Shibamata

What to know

Shibamata (柴又) is a neighborhood in eastern Tokyo, near the Edogawa River that marks the border with Chiba Prefecture. The area retains its old-school charm and offers a peaceful escape from modern Tokyo. A highlight is Shibamata Taishakuten Temple, just a short walk from the station.

Older Japanese generations know Shibamata as the hometown of Tora-san, the protagonist of the long-running movie series "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (It's Tough Being a Man), filmed from 1969 to 1995. Bronze statues of Tora-san and his sister Sakura greet visitors outside Shibamata Station.

The approach to Shibamata Taishakuten doubles as the main shopping street. This quaint, winding lane is lined with shops and restaurants selling local specialties like dango (skewered rice flour balls) and river fish. Many shops have long histories and retain traditional exteriors, adding to the street's atmosphere.

At the end of the approach stands the entrance gate of Shibamata Taishakuten Temple. Beyond it, a 500-year-old pine tree shaped like a dragon stands before the Taishakudo Hall. The temple is famous for its wooden carvings, created by the same artisans who worked on Nikko's Toshogu Shrine. Unlike Toshogu's brightly painted carvings, Taishakuten's remain unpainted.

Most of Taishakuten's buildings are adorned with wooden carvings, but the masterpiece is in the paid area behind the Taishakudo Hall. Intricate panels cover the outer walls, each depicting scenes from Buddhist scripture and local folklore. The panels are brushed only once a year to remove cobwebs, preserving them for longevity.

The temple's paid area also includes a tasteful garden at the back, viewable from an adjacent building with tatami rooms. A covered walkway surrounds the garden, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery in any weather.