What to see around Inaricho Station: a stop on Japan's first subway, the Buddhist altar shops on Asakusa-dori, Kappabashi kitchenware street, and Shitaya Shrine.
- Inaricho was one of the stations on Japan's first subway line, opened between Ueno and Asakusa on December 30, 1927.
- Asakusa-dori near the station is lined with shops selling Buddhist altars and ritual goods.
- Kappabashi kitchenware street is within walking distance, between Ueno and Asakusa.
- Shitaya Shrine, which gave the area its name, is a 2-minute walk from the station.
Next Step
Add a calligraphy class to your Ueno and Asakusa day
Classes are held at Shitaya Jinja Kaikan, a 2-minute walk from Inaricho Station, with guidance in English.
A stop on Japan's first subway
The Ginza Line began as the first subway in Japan. It opened on December 30, 1927, running about 2.2 km between Ueno and Asakusa, with two stations in between: Inaricho and Tawaramachi. The line was later extended and reached Shibuya in 1939.
Today Inaricho is one stop from Ueno and two stops from Asakusa. Because the Ginza Line also stops at Ginza, Shimbashi, Nihombashi, Omotesando, and Shibuya, you can reach Inaricho from much of central Tokyo without changing trains.
- Opened December 30, 1927, between Ueno and Asakusa
- Inaricho and Tawaramachi were the original stations in between
- Direct trains from Shibuya, Omotesando, Shimbashi, Ginza, and Nihombashi
Buddhist altar shops on Asakusa-dori
When you come out of Inaricho Station onto Asakusa-dori, you will see shops selling butsudan, the household Buddhist altars found in many Japanese homes, along with incense, bells, and other ritual goods. The street grew up around the many temples and shrines in the area during the Edo period, and the shops formed an association in the 1950s.
Most shops are working businesses rather than tourist stores, so browse quietly and ask before taking photos inside. Small items such as incense make a practical souvenir.
Kappabashi kitchenware street
Kappabashi Dogugai, the kitchenware street, lies between Ueno and Asakusa and is within walking distance of both Inaricho and Tawaramachi stations. It is known for knives, ceramics, cookware, and the plastic food samples used in restaurant windows.
If you plan to buy knives or tableware, leave space in your luggage. Many shops handle tax-free purchases for visitors; bring your passport.
Shitaya Shrine
The area takes its name from Shitaya Shrine, formerly called Shitaya Inari, a 2-minute walk from the station. The shrine is said to date to 730 and has a stone monument marking it as the birthplace of yose storytelling halls.
Our calligraphy classes are held in the shrine's hall, Shitaya Jinja Kaikan.
A simple route
One easy order is to visit Senso-ji in Asakusa in the morning, take the Ginza Line two stops to Inaricho, walk past the altar shops to Shitaya Shrine, and join a 60-minute calligraphy class. Afterward, Kappabashi is a short walk away, or you can ride one stop to Ueno for the museums in Ueno Park.
- Morning: Senso-ji, Asakusa
- Ginza Line to Inaricho (2 stops)
- Shitaya Shrine and a calligraphy class
- Afternoon: Kappabashi or Ueno Park