Journey to the Showa era in Nakano, cradle of Otaku subculture

The Nakano Sun Mall is an emblematic place of Tokyo, steeped in history and charm. Charming covered commercial arcade stretching over several blocks and housing over a hundred shops and restaurants on either side of the promenade.

The shrine honors the deities Sugawara no Michizane and Ukemochi no Kami. The village of Arai, once located here, enjoyed an abundance of water. Locals prayed to Tenjin for protection from the floods caused by the Myoshoji River and asked Ukemochi, the mother of all food, for a good harvest.

Founded in 1586, this temple is renowned for its healing power of eye diseases and its assistance in the education of children.

Locally affectionate pedestrian street from Baishoin Temple to Nakano Broadway. Its name comes from Baishoin Temple, renowned for its healing powers of eye ailments. The word “Ai” also means “love” in Japanese.

Founded in 1966 as a luxury shopping complex, it has become a popular destination for otaku and pop culture enthusiasts. The shopping mall is home to many shops selling anime and idol-related items, including more than a dozen small Mandarake stores specializing in collectibles related to manga and anime.

Nakano Kitaguchi Ichibangai is a shopping street that extends just outside the northern exit of Nakano Station. The narrow alleys are lined with many restaurants, giving the area a lively atmosphere day and night. In particular, many shops have retained their Showa-era decorations and signs, making a simple stroll through the neighborhood a unique experience.