Known as Tokyo’s “Little Paris,” Kagurazaka is a captivating district with charming cafes, refined restaurants, and nostalgic back alleys. A popular weekend getaway for Tokyoites, it has also attracted international visitors with vibrant events like the Kagurazaka Awa Odori Dance Festival, which is held in late July, and the cat-themed Bakeneko Festival held in October.

Located within walking distance of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, Kagurazaka is a must-visit destination for our hotel guests. Even if you’re not staying with us, we recommend a leisurely stroll through this historic district, followed by a delightful dinner at one of our restaurants. Don’t miss  the Tokyo Sea of Clouds and seasonal highlights of our historic hotel garden, Chinzanso Garden.

About the History of Kagurazaka Tokyo

During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Kagurazaka’s restaurants were popular haunts for literary figures. Notably, novelist Natsume Soseki (1867-1916), renowned for works like “I Am a Cat,” once lived nearby. The Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum houses a park with a monument known as Nekozuka, dedicated to the author’s beloved pets. This historical connection has earned Kagurazaka the endearing title of “Tokyo’s Cat District.”

The district has a rich history as a pilgrimage site for Zenkokuji Temple. During the first half of the 20th century, the neighborhood was a thriving center for geisha training. Today, this trendy neighborhood draws visitors with its charming cafes, unique shops, and traditional establishments. On Sundays and holidays, the district comes alive with various events held on the pedestrian-only street, Kagurazaka-dori.

Kagurazaka Tokyo: Recommended Walking Tour and Route

We recommend starting your walk from Iidabashi Station. Use the West Exit and turn right onto Kagurazaka-dori. As you ascend Kagurazaka Hill, you’ll encounter charming souvenir shops and cafes lining the street. It will be hard to resist entering the shops; from Japanese handicrafts such as ceramics, delicate glassware, and lacquerware, to organic cosmetics and bath salts with Japanese scents such as yuzu citrus, the items on offer are truly stunning. There are also specialty tea shops, where you can find various types of green tea, as well as Japanese teapots and cups.

On your left, you’ll spot the striking vermilion gate of Zenkokuji Temple, which is well worth a visit. If time permits, explore the back alleys around the temple.

Kenban Yokocho is a particularly charming alley, with its traditional atmosphere, small Inari Shrine, and popular eateries. This area has historically been home to training and rehearsal halls for geisha performers. While geisha are less prevalent today, they remain active in Kagurazaka, performing several times a year at venues like Kagurazaka Theater and Tokyo Daijingu Shrine’s Matsuya Salon.

After crossing the Kagurazaka-ue intersection, you’ll approach Kagurazaka Station. Take a stroll through the shotengai (traditional shopping district) to get a glimpse of local life. 

Be sure to stop by Baikatei, a famous wagashi (Japanese confectionery) shop established in 1935. Pick up sweet treats like the Kagurazaka Ishidatami (“Kagurazaka cobblestone”), a square-shaped black sesame and bean paste confection, or the cat-shaped Fuku Neko Monaka, both inspired by the district’s unique charm. 

This is also a great place to try namagashi, or fresh traditional Japanese sweets. Inspired by the seasons, they are meticulously created one at a time. 

Continuing along Kagurazaka-dori, you’ll reach a large intersection at Ushigome Tenjincho. Turn right and walk down Edogawabashi-dori until you reach Edogawabashi Station. This area also features shotengai shopping streets and popular eateries.

Once you cross the cherry tree-lined Kanda River near Edogawabashi Station, it’s just a 400-meter walk to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo. As you approach the hotel, you’ll notice camellia trees with lush, evergreen leaves. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll find them in full bloom. This is a sign that you’re nearing Chinzanso Garden, which stands on the historic grounds of Camellia Hill.

Stay in Kagurazaka: Enjoy the Evening with Dinner and a Stroll at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

If you’re visiting Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo for the first time, we highly recommend dining at one of our restaurants. While Ryotei Kinsui, our top-class kaiseki restaurant, requires advance reservations, Japanese restaurant Miyuki, unagi (Japanese eel) specialty restaurant UNAKIKU, and stone-grill restaurant Mokushundo offer exquisite menus that capture the essence of Japanese cuisine, perfectly complementing Kagurazaka’s historical charm.

At Miyuki, you can savor a variety of Japanese dishes, from sushi to teppanyaki grilled cuisine. The dinner menu offers a range of course meals featuring sashimi, miso or clear soup, tempura , Wagyu beef, and more. You can even indulge in a Matsuzaka Beef Kaiseki Course, which highlights a beautiful grilled Wagyu beef fillet alongside other Japanese delicacies like sushi, sashimi, and soy milk-based soup.

Miyuki boasts a bright, elegant interior with every detail inspired by Japanese culture. The plates and containers feature seasonal Japanese motifs, showcasing renowned regional brands of ceramics and lacquerware.

UNAKIKU, our unagi (eel) restaurant, offers a homely ambiance. Located within Chinzanso Garden, you can reach UNAKIKU either by strolling around Yusuichi Pond and ascending the stairs to the Three-Story Pagoda, or by walking to the Sacred Tree near the Kabukimon Gate and climbing the stairs lined with camellia bushes.

The garden views and greenery visible from inside UNAKIKU are the perfect start to the meal. The rich, highly nutritious grilled unagi dishes served here are an excellent way to conclude a day of exploring Tokyo.

Stone-grill restaurant Mokushundo is located right by the sacred 500-year-old oak tree in the garden. Here, you can enjoy dishes grilled on lava stone from Mount Fuji. In addition to seasonal cuisine, the restaurant also has a vegetarian course. 

The joy of dining at Mokushundo lies in the simplicity of its dishes. The chefs grill the vegetables and meat using classic Japanese seasonings to preserve their original flavors. Guests seeking healthy, organic cuisine will be delighted by the offerings at Mokushundo.

Following your meal, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the illuminated Chinzanso Garden, adorned with one thousand lights. As you stroll through the garden, you’ll encounter historical architecture and monuments such as the Three-Story Pagoda, located here since 1925, as well as statues of Buddhist arhats and Shiratama Inari Shrine. 

The Tokyo Sea of Clouds envelops the garden several times every hour, enhancing the dreamlike ambiance created by the lights. Seasonal garden features like the Forest Aurora in winter and the Tokyo Moon in autumn further elevate Chinzanso Garden’s charm, making it a captivating evening destination after exploring Kagurazaka.

Enjoy a Cultural Walking Tour in Kagurazaka Tokyo and Chinzanso Garden 

The Kagurazaka district retains much of its Meiji-era charm, while Chinzanso Garden blends Tokyo’s history with modern technology to create a truly inspiring experience. We invite you to explore the depth and richness of Kagurazaka and its historic surroundings by making Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo your hotel of choice in Tokyo.

Updated on January 6, 2025