Sugamo
Sugamo is a SUB AREA in Tokyo, Tokyo.
Sugamo, known as 'Harajuku for the elderly,' is a charming Tokyo neighborhood that offers a nostalgic, slower-paced experience. Its main attraction is Jizo-dori Shopping Street, a lively arcade lined with traditional shops selling red underwear for good luck, herbal remedies, and local snacks like salt-pickled plums. The area is famous for Togenuki Jizo, a temple where visitors pray for healing, and the nearby Rikugien Garden provides a serene escape with its classic Japanese landscape. Sugamo's retro vibe, friendly locals, and affordable eateries make it a unique destination for those seeking authentic Tokyo culture away from the crowds. It's particularly popular among seniors, but all ages will enjoy the warm atmosphere and the chance to explore a less touristy side of the city.
Best time to visit Sugamo
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather and beautiful scenery. March-April brings cherry blossoms at Rikugien Garden, while November features vibrant autumn leaves. Avoid August due to heat and humidity.
October
NowTypical for October
- Weather
- Mild 15-25°C
Travel notes
- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Medium
Autumn colors start late October.
Know before you go
Getting there
Narita International Airport
International
70 km away
Tokyo Haneda Airport
International
20 km away
Getting around
Stay connected
WiFi speed
30 Mbps
Mobile data
Excellent
WiFi
Widely available in cafes and stations
Local SIM
Local SIM available at airport from $5
Stay safe
Overall
9/10Very safe; scams are extremely rare.
Night safety
8/10Very safe; scams are extremely rare.
Transport
9/10Scam risk
2/10Entry and health
Health information
Culture
Local customs
Costs and practicals
Cost level
Meals
Hotels
Local transport
Cost notes
Timezone
Local time 07:07
More facts
Population
18,637
Type
Suburb
Nearby areas in Tokyo
Adachi
Akatsuka
Akihabara
Aobadai
Aomi
Arakawa
Asagayakita
Asahigaoka
Asakusa
Asakusabashi
Chiyoda
Dōgenzaka
Ebisu
Edogawe
Eifuku
Funabori
Funado
Futaba
Gōtokuji
Hasune
Higashigotanda
Hikarigaoka
Hirai
Ichinoe
Igusa
Ikebukuro
Iriya
Itabashi
Iwamotochō
Jiyūgaoka
Kabukicho
Kagurazaka
Kiba
Kinshi
Komagome
Kōraku
Kuramae
Meguro
Minami-ōi
Nagasaki
Nagatachō
Nakameguro
Nakanobu
Nezu
Nishiarai
Nishinippori
Nukui
Ogikubo
Ōjima
Ōkubo
Oshiage
Ōtsuka
Sakuradai
Sasazuka
Sendagaya
Sendagi
Senju
Senzoku
Setagaya
Shibuya
Shinjuku
Sumida
Taito
Takashimadaira
Tamagawa
Tatsumi
Tennōzu
Togoshi
Tokiwadai
Toneri
Toyosu
Ueno
Umegaoka
Wakabayashi
Yōga
Yokokawa
Yotsuya
Yoyogi
Yushima
Zōshigaya
Frequently Asked Questions
Also known as: Sugamo, chao ya, sugamo, すがも, スガモ, 巣鴨


