Tokyo: Dive into the Traditional Nezu

A few steps from the well-known Ueno Park , where people flock to admire the cherry blossoms once spring arrives, or take a stroll in a pedalo in the shape of a multicolored swan, the Nezu district is wants a little bubble out of time .

PART OF THE YANESEN TRIPTYCH

This small perimeter is part of the “Yanesen” triptych, for Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi. Three districts of the capital over which time seems to have no hold. In the megalopolis, few areas have withstood earthquakes , bombings or bulldozers at the hands of real estate magnates in the 1980s.

Here, the small winding streets are lined with wooden houses and one has the impression of stepping back in time, so contrasting is the atmosphere compared to the livelier districts of the capital. However, this does not mean that we are entering a completely frozen postcard setting.

To read: Yanaka, the old Tokyo

TRADITIONAL AND TRENDY SHOPS

The district is certainly full of small historic businesses such as rice sellers, tatami mat makers or even tofu makers, which give the district its old-fashioned charm. But, next to these traditional shops are beginning to open small trendy cafes and shops of contemporary craftsmen . A mixture of genres that allows this district to mix so many elderly people, living there for decades, families but also young people in their thirties who have come to energize the north of the capital.

So don't hesitate to go down these little streets, like Hebimichi Street , which can be translated as “snake street”. It is a street of about a hundred meters, very narrow and winding, and which takes the route of the Aizen canal, covered since 1921. All along this street there are small cafes, old bookstores and traditional shops , before come out on Yomise street.

A GREEN DISTRICT

What is also striking about this district is the great care that the inhabitants bring to their facades . Unable to have a garden in this capital where the least square meter counts, large flower boxes are placed in front of the houses. Shrubs, multicolored flowers, bamboo... Nezu offers visitors a little touch of nature, giving the walk an even more timeless dimension.

To finish the visit of the district, do not hesitate to go to the Nezu shrine . Legend has it that it was built nearly 2,000 years ago as a tribute to the god Susanoo . It would have been subsequently moved in 1705 to Nezu. Many of these structures have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan , and its long tunnel of orange torii gates is also worth the trip.

If you are lucky enough to visit it in April , the sanctuary hosts the Tsutsuji matsuri , a traditional festival that allows you to admire more than 3,000 azaleas that adorn it with multiple colors over several thousand square meters.

To go further: Free tours in Japan