English

Kyojima, Tokyo

🏮 Kyojima, Tokyo (京島)

A Nostalgic Neighborhood of Tokyo’s Old Downtown Charm

Kyojima is a quiet, nostalgic neighborhood located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, near famous spots like Tokyo Skytree. Unlike the modern skyscrapers and bustling streets of central Tokyo, Kyojima preserves the look and feel of Tokyo’s post-war era, making it a hidden gem for those interested in local life, retro architecture, and traditional Japanese atmosphere.

🏘️ A Step Back in Time

  • The area is full of narrow alleyways, wooden row houses (nagaya), and showa-era buildings.

  • Many homes and shops here have remained unchanged for decades, offering a rare glimpse into the Tokyo of the 1950s–70s.

  • Local residents still greet each other warmly, creating a welcoming "shitamachi" (downtown) vibe.

🎨 A Hub for Retro Culture & Art

  • Recently, young artists and creatives have begun to move into Kyojima, giving rise to:

    • Small art galleries

    • Cafés in renovated homes

    • Handmade craft stores

  • Some houses have been repurposed into shared ateliers or guesthouses, blending the old and new.

🚶 Things to Do in Kyojima

  • Stroll the alleys and admire hand-painted signs, old vending machines, and retro shopfronts.

  • Visit Kyojima Senbonzakura Street, a local cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.

  • Stop by Kodomo no Hiroba Park, known for its nostalgic playground equipment.

  • Enjoy tea or sweets at a small kissaten (old-fashioned coffee shop) run by locals.

🗼 Close to Tokyo Skytree

  • Though Kyojima feels like a world away, it's just a 15–20 minute walk from Tokyo Skytree.

  • You can enjoy the contrast between the ultramodern tower and the timeless neighborhood nearby.

🚉 Access

  • Hikifune Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or

  • Keisei Hikifune Station (Keisei Oshiage Line)

  • Both stations are just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Kyojima.

🎯 Why Visit Kyojima?

  • 🏮 Experience Tokyo’s past through preserved streets and homes

  • ☕ Discover cozy retro cafés and local businesses

  • 🎨 Explore the growing artistic scene in a traditional setting

  • 🌸 See a unique side of Tokyo, just steps from the Skytree

Kyojima offers a quiet, authentic Tokyo experience—perfect for travelers seeking hidden neighborhoods, local culture, and a break from the city’s fast pace.

Official Website
https://www.pps.org/places/kyojima

Accommodation sites
Agoda

Expedia

Booking.com

 

Follow X! Japan Explorations

 

-English