{"id":77879,"date":"2021-05-20T22:32:35","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T13:32:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=77879"},"modified":"2021-05-26T10:44:56","modified_gmt":"2021-05-26T01:44:56","slug":"taishakuten-sando-tokyo-street-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/taishakuten-sando-tokyo-street-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Taishakuten-Sando: A Retro Take on Tokyo Street Food"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Japan is home to some of the world\u2019s greatest street food <\/strong>\u2014 it\u2019s hardly a secret to anyone interested in the country that Japan\u2019s food culture runs robustly and deeply throughout the entire island nation. From okonomiyaki<\/em> in Osaka to yudofu<\/em> (simmered tofu) in Kyoto, to the pan-Asian melting pot of Ueno\u2019s <\/em>Ameya-Yokocho, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a place in Japan that isn\u2019t serving up some incredible eats. But while takoyaki, kushiage,<\/em> and yakitori <\/em>are all delicious, if you\u2019re looking for some lighter, simpler Japanese street food, look no further than Shibamata, Tokyo.<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The sign-gate at the entrance of Taishakuten-Sando.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Located just 30 minutes from Asakusa by train, Shibamata (\u67f4\u53c8)<\/strong> is a pocket of Tokyo untouched by time, boasting a retro atmosphere brimming with Showa-era nostalgia. Upon arrival, you\u2019ll be greeted by the area\u2019s most famous destination, Taishakuten-Sando (\u5e1d\u91cb\u5929\u53c2\u9053):<\/strong> a temple-bound street lined with artisan stalls, souvenir shops, and food vendors. For many older Japanese folks, this Shibamata road holds a special place in their hearts as the home of Tora-san, the protagonist of the 1960\u2019s comedic film series, \u201cOtoko wa Tsurai yo\u201d<\/em> (It\u2019s Tough Being a Man). After snapping a picture with the beloved character, you\u2019ll begin to notice the scents of various baked, boiled, and grilled goodies wafting your way. If you\u2019re anything like I am, your stomach will already be rumbling, and you\u2019ll be on the hunt for your first treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Haikara Yokocho: A Nostalgic, Japanese Candyland <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before entering Taishakuten-Sando, <\/em>to your left will be <\/em>Haikara Yokocho (\u30cf\u30a4\u30ab\u30e9\u6a2a\u4e01) \u2014 an old-school candy store where you can find all of the sugary goodies that many Japanese people grew up with. This store is packed with different kinds of treats, from chocolate to gummies to hard candies! Not only is the candy a feast for your inner child, but the store\u2019s massive variety and colorful retro packaging make a feast for the eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n