Navigating Nippori

Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Ueno are some of the most frequented stations along the JR line by tourists. They have well documented histories of tourist friendly attractions and with that, pictures to take to show that "Hey, I´m in Japan". But if you are a true traveler, come over to Nippori.

What? Nippori? I thought the only thing there is the Skyliner train that brings me to Narita Airport in 30 minutes? Well, Nippori has much more than that. Once you ventured out of the station and commit around 5 minutes of your time walking, you will notice that you are no longer in the present, but the past.

The first thing you will notice are rice cracker shops with centuries old traditions. There are some rice cracker shops that even make their rice crackers by hand! You can also visit a puppet master who crafts puppets by hand and if you wish, he will duly perform a 30 minute puppet show for you.

Nippori also houses the graveyard of one of Japan's most famous family name; that of the Tokugawa Family. The family graveyard sits on a huge patch of land within the Yanaka Cemetery which also accommodates other famous members of Japanese Society. Even Saint Nicholas, founder of the Russian Orthodox Church resides here in this cemetery.

Wander a little more and you can find old Japanese houses and sake stores and bathhouses, made of wood still standing among modernized versions of Japanese homes. It’s a stark contrast between old and new, living side by side in harmony and at peace. If you have an eye for detail, some of these traditional Japanese houses still have their huge storehouse laid out next to their main compound. These storehouses were originally made to protect valuables and goods from fires that may result in the event of an earthquake. Nowdays, treasures for sale can be found at Nippori Textile Town.

Nippori is famed for its cats, I have no idea why but you will chance upon rows of shop houses catering to products that involve cats. Book covers of cats, cat key chains, cat umbrellas, everything under the sun!

Thus, if you are a lover of cats, an architect, an old man or just plain curious what was Japan like before all the glitz and glamor, do head down to little old Nippori for you may come out surprised and happy that you visited a cultural side of Japan.