ryuki-a-and-r.jp
Access: 0 min. walk from Togoshi Ginza station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line, 2 min. walk form Togoshi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
Website: http://www.togoshiginza.jp/en/
*This article is based on a coverage made on October 12, 2017.
*All prices are tax-inclusive
About the author
Laura is an Italian living and working in Tokyo. She loves exploring hidden and unknown places, taking pictures and listening to Punk Rock music. When she’s not busy doing the above, she might enjoy a craft beer or play the sanshin (an Okinawan instrument similar to a shamisen).
Ginza's Rightful Namesake
Hundreds of shopping streets around Japan incorporated the name "Ginza" hoping to bask in the reflected glory of the fancy Tokyo district. But Togoshi Ginza might have been the first to do so and it actually has a reason for it.After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the district of Ginza was having problems with the disposal of bricks from devastated zones. These bricks ended up being given to the area of Togoshi who used them to pave the poorly draining streets that often caused floods. After this, the area took the name of Togoshi Ginza.
The story of Togoshi Ginza's name is explained in this plaque. You can see the actual bricks that came from Ginza.
Togoshi Ginza Station on the Tokyu Ikegami line was opened in 1927. In 2015 it underwent some remodeling works and now it sports beautiful wooden structures made to resemble old station buildings.
A memorial board on the platform
Dive Into the Everyday Life of Tokyoites
The first thing I noticed about Togoshi Ginza was the lack of utility poles, which are omnipresent in Japan. Here, all the cables were installed underground for a safer and more spacious place. Thanks to this the street looks very pretty and there is more room to walk.The street is closed to cars from Monday to Saturday between 3:00pm and 6:00pm, and from 2:00pm to 7:00pm on Sundays and holidays.
You will meet a lot of different people here. Office workers scurrying around in their suits. Tiny old ladies getting an early morning massage or chatting with the shop owners. A lot of people walking their dogs, often in a stroller. A multitude of young mothers are constantly zigzagging through the crowd in their mamachari (literally 'mom bicycles', they are equipped with luggage racks and several child seats).
There are several markets where people can buy fresh groceries and other daily necessities. Mom-and-pop shops are ruling the street apart from a few chain stores. There is a pleasant mix of old, nostalgic shops and new and stylish joints.
Let Togoshi Ginza's Official Mascot Show You Around
Togoshi Ginza has a mascot character called Togoshi Ginjiro or Gin-chan for short. You will see many versions of him all over the street. If you're lucky enough, you might even meet him in person.
Several shops showcase a statue of Gin-chan at the entrance. Each of them is themed after what the shop sells and they are really cute.
There are also three life-size statues called “Gin-chan’s of good fortune” scattered along the street. Make sure you rub the ball when you pass by. Lucky Gin-chan will help you with your fate, healthy Gin-chan will take care of your body and lovely Gin-chan will add some romance to your life. See if you can find them all and make your day lucky!
You can also purchase Gin-chan merchandise!
Gin-chan senbei, 5 flavors pack 390 yen
Recharge Your Energy at a Peaceful, Dreamy Shrine
Tucked away in one of the side streets, Togoshi Hachiman Shrine rises among the shade and peace of high trees. When you enter the gates you will be welcomed by a soft music and the tinkling of wind chimes.
It was the first time I saw sofas in a shrine. These are for visitors to rest and enjoy the peace after praying. From here you can see the Kagura Hall, where music and dance are performed for the gods.
Information
Togoshi Hachiman Shrine | 戸越八幡神社Address: 2-6-23 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Website (Japanese-only): http://togoshihachiman.jp/
Relax Among Ducks, Turtles and Giant Carps
Information
Togoshi Park | 戸越公園Address: 2-1-30 Yutakacho, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Soak Away Fatigue With a Reinvigorating Hot Spring Bath
For only 460 yen you can enjoy authentic hot spring water with beneficial properties for your skin. There is an indoor bath with a beautiful mural of mount Fuji and an outdoor bath with a Tokyo sky view. The place even has a Jacuzzi and a sauna!
Information
Togoshi Ginza Onsen | 戸越銀座温泉Address: 2-1-6 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 3:00pm - 1:00am
Also open in the morning on Sundays and holidays 8:00am - 12:00pm
Closed on Friday
Website (Japanese-only): http://togoshiginzaonsen.com/
Go on a 1.3km Long Street Food Adventure!
I'll admit it, this is my favorite part. You can't say you've visited a shotengai without sampling some street food. Here are a few of the best treats that you'll find along Togoshi Ginza.■Don't Miss Croquettes, Togoshi Ginza's Signature Food
Thanks to the Togoshi Ginza Croquette Promotion Project, many of the shops have started making their own original croquette (korokke in Japanese). Be sure you visit on an empty stomach because there is a lot to try and it's fun to compare!
■Potato croquette by Nakamura Tadashi Shoten
Potato croquette 100 yen
Information
Nakamura Tadashi Shoten | 中村忠商店Address: 1-5-2 Yutakacho, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Closed on Sundays
■Oden Croquette by Goto Kamabokoten
Oden croquette 70 yen
After a classic, we were eager to try something unique. This kamaboko and oden shop had what we were looking for. They serve something called oden croquette, which is basically a piece of oden wrapped in potatoes and fried. I was surprised by the deliciousness of this unlikely combination!
*Kamaboko is food made with fish paste. Oden is a kind of hot pot dish.
Cheese hanpen 90 yen
This shop sells a lot of other unique treats. My friend couldn't resist the curiosity and she also ordered cheese hanpen, a fluffy fish cake filled with melted cheese. It came with a delicious sauce.
Information
Goto Kamabokoten | 後藤蒲鉾店Address: 2-6-8 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Website (Japanese-only): http://510oden.com/
■Sample Some Togoshi Ginza Unique Bread
Togoshi Ginza's Curry bread 200 yen
Even Gin-chan is recommending this tiny shop's curry bread, so we couldn't pass! It had a very soft, chewy dough and it was filled with mild and sweet curry. If you visit, also inquire about their signature walnut muffins and Gin-chan muffins.
Information
Pan no Harimaya | パンのハリマヤAddress: 2-7-5 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00am - 8:30pm
Closed on Wednesdays
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.harimaya1054.com/
■Too Cute to Eat! Henteco's Animal Cookies
I challenge you to bite into these impossibly cute cookies without feeling bad about it. Not only are they cute, but the products from this store are baked every day using organic and healthy ingredients.
Pumpkin flavored Hamster cookies set 370 yen
Information
Henteco｜へんてこ～森の洋菓子店Address: 1-4-12 Yutakacho, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm
Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and irregularly
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.hen-teco.jp/
■Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Floresta
Talking about cute, if you're more of a donut person you have to stop by Floresta! In this Togoshi Ginza joint you'll be able to sample some of the cutest donuts ever produced. They just scream to be immortalized on Instagram. They also have seasonal products, so always look out for the current specialty.
Usagi-san rabbit donut 200 yen
Information
Floresta Togoshi Ginza | フロレスタ戸越銀座店Address: 2-18-8 Hiratsuka, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.nature-doughnuts.jp/index.htm
■Get Your Daily Calcium at a Retro Milkman
Milk bottle (180ml) 127 yen
Get healthy with some fresh milk from Togoshi Ginza's Milkman! These nostalgic glass bottles are actually really popular nowadays. One bottle contains your daily dose of calcium and iron and it tastes really, really good. They also have yogurt, coffee and other drinks.
On the storefront you'll also find some Togoshi Ginza original products like sake and meat sauce.
Shinagawa beer 513 yen
I also saw this local beer made in Shinagawa Ward and took it home to enjoy on a rainy day. It has a nice amber color and a delicate taste.
Information
Togoshi Ginza's Milkman | とごしぎんざの牛乳屋Address: 1-4-11 Yutakacho, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Closed on Sundays
Website (Japanese-only): http://milk.togoshiginza.net/
■Feast on Extra Crunchy Chicken
Boneless fried chicken, 100g 260 yen
Karaage fried chicken is another staple of Japanese street food. Nakatsu is famous for their boneless fried chicken with juicy, tender meat that just melts in your mouth. The staff prepares it right in front of you after you order.
Information
Nakatsu Karaage Kei | 中津からあげ渓Address: 2-18-5 Hiratsuka-ku, Shinagawa, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Irregular holidays
■Revel in Meat Juice Goodness
Fried shoronpo (Xiaolongbao), 2 pieces 250 yen, 4 pieces 400 yen, 6 pieces 600 yen
Another staple of Togoshi Ginza, this shop serves Xiaolongbao, a Chinese specialty that the Japanese call shoronpo. Minced meat is wrapped in a thin dough and made into a dumpling. While it cooks, all the juices released by the meat stay inside the dumpling and it literally explodes in your mouth when you eat it. Not the best food to eat on the go, but luckily they have tables where you can enjoy them and maybe wash them down with a refreshing pint.
Information
Ryuuki | 龍輝Address: 2-6-4 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.ryuki-a-and-r.jp
Don't Miss This Lesser Known Treasure in Tokyo
Togoshi Ginza really has a unique feel. They managed to revitalize the area without ruining its atmosphere and identity. I recommend it for a day of fun, relax, and delicious food sampling!Information
Togoshi Ginza | 戸越銀座Access: 0 min. walk from Togoshi Ginza station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line, 2 min. walk form Togoshi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
Website: http://www.togoshiginza.jp/en/
*This article is based on a coverage made on October 12, 2017.
*All prices are tax-inclusive
About the author
Laura is an Italian living and working in Tokyo. She loves exploring hidden and unknown places, taking pictures and listening to Punk Rock music. When she’s not busy doing the above, she might enjoy a craft beer or play the sanshin (an Okinawan instrument similar to a shamisen).
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 10 28,2017 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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