JR East Tour: Let’s explore Nippori with Koi-channel!
Hello from the Osaki Train Depot (大崎運輸区 Ōsaki unyuku)! Thank you for your support in the Let’s vote! 7 virtual tours led by JR East’s train crew campaign. While it is a pity we were not selected to host a virtual tour this year, we would like to show you around the Nippori Area through this article today. Say hi to your tour guide Koi-chan, whom you would have met earlier via our teaser video!
This is Koi-chan and his favourite Yamanote Line train. (Image credit: Osaki Train Depot)
(Image credit: Afiq / JR Times)
If you have been to Tokyo before, we’re sure that you would have ridden on the iconic Yamanote Line (山手線 Yamanote-sen). Today’s tour will start from Nippori Station (日暮里駅 Nippori-eki), which is only 12 mins from Tokyo Station (東京駅 Tōkyō-eki) via the Yamanote Line. As Koi-chan is a train driver of this railway line, he has decided to do some sightseeing around Nippori Station since he still has some free time before starting work. Let’s begin!
Eat: Kakigori and minced beef cutlet
(Image credit: Osaki Train Depot)
It’s super hot today! Eating kakigori (かき氷 Japanese shaved ice) is the one of the best ways to cool down on such a day. One of the most famous kakigori shops in Tokyo is found at the Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street (谷中銀座商店街 Yanaka Ginza shōtengai). Koi-chan is enjoying his shaved ice. It’s so huge!
After the kakigori, Koi-chan realises he is not full yet. There are various shops where you can enjoy delicious food on the same street. He chooses to snack on a minced beef cutlet (メンチカツ) this time. You can watch our teaser video to see the delicious minced beef cutlet, and then plan what you want to eat when you have a chance to visit Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street.
Himitsudo (ひみつ堂)
Address: 3-11-18,Yanaka,Taito-ku,Tokyo 110-0001
Nearest station: Nippori Station (日暮里駅)
Access: 4-minute walk from the station
Opening hours: 10am–6pm (Weekdays, Sundays & Holidays. Closed on Mondays, except in August). Note that the closing time may differ.
Tel: +813-3824-4132
Experience: Candy sculpturing workshop
(Image credit: Osaki Train Depot)
Next, Koi-chan visits a traditional candy store and joins a candy sculpturing workshop. He was trying his best to make a candy rabbit, but it seems a little difficult for him. Yoshihara-san, the expert candymaker, shows us the way to make a candy “Pegasus”–the mythical winged horse.
Amezaiku Yoshihara Yanaka Shop あめ細工吉原 ワークショップ谷中店
Address: 3-18-6-1F, Yanaka, Taitou-ku, Tokyo 110-0001
Nearest station: Nippori Station (日暮里駅）
Access: 8-minute walk from the station
Opening hours: 10am–6pm (Saturdays, Sundays ＆ Holidays) Closed on weekdays.
Admission fee: ¥2,800 (Reservations required)
Tel: +81 3-6677-2688
Shopping: Dagashi
(Image credit: Osaki Train Depot)
When you visit Nippori, you have to stop by a dagashi (駄菓子 Japanese traditional snacks) store. Dagashi is popular because of its affordable price and its unique and nostalgic taste. It’s hard to choose one from a wide selection, so this is the perfect place to shop and bring some souvenirs home!
Ooya sho-ten (大屋商店)
Address: 2-25-1-2F Nishi-nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo,116-0013
Nearest station: Nippori Station (日暮里駅）
Access from station: 4-minute walk from the station
Opening hours: 9:30am–4pm (Weekdays, Sundays & Holidays). Closed on Mondays and the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Tel: +81 3-3801-2530
Getting ready for work. (Image credit: Osaki Train Depot)
After enjoying a short break during his free time, Koi-chan is finally heading off to work. We hope you have enjoyed this short tour around Nippori. Please visit Nippori Station on your next visit to Japan!
Header image credit: Osaki Train Depot
Writer's profile: We, the members of Osaki Train Depot, are the drivers and the conductors of the well-known Yamanote Line. We’re all looking forward to welcoming you on board.
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