Shibamata (ŽÄ–”) is a neighborhood in eastern Tokyo, not far from the Edogawa River which is the natural border between Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. The town retains its old-school charm from yesteryear and is a perfect break away from modern Tokyo. One of the main attractions to see is the Shibamata Taishakuten Temple not far from the station.

The town is widely recognized by older Japanese as the hometown of Tora-san, the protagonist of a highly popular movie series, Otoko wa Tsurai yo ("It is tough being a man"), which was filmed from 1969 to 1995. There are several nods to the series like the bronze statues of Tora-san and his sister, Sakura, who greet visitors outside Shibamata Station.

The temple approach to Shibamata Taishakuten doubles as the town's main shopping street. The quaint, meandering street is lined by many shops and restaurants that sell local specialties such as dango (skewered rice flour balls) and river fish. Some of the shops boast long histories and still maintain their traditional exterior designs, adding to the ambience of the street.

At the end of the approach stands the entrance gate of Shibamata Taishakuten Temple. Beyond the gate, there is a 500 year old, large pine tree which resembles a dragon in front of the temple's Taishakudo Hall. Shibamata Taishakuten is famous for its wooden carvings which were made by the same artists who also contributed to the construction of Nikko's Toshogu. Unlike the brightly painted carvings at Toshogu, Taishakuten's carvings remain unpainted.

Most of Taishakuten's buildings are covered in wooden carvings, but the piece de resistance can be viewed in the paid area at the back of the Taishakudo Hall. Panels of intricate carvings cover the outer walls of the hall, each depicting a scene from Buddhist scripture and local folklore. The panels are only brushed once a year to remove cobwebs and otherwise remain untouched to preserve their longevity.

Also included in the temple's paid area is a tasteful garden in the back of the complex that can be viewed from an adjacent building with tatami rooms. A covered walkway surrounds the garden and allows visitors to enjoy the scenery regardless of weather.

A stone's throw from Taishakuten is the Yamamoto-tei, a former merchant's residence which is now open for general viewing. The building contains an interesting mix of both Japanese and Western styles of architecture and design, and many of the rooms look out to the Japanese-style garden at the back. Tea and sweets are available for an additional fee.

Not far from Yamamoto-tei are two museums in separate buildings located beside one another. The Tora-san Museum is dedicated to the movie series "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" and showcases props and stage sets from the different movies. Visitors can get an idea of what Japan was like in the sixties. The Yamada Yoji Museum next door is dedicated to Yamada Yoji, the director of almost all of the Tora-san movies. It consists of a single exhibition room.

A raised walkway from the museums leads to the banks of the Edogawa River. There is a wide path for both cyclists and pedestrians to stroll along the river banks, as well as large grass fields. The Yagiri no Watashi river crossing, Tokyo's only surviving traditional boat crossing, is not far from the museums. Many passengers these days opt for a return trip as there is not much to see and do on the other side of the river.

Getting there and around

Shibamata Station serves as the main entrance to the town, and all of the sights are within walking distance from the station. Take the Keisei Main Line from Keisei-Ueno or Nippori Station to Keisei-Takasago Station (15 minutes) and transfer to the Keisei Kanamachi Line for Shibamata (2 minutes). The entire one way trip takes about 25 minutes and cost 280 yen.

Orientation in Tokyo

Hours and Fees

Shibamata Taishakuten Temple

Hours

Closed

Admission

Typical Visit Duration

Shopping Street

Hours

Closed

Yamamoto-tei

Hours

Closed

Admission

Typical Visit Duration

Tora-san Museum & Yamada Yoji Museum

Hours

Closed

Admission

Typical Visit Duration

Yagiri no Watashi River Crossing

Hours

Closed

Admission

Hotels around Tokyo

Top rated in Tokyo
Budget:
    • Mokkoan
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.
      View on Booking.com
      9.9Booking.com
    • cyashitsu ryokan asakusa
      Mid-range
      Situated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan offers a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Hozomon Gate. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 24 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      9.7Booking.com
    • 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe
      Budget-friendly
      Conveniently set in the Edogawa district of Tokyo, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park, 1.5 km from Gyosen Park and 1.6 km from Ukita Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe can enjoy an American breakfast. Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Former House of Udagawa Family is 2.6 km away. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 22 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      9.7Booking.com
    • Kaminarimon Ryokan
      Luxury
      Ideally set in the centre of Tokyo, Kaminarimon Ryokan offers Asian breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Popular points of interest nearby include Hozomon Gate, Nitenmon Gate and Asakusa ROX Shopping Center. The property is non-smoking and is set 300 metres from Asakusa Public Hall. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms include a kettle, while selected rooms also feature a terrace and others also feature city views. At Kaminarimon Ryokan the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Drum Museum, Komagatado and Asakusa Station. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 22 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      9.6Booking.com
    • The Okura Tokyo
      Luxury
      Composed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • ulu Tokyo
      Luxury
      Attractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is set 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence and 500 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai. The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Ulu Tokyo features some rooms with city views, and all rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Masago Monument, Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and Takao Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the hotel.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • SOLA HOTEL
      Mid-range
      Featuring 3-star accommodation, SOLA HOTEL is located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Kamejimashogakko Memorial Park and 800 metres from Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Among the facilities at this property are a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The aparthotel features family rooms. The aparthotel will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a wardrobe, a kettle, a microwave, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. There is also a well-fitted kitchen in some of the units equipped with an oven and toaster. At the aparthotel, every unit has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Umeyashiki Monument, Tokyo Skytree and Tobacco & Salt Museum. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 21 km away.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA
      Budget-friendly
      Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Yushima Seido, 400 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Yushima Goryo Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
      Luxury
      Boasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Kuramae Mizu no Yakata, Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse features views of the city. Featuring a garden, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and luggage storage for guests. All units include bed linen. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Kuramae Jinja Shrine, Jinnai Shrine and Choju-in Temple. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 21 km away.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com

Experiences around Tokyo

Top rated in Tokyo