This immersive walking video provides viewers with a unique look at Oji, a neighborhood in northern Tokyo’s Kita Ward, as the weather transitions dramatically from normal rain to a sudden downpour and finally to bright, clear skies. Throughout the journey, you’ll experience the changing atmosphere of Oji, making the video not just a visual tour, but also a documentation of Japan’s famously unpredictable weather.

The walk begins at Otonashi Shinsui Park, a tranquil riverside space known for its lush greenery and water features. The route then leads to Oji Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in the area, before passing through Oji Station—an essential hub that connects the neighborhood to the rest of Tokyo. Highlights along the walk include several picturesque bridges, such as Otonashi Bridge and Matsubashi Bridge, which become even more atmospheric in the rain. The video captures the intense spectacle of a ‘guerrilla go-u’ (sudden downpour), a weather phenomenon common in Japan’s humid summers, as the rain batters the shrine and the surrounding streets.

After the rain subsides, the walk continues through spots like Morishita Street Shopping Association and the local railway line. Notably, you’ll pass the Peace Memorial Statue by renowned sculptor Seibo Kitamura, adding cultural depth to the stroll. The Oji Culture Road Gallery showcases the neighborhood’s dedication to public art while areas like Sun Square and Yanagikoji Shopping Association reflect community life. The final scenes capture the post-rain freshness, including a visible rainbow, concluding at Oji Station in beautiful weather.

Oji is less traversed by tourists than Tokyo’s downtown cores but offers a glimpse into everyday life and hidden gems of Kita Ward, Tokyo. Asukayama Park, also featured, is a historical spot known for cherry blossoms and family-friendly amenities. The local shopping streets provide a taste of traditional commerce and hospitality, making this walk a perfect introduction to a residential and cultural side of Tokyo that rewards visitors year-round.