The main part starts here.
Wandering through the Joyful Minowa shopping arcade
Full of family-run businesses and cozy shops, this roughly 465-meter-long passage built in 1919 is frequented mostly by nearby residents—but it's also a popular filming spot for movies, TV shows, music videos, and more.
Take a break from the chaos of city life
With easy access via the Hibiya Line from bustling Tsukiji, Ginza, Ueno, and Roppongi, Joyful Minowa offers a retro appeal along with plenty of charming cafes and restaurants where you can take a breather and recharge. The arcade is home to a number of old-school kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shops) serving cream sodas, purin (custard pudding), sandwiches, pasta, and other Japanese comfort foods.
Cafe Nagori, opened in 2023, offers a new take with a bright and modern interior. Along with favorites like purin, they offer cream sodas in a variety of colors and gradations—perfect for photos. The husband-and-wife team in charge is working to make the space into a base for the community. They frequently host unique events like tarot reading. Welcoming cashless payments, the shop has evolved to meet contemporary needs.
Stroll around, and you'll find tea shops, Japanese sweet shops, and even a gelateria—with a blend of old and new tastes.
Eat—and stay—like a local
On busy days, it's common for locals to supplement home cooking with various pre-prepared dishes (sozai). Why not buy some yourself? Torifuji specializes in yakitori, but their selection of over 70 items also includes fish and vegetable dishes. The chicken for the yakitori is sourced from around Japan, with an emphasis on quality and affordability. You're welcome to eat your purchases right outside the shop. The friendly staff offer seasonings like spices and even mustard. Along with other stores selling sozai, you'll also find a number of greengrocers, with fresh fruits and vegetables for sale at very reasonable prices.
One highlight of the arcade is the Toden Hotel. The first floor is home to a quirky selection of railway memorabilia from around Japan and Europe, including real seats from retired trains and trams. The restaurant offers a variety of international fare, including hamburgers and Mexican-inspired cuisine. The second floor has the hotel rooms; just four of them! The quiet and tasteful interior uses wood and furnishings upcycled from Japanese folk homes, and is sure to provide a good night's sleep.
Walk as you shop for one-of-a-kind hidden treasures
Joyful Minowa's covered arcade means shoppers can comfortably visit in any weather. The arcade is just steps from Minowabashi Station, the terminus of the Tokyo Sakura Tram(Toden Arakawa Line). It's one of Tokyo's last remaining tram lines, and itoriginally began operation in 1911.
From fashion to homewares and more, visitors are sure to find all kinds of unique souvenirs. You won't find any large chain stores here. Most of the shops are run by individuals or families. Shoppers and shopkeepers greet neighbors and strangers alike, creating the comforting feeling of a home away from home. In an ever-evolving Tokyo, the Joyful Minowa shopping arcade is adapting to the times while retaining a sense of historic charm.
Basic Information
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Area
Minami-senju area
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Category
- Restaurant
- Japanese food
- Chinese food
- Ramen
- Yakiniku
- Specialized food
- Coffee shop
- Takeout
- Service industry
- Knick-knacks
- Clothes
- Groceries
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Official Website
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Address
1-12～32 Minami-Senju
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Tel
03-3801-1633
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Estimated time required
60 minutes
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Nearby Spots
Updated: January 7, 2025