Sugamo, the so-called Harajuku for old ladies, is thankfully not an area awash with geriatric gothic lolitas, but is instead a shopping area geared up for the elderly women (and indeed men) who flock there. Jizo-dori, its main thoroughfare, is lined with shops and stalls selling the kind of clothes, food and assorted bric-a-brac that appeal to its target audience; all of whom hustle and bustle their way between them and the street’s popular Koganji Temple, or Togenuki Jizo as it’s also known.
Despite the age of those who predominate, however, there is no hanging about. Not by any stretch of the imagination. If you are in the way, you’ll be moved out of the way.
Sugamo also isn’t an area simply catering to the elderly — it’s run by them too. Many of whom should have officially retired years ago.
These old-timers and a few young bucks offer food and snacks of a much more traditional nature. The variety of which can clearly be dazzling.
Plus along with numerous medical aids and potions for sale, the temple priests do a busy one-on-one trade in health-based prayers and blessings.
Presumably after which some decidedly non-healthy food can safely be consumed.
Also, like most areas of this nature, there are plenty of characters. Both walking about.
And working.
Many of whom, like those who visit, are intent on making the most of it.
Meow • Japan & Urbex says
I didn’t knew you were using a Leica M8. On which articles are you using it by the way? And which lense do you use in general?
Lee says
I wasn’t, until last week! The previous four posts were taken with the M8. No Lieca glass though, got a 35 Zeiss 35mm f/2 on it at the moment. I have been using a Nikon D300, with more often than not (at least as far as street photography goes) the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 on it. I wanted something less conspicuous though, so a rangefinder made total sense. It’s a great change of pace and mixes things up nicely.
Franz Scheurer says
Bought an M9 and 35+85mm lenses for the same reason; DSLR too big. The Leica is incredibly easy to use, quiet and I love it.
Lee says
Yes. The more I use my M8, the more I like using it.
thesoulofjapan says
Good piece! Been wanting to get up that way.
Lee says
Thanks! It’s well worth a visit. Fascinating place.
Shizuo says
Nice as usual 😀
Lee says
Thank you!
winnie says
Beautiful pictures!! 🙂
I had not been to Sugamo yet. Between Otsuka and Komagome in Yamanote Line?
It seem like very interesting place to go to!
Lee says
Thanks Winnie! Yeah, that’s the place. Well worth a visit. It’s pretty much just one fairly long street, but there’s plenty to see.
Augusto says
Great article! Reminds me of some of our neighborhoods over here in Brazil.
Cheers
Lee says
Thanks!
Sucharewicz says
Nice documentary! And great pictures, the guy with headphones rox 😀