Things to do and eat in Ningyocho
This area of Tokyo is known as old downtown. I love this town because it is way less crowded than other cities. This place is enough to spend 3 hours and end the day here.
Ningyocho is often skipped by many tourists. I did not see a single foreign tourist that day.
Table of contents:
History of Ningyocho
Things to do: Suitengu Shrine, Clock Tower, Bridge light-up
Things to eat: Amazakeyokocho, Ningyoyaki doll cakes, Taiyaki, Tempura, Best Izakaya ever
Where did I stay?: S-peria Nihonbashi Hakozaki
You can download all these places into you Google Maps here:
History of Ningyocho
Ningyocho is the heart of the culture of performing arts during the Edo period.
From kabuki theater, storytelling, magicians, juggling to puppeteering, doll makers lived in this area which is where the name ‘Ningyocho’, or ‘Puppet town’, came from. By the mid-19th century, the doll makers moved to Asakusa per government’s request.
You can still feel an atmosphere reminiscent of the old days in Ningyocho because the area didn’t completely burn down in either the earthquake of 1923 or during the bombings of WW2, unlike most of Tokyo.
Things to do:
Suitengu Shrine 水天宮
This is part of the seven lucky gods' shrines. Couples wishing for a healthy baby come to this shrine to pray for a successful delivery, so you will see a lot of expecting couples and not-yet-pregnant couples hoping to conceive.
Many types of goshuin are available. Blessing services for your children's wellbeing is offered. Many locals will celebrate “7-5-3 Coming of Age” ceremony when their child turn ages 3, 5, and 7.
There is a statue of a female dog on the shrine grounds; a dog with many babies is seen as a symbol of fertility. By rubbing your Chinese zodiac animal sign, then the dog’s head, a bit of her fertility should rub off on you as well (above).
I don’t plan on being pregnant this year, but it’s always good to prepare my body for when the moment comes. In addition, I prayed for the birth of many good things to come this year in a metaphorical sense.
Google Map: Suitengu Shrine | 水天宮
2. Ningyocho Mechanical Clock Tower - Rakugo Performer
The clock moves every hour between 11 am and 7 pm
The Mechanical Clock Tower ‘perform’ a short puppet show telling the stories of firemen and rakugo storytellers (a type of Japanese comedy).
Google Map: Ningyocho Mechanical Clock Tower-Rakugo Performer | 人形町からくり櫓
3. Check out the bridges at night
This is Sumida River.
Kiyosu-bashi Bridge 清洲橋
The Kiyosu Bridge was built 1923-1926 after the Great Tōkyō Earthquake. It has elements from both western and eastern architecture. This is the prettiest bridge along the Sumida River in my opinion.
The yakatabune boat cruise—historically referred to as Japanese pleasure boats— are small ships adorned with lanterns that were used to host dinner parties where guests could mingle and socialize over food and drinks. I would love to go one day!
Things to eat:
Amazakeyokocho
甘酒横丁
Head down to this main street. Photo taken from Ningyocho Station by Daiso. There are white lanterns on both sides of the road, which gives the town a lively downtown atmosphere. I felt like I was going back in time.
Ningyoyaki Doll Cakes
Ningyoyaki is a regional edible souvenir made with Azuki red beans.
My mom says this shop is way better than what is sold in Asakusa. She loves Azuki! It is located right across from Suitengumae Temple, so stop by after you visit.
Crackers, peanuts and castella cakes (with no azuki inside) are also available.
2. Authentic Tempura
Legit tempura shouldn’t come all at one time. As the chef in the center fries one by one, it should be served as soon as it’s done while it’s piping hot and fresh. Therefore, I couldn’t take a photo of all the assorted tempura.
4 stars on Google Maps, and I agree! We just happened to walk by and the iPad menu was written in Japanese, so it’s a sign that it must be good. It was only a 5-minute wait and made it just in time before last call. There were lots of business people in suits and local obasans dining in. Must be a local favorite.
Free rice refills! I had a small second helping. Shhhh…
3. Fish-shaped Taiyaki
This is a chain store and is also available in Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa and Kawagoe. It’s not something you would come to Ningyocho specifically, but if you happen to be looking for a snack…
I tried their classic flavor, azuki red bean, but I regret not getting the custard. I’ve tried the apple pie, and it was not great.
Google Map: Naruto Taiyaki Nihonbashi-Ningyocho | 鳴門鯛焼本舗
Another shop I’ve been meaning to go is here, but didn’t have time or the calories.
4. Best Nostalgic Shinshu Cuisine of Nagano Prefecture in Tokyo
Another place that does not have an English menu. It was better than we expected! 3.9 stars on Google Maps.
We had a long day of shooting the hotel promo that we stayed that night, so we wanted to celebrate with drinks and small dishes. Tempura at lunch time was pretty filling. We walked along the Sumida River and got back on the Main Street and was attracted by the lanterns from across the intersection.
I highly recommend this izakaya if you’re looking for an authentic place to chill and enjoy a variety of drink menu. The staff is super friendly and they make you feel at home. They are not strong with their English, but if you show them these food photos, it should go smoothly.
I was curious of the green beer from Matsumoto Brewery. It was slightly sweet and easy to drink. My drink got stolen away from me!
This was THE BEST oden I’ve ever had! Fukuoka-style.
Vegetables are from Matsumoto and I really could tell the difference! High quality ingredients. I don’t like green onions, but I couldn’t stop eating these green onions. Absolutely delicious. Might as well enjoy since I’m going straight to the hotel after this.
Frozen lemon sour. My second drink shhhh…
Tastes better than a margarita!
Oyaki like a fried dumpling. They were kind enough to cut it in threes.
Sweet potato cream cheese crackers
Beef stew
Total bill? All of this for under 9,000 yen for 3 ! $75 usd???
Where did we stay?
S-Peria Inn Nihonbashi Hakozaki
For more info about this 3-star modern business hotel near Tokyo Station and airport taxi terminal, you can read my review on this blog post:
For more info and booking:
S-Peria Inn Nihonbashi Hakozaki (Agoda)
S-Peria Inn Nihombashi Hakozaki (Booking.com)
Book a tour?
I can show you around as a seasoned local who knows all the good places to shop, eat and experience Japan. Need a personal shopping assistant? Translator? Guide for school trips? Kids entertainer so parents can take a break? I got you
