1. Exceptional Convenience in Kitasenju
Kitasenju, located in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, is a highly livable area known for its excellent access to central Tokyo. Its well-developed transportation network is among the best in the city, with the JR Joban Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Chiyoda Line, Tobu Skytree Line, and Tsukuba Express all passing through. This allows for smooth travel to major areas like Ueno, Akihabara, Ginza, and Otemachi.
Furthermore, Kitasenju Station is a “rapid service stop,” yet rental prices remain relatively affordable compared to central Tokyo. This makes it a cost-effective option, especially for students and young professionals.
2. Easy Shopping and Charming Shopping Streets
Kitasenju offers a variety of shopping options, from large shopping malls to traditional shopping streets.
- Lumine Kitasenju – A commercial complex featuring fashion, lifestyle goods, and restaurants.
- Marui Kitasenju – A shopping mall with convenient everyday stores.
- Kitasenju Station West Exit Shopping Street (Shukuba-machi Street) – A nostalgic area lined with unique eateries and long-established shops, perfect for strolling.
- Senju Honcho Shopping Street – Home to greengrocers, butcher shops, bakeries, and other local businesses, making daily shopping easy.
These shopping streets offer fresh ingredients and delicious side dishes while also providing opportunities for interaction with locals. With numerous supermarkets available, daily necessities are never an issue.
3. A Foodie’s Paradise
Kitasenju boasts a diverse selection of dining options across various genres.
- Affordable and Delicious Izakayas – Kitasenju is known as a “senbero” (cheap drinking) haven, with many izakayas where you can enjoy drinks and food for around 1,000 yen.
- Thriving Café Culture – Stylish cafés and renovated traditional houses turned cafés are perfect for a relaxing weekend.
- Ramen Hotspot – With many popular ramen shops, some places even have long queues.
- Bakeries & Sweets – A must-visit for bread lovers, offering great options for breakfast and snacks.
Notable spots include “Tennana” (kushikatsu) and “Tori Nobu” (yakitori), both beloved by locals.
4. Enjoyable Weekend Destinations
Kitasenju is not just a convenient place to live—it also offers plenty of attractions for enjoyable weekends.
- Arakawa Riverside – Ideal for cycling, jogging, and barbecues.
- Historic Walks Around Senju Ohashi – A former post town with historical landmarks and old buildings.
- Adachi Market – A public market where fresh seafood and produce are available.
- Theatre 1010 – Hosts various performances, including plays and concerts, for a rich cultural experience.
Additionally, Kitasenju is home to many festivals and fireworks events, making it a lively community where you can enjoy local culture.
5. Conclusion
Kitasenju is an ideal place to live, offering a balance of “excellent transportation access,” “convenient shopping,” “diverse dining options,” and “enjoyable weekend activities.” While being close to central Tokyo, it retains a charming traditional atmosphere, making it perfect for those who want both a fulfilling work and private life.
If you’re considering moving to Kitasenju, be sure to visit and experience its unique charm firsthand!
The History and Development of Kitasenju
1. Kitasenju as a Post Town in the Edo Period
Kitasenju developed as a post town on the Nikko Kaido and Oshu Kaido routes during the Edo period. Senju-shuku was one of the four major post towns of Edo (along with Shinagawa-shuku, Itabashi-shuku, and Naito Shinjuku), serving as a crucial hub for travelers and merchants.
At that time, Senju-shuku bustled with activity, accommodating feudal lords on sankin-kotai (alternate attendance duty), samurai, and common travelers. Inns and teahouses lined the streets, creating a lively atmosphere. The “Senju Ohashi” bridge, known as the first bridge out of Edo, symbolized the beginning of many journeys.
2. Modernization and Industrial Growth in the Meiji Period
With the advent of the Meiji era, Japan underwent rapid industrialization, and the Kitasenju area saw an increase in factories. Adachi Ward became known for its thriving dyeing and leather industries, with numerous artisan workshops in the vicinity.
The expansion of railways played a significant role in the area’s development. In 1896 (Meiji 29), the Nippon Railway (now part of the JR Joban Line) opened, establishing Kitasenju Station. This dramatically improved transportation and spurred further growth in the region.
3. War and Reconstruction in the Showa Period
By the early Showa era, Kitasenju had further solidified its status as a key downtown area of Tokyo. However, during World War II, the Tokyo air raids caused significant damage. In the post-war reconstruction period, shopping streets regained their vibrancy, and the community gradually stabilized.
In 1954 (Showa 29), the Tobu Isezaki Line (now the Tobu Skytree Line) was inaugurated, further enhancing transportation accessibility. During the post-war economic boom, Kitasenju grew as a commercial district, attracting increasing numbers of people.
4. Recent Redevelopment and Growth
From the 1990s through the 2000s, large-scale redevelopment projects transformed the area around Kitasenju Station.
- 2004 (Heisei 16): Tsukuba Express Line Opened – Greatly improving access to Akihabara and Tsukuba.
- Expansion of Commercial Facilities – The opening of Lumine Kitasenju and Marui Kitasenju brought more vibrancy to the station area.
- University Expansion – Institutions like Tokyo Denki University and Tokyo University of the Arts (Senju Campus) established campuses, fostering a student-friendly atmosphere.
Thanks to these developments, Kitasenju has transformed into a well-rounded residential area, consistently ranking among the most desirable places to live.
Culture of Kitasenju
1. Arts and Music
In recent years, Kitasenju has gained attention as a hub for art and music, especially with the establishment of the Tokyo University of the Arts Senju Campus. Many art events are held in the local shopping streets, with the community actively supporting cultural activities. Additionally, “Theatre 1010” hosts plays and concerts, making performing arts accessible to local residents.
Street performances and live music events are also thriving in Kitasenju, with many artists performing around the station and shopping areas. The district hosts various music and art festivals, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents.
2. Literature and Kitasenju
Kitasenju has been a destination for literary figures since the Edo period. The renowned poet Matsuo Basho crossed the Senju Ohashi Bridge from here to begin his journey in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Kitasenju has also appeared in modern literary works, reflecting its rich cultural background.
Even today, bookstores and cafés hold literary events, such as book clubs and author talks. The town’s historical atmosphere offers numerous literary spots, making it an excellent place for a cultural and historical stroll.
3. Traditional Crafts and Artisan Culture
Traditional crafts and artisan culture remain deeply rooted in Kitasenju and its surrounding areas. The dyeing and leather industries, once thriving in the region, have preserved their techniques and continue to pass them down through generations. Workshops showcasing the beauty of handmade crafts are often held.
Many local workshops produce and sell handcrafted goods, such as traditional Japanese paper (washi), dyed fabrics, and wooden crafts. Some stores in Kitasenju’s shopping streets specialize in these traditional crafts, making them popular among visitors looking for unique souvenirs.
4. Culinary Culture in Kitasenju
Kitasenju is well known for its downtown food culture, offering a blend of tradition and modernity. The area is home to long-established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops, soba restaurants, and monjayaki eateries, allowing visitors to experience Edo-period flavors. Additionally, local izakayas and diners add to the warm and nostalgic atmosphere of the town.
In recent years, the number of stylish cafés and bakeries has increased, bringing a modern touch to the culinary scene. This unique mix of tradition and contemporary food culture is one of Kitasenju’s charms.
5. Cultural Events and Community Activities
Kitasenju hosts various cultural events throughout the year, encouraging community participation and intergenerational exchange:
- Senju Arts Festival – An event featuring performances and exhibitions by local artists and musicians.
- Kitasenju Music Festival – A lively festival with street performances and live concerts.
- Traditional Craft Workshops – Hands-on experiences where visitors can learn from skilled artisans.
These events foster a strong sense of community and contribute to Kitasenju’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
The Future of Kitasenju
1. Changes in Population Dynamics and Increasing Housing Demand
Kitasenju is a highly popular area, particularly among young people and single households, due to its excellent accessibility to central Tokyo and its livability. While Tokyo’s 23 wards are experiencing an overall population decline, Adachi Ward, where Kitasenju is located, is expected to see a moderate population increase due to redevelopment projects and the presence of universities. The recent surge in condominium developments further supports this trend.
However, the effects of an aging population cannot be ignored, and in the future, there will be a growing need for senior housing facilities and enhanced medical services.
2. Changes in Industrial Structure and the Evolution of Commercial Facilities
Although Kitasenju historically had an industrial background, its economy has recently shifted towards commerce and services, leading to an increase in diverse dining and shopping options. The presence of commercial complexes like Lumine and Marui has strengthened the vibrancy of the area around the station.
Additionally, with universities such as Tokyo Denki University and Tokyo University of the Arts establishing campuses in the area, student-friendly businesses, including cafés and co-working spaces, have been growing. Kitasenju has the potential to develop further as a hub for creative industries.
3. Growth in Tourism and Cultural Development
In recent years, Kitasenju’s history and traditional downtown culture have gained attention, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. Efforts such as developing sightseeing routes that highlight landmarks like Senju Ohashi Bridge and the old post town atmosphere, as well as hosting art events, could attract both domestic and international visitors.
Additionally, the revitalization of traditional crafts and shopping streets holds promise, contributing to the growth of tourism industries that leverage the region’s cultural assets.
4. The Future of Kitasenju: A Fusion of Livability and Culture
Considering these factors, Kitasenju is expected to continue evolving as a highly livable city while also advancing in the fields of culture and commerce. The influx of younger generations and the growth of the arts and creative industries will be key drivers, enabling Kitasenju to develop into a community where old and new cultures coexist harmoniously.
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