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Hidden Tokyo: Explore Arakawa’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Charm
Located just north of bustling hotspots like Asakusa and Ueno Park, Arakawa City is a quiet neighborhood boasting cultural experiences without the crowds. This relaxed model course includes a local park stroll, a traditional lantern-making experience, tasty, Tokyo-born cuisine, and a rejuvenating soak in a public bath to end the day.
1
Namidabashi Oshimaya
Admire the beauty of the traditional Edo-style paper lanterns adorning Namidabashi Oshimaya’s walls, before designing your very own. Supported by 4th-generation owner Mr.Murata, create your original design to take home, while learning about the esteemed shop’s history—dating back to 1912—and how these beloved lanterns have supported the local community and events.
Hand-paint your very own paper lantern with a calligraphy design of your choosing.
Mr.Murata will help outline the characters while explaining the technique involved.
Gain inspiration for your own design from the paper lanterns lining the wall.
Each paper lantern neatly stores inside a small box, making it an ideal souvenir.
Choose from two different lantern shapes.
2
Arakawa Nature Park
Arakawa Nature Park offers 6.1 hectares of green space, including a swan-filled pond and scenic walking paths dotted with seasonal flowers. On the south side of the park stands the former Mikawashima Sewage Disposal Pumping Station, a historical reminder of how the park was developed on an artificial ground platform above the Mikawashima Water Treatment Plant (a sewage treatment facility).
Stroll around the pond or admire the swans from the Azumaya Pavilion.
In warmer months, this mist tunnel offers a way to keep cool under the sun.
The angled wood decking harmonises well with the surrounding nature.
The park can be reached via Arakawa-Nichome Station on the Tokyo Sakura Tram(Toden Arakawa Line).
With a free booking, you can also tour the former pump station (an Important Cultural Property) south of the park.
3
Dagashiya Monja HINNA
Enjoy monjayaki, a savory pancake with various fillings, thinner than okonomiyaki—at Hinna, one of many ‘monja’ restaurants that Arakawa City is known for. This shared dining experience is a great way to discover this classic Tokyo soul food. Diners can try grilling for themselves, with Hinna’s friendly staff also on hand to guide you—ensuring every bite is perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor.
See how Monjayaki is made directly on the hot plate.
Although usually prepared by guests, staff are willing to help those making monjayaki for the first time.
Try monjayaki—also known as ‘monja’—using small spatulas.
Younger diners will enjoy the nostalgic miniature dagashi-ya(sweet store), which sells a variety of dagashi, small traditional Japanese snacks.
Hinna sits along Otakebashi-dori, near Machiya Station.
4
Umeno-yu Bathhouse
Established in 1951 and renovated in 2016, Umeno-yu strikes a unique balance between historic and modern. The bathhouse is well-known in the community and frequented by locals. It is also tattoo-friendly and includes English explanations in important areas, making it perfect for newcomers to Japanese bathhouse culture.
Umeno-yu is a classic Japanese bathhouse with a modern design.
Elements from the old bathhouse have been preserved in the renovated interior.
Umeno-yu includes both indoor and outdoor bathing options.
Cold drinks after a hot bath are part of the Japanese bathhouse experience!
For those wanting to bring home souvenirs, Umeno-yu offers unique memorabilia.
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Updated: October 15, 2025