Why Visit Shōtengai in Japan?
Blend with the locals in the old shopping streets
When asked about my favorite place in Japan, my answer is always shōtengai (商店街, Japanese shopping street). I visit the local shōtengai every weekend for either weekly shopping or relaxing. The more I come to shotengai, the more I appreciate its charms.
What Is Shōtengai?
Shōtengai refers to streets lined with different local stores on both sides, sometimes mixed with big brand names. Many are covered with roofs and called arcade shōtengai.
There are over 15,000 shōtengai streets scattered throughout Japan. Whether famous streets like Tenjinbashisuji (Osaka) and Osu Kannon (Nagoya) or nameless ones, most are near train stations, posing more convenience for the locals.
Experience Traditional Japanese Culture
Shōtengai has been part of Japanese culture since the 16th century. Visiting a shōtengai is like taking a trip back in time. Visitors can indulge themselves in the classic atmosphere here.
Many old shōtengai roads lead to ancient castles, shrines, or temples. Several big shopping streets have paths winding over rivers, streams, and laneways, revealing different landmarks. One trip to a nearby shōtengai can lead to numerous fascinating discoveries.
Recently, shōtengai organizations have been organizing many events and festivals to attract more attention from the locals and tourists. For example, if you visit the Azabu Juban shōtengai around late August, you’ll get to enjoy the summer festival Azabu Juban Noryo.
Insight into The Local Community
If you want to learn more about the Japanese community, one of the fastest ways is coming to a shōtengai. For a long time, shōtengai has been the heart of the working class. Many stores in these shopping streets are family-run businesses, offering a glimpse into intergenerational bonds.
Unlike corporate shopping malls and supermarkets, shōtengai emphasizes interaction between people, especially between sellers and customers. If you are a regular visitor here, shop owners can remember your face, and you can chat with them during your shopping. Sellers may even recommend some daily specials or provide cooking instructions for special ingredients.
Fresh, High-Quality Local Products
For travelers, shōtengai is ideal for omiyage shopping. Born to serve the local community, these streets have various stores, selling everything from household goods to clothing and food. Typical shōtengai shops include grocery stores, kissaten (traditional cafes), restaurants, butchers, bakeries, and vegetable stands.
Visiting these stores means you can come across several authentic and surprising gifts. For instance, a vegetable stand offers seasonal fruits, like strawberries in spring or grapes in summer, while a kimono shop showcases various kimonos, obi belts, or other traditional attire.
Diverse Cuisine
Another reason I adore shōtengai is its diverse food offerings, from traditional and local specialties to trending online treats. Aside from regular eateries and restaurants, you’ll also find other unexpected delicacies, like butcher shops for deep-fried foods (tonkatsu, korokke, etc.) and delicatessens for home-cooked foods (fried foods, salads, simmered foods, side dishes, etc.).
What’s more, most shōtengai foods are handmade, so you’ll get to enjoy the local flavor instead of the uniform taste from machine-made foods. Many shops also prepare food to order, ensuring piping hot meals almost every time.
Another distinctive feature of shōtengai is you can eat while walking (食べ歩き, tabearuki). Japanese usually consider this action bad-mannered or rude as it can inconvenience pedestrians. However, some places allow this action, and shōtengai is one of them.
While shōtengai may not be as famous as other Japanese tourist spots, it remains a top destination on my list. A visit to shōtengai provides a rich cultural experience unmatched by other destinations.
