#254 Sugamo Jizo Dori

Sugamo, Tokyo

Sugamo (巣鴨) is a shopping district along Tokyo's Yamanote Line that famously caters to the elderly. The district's popular, 800 meter long Jizo Dori shopping street is also affectionately known as the "Old Ladies' Harajuku" in lighthearted comparison to the Harajuku district's status as one of Japan's foremost youthful shopping and fashion destinations.

The original reason for Sugamo's popularity is found at Koganji Temple halfway down the shopping street. The small temple is home to the popular Arai Kannon statue which is thought to help heal ailments. People line up in a queue to wash the statue with small hand towels which they then press to their ailing body part in hope of relief.