By umaaji Japan Walker
This in-depth walking tour takes viewers into the hidden streets surrounding Kanegafuchi Station (鐘ヶ淵駅) in Tokyo, exploring a less affluent and lesser-known part of the city. The video starts at the south side of Kanegafuchi Station, an area characterized by its distinctive and weathered buildings, showing a raw side of Tokyo that often goes unnoticed by tourists. Through the walk, viewers see a collection of aged shops and residential buildings directly in front of the station, offering insight into the area’s history and enduring local charm.
As the walk heads deeper into the neighborhood, the tour covers narrow alleyways packed with closely built homes and small workshops, revealing the residential density and the functional daily life typical of working-class districts. Small factories and clusters of old apartment complexes appear along the route, reflecting Kanegafuchi’s roots as an industrial and blue-collar area. This part of Tokyo retains much of its Showa-era atmosphere, providing a sharp contrast to the city’s more modern business and entertainment districts.
The route continues with the host observing and narrating on the architecture and details of many older houses, noting their preserved features and the feeling of stepping back in time. Kanegafuchi is located in Sumida Ward (Sumida-ku), an area best known for the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree, but here the focus shifts to everyday life. For visitors looking to experience authentic Tokyo neighborhoods and the unseen fabric of the city, Kanegafuchi offers a unique, historical perspective. The walk is a must-watch for those interested in social history, urban exploration, and the real lives of Tokyo residents outside the city’s better-known spots.