The biggest charm of Kita-Senju is the cozy, welcoming neighborhood feel. Traditional wooden row houses (nagaya) that survived wartime have been converted into trendy dining spots by young chefs and artists. Strolling these lanes offers a sense of discovery that you won't find in modern high-rise districts.
Start your tour at the West Exit of Kita-Senju Station. Walk down the main street, Kitaroad 1010, and slide into the narrow pedestrian alleys on the left side to escape the noise.
Tucked inside the first narrow alley is Asari Shokudo. Marked by its cute entryway, this dining bar offers delicious Japanese teishoku (set meals) with brown or white rice, handmade side dishes, and main entrees like juicy Hamburg steak or fried chicken.
Just a few steps from Asari Shokudo lies Wakabadou. Located at the very end of a narrow dead-end alley, this cafe features soft antique lights, vintage tables, and a serene ambiance. It's the perfect spot to unwind with a slice of cake or coffee.
Head north into the Shukubamachi Shopping Street to discover Sd Coffee. This shop is filled with bathhouse washbasins, colorful tiles, and retro signs. Their signature shakes served in classic glass milk bottles are a must-try.
To complete your day, walk west to Takarayu in Senjumotomachi. This sento (public bath) features classic temple-style architecture. Soak in the herbal baths, then sit on the engawa (wooden veranda) to watch koi fish swim in the traditional garden pond.
Because these backstreet cafes are small and popular, they can fill up quickly on weekends. Try arriving around 11:30 AM for lunch to beat the crowd. Since Takarayu opens its doors at 15:00, scheduling your walk to end in the late afternoon makes for the perfect relaxing plan.
Q. How long does the entire walk take?
A. The walking time itself is about 20 to 30 minutes, but with lunch, coffee, and a bath, we recommend budgeting 3 to 4 hours.
Q. Can you see the Japanese garden from both gender baths at Takarayu?
A. The main view of the large garden is visible from the changing room on the male side. The female side has a smaller inner garden. They sometimes swap sides, so please check their official schedule.
Q. Is it easy to get lost in the alleyways?
A. The backstreets of Kita-Senju are maze-like, which is part of the fun! Use a GPS app or the information in this guide to explore these hidden gems.
Q. What should I bring to the bathhouse?
A. Takarayu provides body soap and shampoo. You can rent or buy towels, so going empty-handed is perfectly fine.