Katsushika Shibamata Full Enjoyment Model Plan: A One-Day Course to Make the Most of an Early Start!

Model Plan

Hello, fellow travel lovers!

Today, I got up early and fully enjoyed everything Katsushika Shibamata has to offer!

This is the tourist map I got on-site. The illustrations have a charming Showa-era feel to them.

They say 'The early bird catches the worm,' and it’s absolutely true.

I had a great start to the day and was able to visit so many spots!

Let me introduce them to you right away.

1. A Stroll in Shibamata Park

First, I parked the car at the Shibamata Park parking lot and took a light stroll around the park.

Starting off with a relaxing walk in the fresh morning air. You can park all day for just 500 yen, which you pay at the entrance of the parking lot. Such a bargain!

↓ 9min walk (650m)

2. Daikyo-ji Temple (Shibamata Taishakuten)

And when you think of Katsushika, it has to be Shibamata Taishakuten! So, I made my first stop of the morning at Daikyo-ji Temple (Shibamata Taishakuten) to offer my prayers. As expected, the calm atmosphere during the visit was incredibly soothing.

Katsushika Shibamata Taisyakuten
Its official name is Kyoeizan Daikyo-ji. When you think of Taishakuten, the movie 'It's Tough Being a Man' comes to mind. I hadn’t seen it before, so I watched a few short clips on YouTube, and now I’m hooked. Tora-san is such a troublesome guy, but he's incredibly earnest.

↓ Walk. Right in front

3. Breakfast and Souvenir Shopping on the Taishakuten Approach

After visiting Taishakuten, start with breakfast. They have a variety of souvenirs like dumplings, pickles, folk crafts, dagashi (Japanese sweets), and Buddhist items. Just browsing around is enjoyable in itself.

Food Stroll & Shopping on the Taishakuten Sando – A Nostalgic Showa Era Experience!
Enjoyed both a visit to Shibamata Taishakuten and a stroll through the food stalls along the Taishakuten Approach! Started the morning with dango at Kameya Honpo, experienced the unique shuro tawashi (palm scrubbing brush) at Shibamata Tamaya, and explored a retro candy shop reminiscent of the Showa era. A must-visit walking course for dango and senbei lovers!

↓ After a leisurely 1.5-hour stroll, arrived at Shibamata Station.

4. Shibamata Station

This is Keisei Shibamata Station. I really like the font used for the station signs. It balances well with the tiled roof!

Katsushika Shibamata – Greetings from the Tora-san and Sakura Statues at Shibamata Station!
At Shibamata Station, I touched Tora-san's left foot statue for 'good luck in not failing,' and also prayed for good fortune by touching the sandals of the Sakura statue!

↓ 4-min walk (290 m)

5. Manpuku-ji Temple

Manpuku-ji Temple is one of the Shibamata Seven Lucky Gods temples, dedicated to Fukurokuju, the god of happiness, wealth, and longevity. It’s located slightly away from the bustling Taishakuten Approach, offering a quiet and serene atmosphere.

With few visitors, it’s a peaceful and quiet spot, perfect for calming the mind.

↓ Walk 5min (350m)

6.Tora-san Memorial Museum

Don’t forget to check out the Tora-san Memorial Museum! It’s a spot full of Showa-era nostalgia and a must-visit for movie fans.

Immerse yourself completely in the world of Tora-san.

Tora-san Memorial Museum and Yoji Yamada Museum
Explore Shibamata by visiting the Tora-san Memorial Museum and the Yoji Yamada Museum! Experience the world of the Showa-era classic 'It's Tough Being a Man' through dioramas and film sets, and be amazed by the posters of all 50 films. A must-see spot for movie fans.

↓ Walk. Right there

7. Yamamoto-tei

Next, I headed to Yamamoto-tei. I spent a relaxing time admiring the beautiful Japanese garden. The calm and serene atmosphere made me forget all about the hustle and bustle of the city.

Yamamoto₋Tei
Yamamoto-tei is located right next to the Tora-san Memorial Museum. It was the home of Einosuke Yamamoto, the founder of a camera parts factory in Shibamata, Katsushika, and was expanded and renovated from the late Taisho period to the early Showa period as a two-family residence. The luxurious structure and the grand garden give you a sense of the prosperity of that time. 'Business must have been booming!' As you walk through the grounds, you come across lotus plants...

↓ Walk 5min(400ⅿ)

8. Yagiri no Watashi (Yagiri Ferry)

After that, I took a small journey across the river on the Yagiri Ferry. It’s a historical spot with a relaxing atmosphere that is quite charming. In a short amount of time, you can experience a little escape from the ordinary!

The Yagiri Ferry
Yagiri no Watashi is a ferry crossing between Shibamata in Katsushika, Tokyo, and Yagiri in Matsudo, Chiba. There's just one small sign that makes you think, 'This must be it.' Other than that, there are no timetables, ticket machines, or price information. The pier is a bit shaky, adding a thrilling element to the experience. The entrance gate is rusty, making you wonder if this is really the right place.

↓🚙12min (5.3㎞)

9. Egao no Yu

A hot spring is the best way to relieve the fatigue from a trip!

This time, I relaxed and unwound at Wara-gao no Yu.

My tired legs and back were completely refreshed, and both my body and mind were rejuvenated. It’s a hot spring that truly relaxes you and leaves you with a smile.

On the way to the Chiba side of the Edogawa River, I made a stop at 'Michi-no-Eki Ichikawa,' the closest roadside station to Tokyo.

At Michi-no-Eki Ichikawa, you can find a variety of local produce, prosciutto, gyoza, and many other souvenirs.

Egao no Yu
The final stop on this trip was Egao no Yu, Matsudo Yagiri branch. With a variety of baths, it’s full of smiles! I relaxed and soothed my tired legs and back. Even though it was a weekday evening, it was quite crowded. The carbonated bath was very popular, and as it got busier, I had to pull my stretched-out legs back in (wry smile).

↓ 🚙 3min(600ⅿ)

10. Ganso Karaage Honpo Daruma

And finally, the last stop was Ganso Karaage Honpo Daruma!

I grabbed some freshly fried, crispy karaage and ended up eating most of it right there (haha).

Delicious karaage is the perfect way to wrap up the trip!

Freshly Fried and Crispy at Ganso Karaage Honpo Daruma Ichikawa Kokubundai Store!
A taste test review of the freshly fried karaage from Ganso Karaage Honpo Daruma Ichikawa Kokubundai Store! Although it's a takeout-only shop, the crispy texture makes you want to eat it on the spot. Juicy and delicious, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Enjoy a full day exploring Katsushika Shibamata with this model course!

With this, I fully enjoyed a day in Katsushika Shibamata!

I've shared the details of each spot in separate blog posts, so be sure to check those out as well!

I had a fun-filled day, refreshing both my body and mind! Everyone, be sure to try out this course as well.

 

The journey continues... Wishing you all a wonderful trip! – TabiJun

 

 

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