Navigate Sugamo Station swiftly
Picture this: you step off the train onto the bustling platform at Sugamo Station on the Yamanote Line. With station number JY11 clearly marked, you’re already on the right track to explore one of Tokyo’s most charming neighborhoods. In this section, we’ll walk you through the layout, exits, and must-know tips to make your arrival smooth.
Station overview
Sugamo Station handles about 80,000 passengers daily, served by the JR Yamanote Line and the Toei Mita Line. The Yamanote platforms got platform edge doors installed in fiscal 2013, boosting safety and efficiency (Wikipedia). Trains arrive every 2–4 minutes at peak times, so you’ll hardly ever wait long (Japan Experience).
Lines and numbering
- JR Yamanote Line (JY11)
- Toei Mita Line (I-15)
Station numbering began in 2016, with Sugamo assigned JY11 on the loop route (Wikipedia).
Platform layout
- Outer loop (clockwise) for Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya
- Inner loop (counterclockwise) for Ueno, Tokyo, Yurakucho
Clear signage in English and Japanese guides you to transfer gates and exits.
Exit overview
Sugamo Station has three main exits. Each serves a different side of the neighborhood and key attractions.
Jizo-dori exit
This is your gateway to the famous Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street. A short covered walk brings you to around 200 shops, from gourmet stalls to folk-craft stores.
North exit
Head here for residential streets, local markets, and a quieter vibe away from the main shopping thoroughfare.
South exit
Connects you directly to the Toei Mita Line and a cluster of small cafes and izakaya bars, perfect for grabbing a midday snack before diving into the old-world charm.
Ready to navigate Tokyo’s loop? Check out our Yamanote Line stations guide to plan your full circuit.
Explore Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping street
Known as the “Harajuku for Grandmothers,” Sugamo’s Jizo-dori street blends nostalgia with hospitality. Whether you’re hunting for good-luck charms or traditional snacks, this pedestrian-friendly lane delivers.
What to see
- Red underwear shops: Believed to ward off ailments, these bright garments are a quirky souvenir.
- Temple stalls: Pick up colorful amulets and local crafts right outside Koganji Temple.
- Food stalls: Savor sweet potato cakes, tofu donuts, and melon-pan fresh off the griddle.
Top shopping picks
| Shop name | Specialty | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| World’s first red underwear | Good-luck red briefs | One-of-a-kind designs in every size |
| Yamato-ya | Traditional tea and pottery | Matcha sets crafted locally |
| Harajuku-ya Snacks | Sweet potato and chestnut confections | Perfect for on-the-go tasting |
| Fukurokuju Kitchen Goods | Wooden utensils and lacquerware | Lightweight bento boxes |
| Basho Haiku Souvenir Shop | Haiku-inspired stationery | Stone monument replicas featuring Matsuo Basho |
Feeling curious about other Yamanote stops? Don’t miss Harajuku Station Yamanote Line guide after you wrap up here.
Visit local temples for culture and healing
Temples around Sugamo Station add depth to your stroll, offering centuries-old traditions and unique rituals you won’t find elsewhere.
Togenuki Jizo Koganji Temple
At Koganji, the star attraction is the “Arai Kannon,” a statue you literally wash with water to seek relief for specific aches and pains. The temple also sells “Mieki” amulets, believed to heal illnesses—perfect if you need a little spiritual pick-me-up (Skyticket.com).
Edo Rokujizo-son Shinshoji Temple
Just a block off Jizo-dori, Shinshoji honors six Jizo statues that once guided travelers on the Nakasendo route. Look for the stone monument inscribed with a haiku by Matsuo Basho, connecting you to Japan’s poetic past (Skyticket.com).
Savor local sweets and treats
Sugamo’s food scene goes beyond red underwear. You’ll find both age-old recipes and modern twists to keep your taste buds delighted.
Traditional snacks
- Tofu donuts: Light, slightly sweet, and crispy
- Oyaki (vegetable-filled buns): Steamed or grilled, ideal for a quick bite
- Senbei (rice crackers): Savory soy sauce-glazed or nori-wrapped varieties
Modern dessert spots
- Matcha soft serve: Creamy green tea ice cream served in a waffle cone
- Fruit parfaits: Layered with seasonal fruits, jelly, and whipped cream
- Crepes and taiyaki: Fresh off the griddle, stuffed with custard or sweet bean paste
Love discovering local eats? Compare them to treats near Ikebukuro Station Yamanote Line next time you’re in town.
Uncover hidden gems
Beyond the main attractions, Sugamo hides quirky spots that make your visit memorable.
Retro Toden Arakawa Line views
A short walk from the station brings you to the Toden Arakawa tram line. These charming vintage streetcars offer free-wheeling views of old Tokyo neighborhoods. Snap Instagram-worthy shots of the red and yellow trams against leafy backdrops.
Sugamon’s bottom legend
Meet Sugamo’s mascot, Sugamon, whose plump rear is said to bring love luck if you give it a rub. The official statue moved to the Sugamo Regional Culture and Creation Center in 2022—but local murals and mini-statues still dot Jizo-dori (Skyticket.com).
Plan your trip effectively
A little prep goes a long way in Tokyo. Here’s how to make the most of your Sugamo adventure.
How to get there
- From Ueno: Two stops west on the Yamanote Line in about 4 minutes (JapanTravel).
- From Tokyo Station: Nine stops anticlockwise, around 20 minutes (JapanTravel).
- Connect via the Toei Mita Line at Sugamo Station’s South exit if you’re coming from Meguro or Nishidai.
You might also explore nearby hubs like Ueno Station Yamanote Line exits before hopping over to Sugamo.
Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings: Streets are less crowded, shop owners are most attentive.
- First week of April: Cherry blossoms peek around local parks—plan a temple picnic.
- Monthly flea markets: Check temple event calendars for extra local flair.
Accessibility and amenities
- Elevators and escalators connect platforms and ticket gates.
- Coin lockers near the South ticket gate keep your hands free for shopping.
- Tourist information center by the North exit offers free maps and English assistance.
Key takeaways
- Sugamo Station (JY11) on the JR Yamanote and Toei Mita lines is easy to navigate, with clear signage and three main exits.
- Jizo-dori Shopping Street offers 200 shops, including the world’s first red underwear store and traditional tea pottery.
- Visit Togenuki Jizo Koganji and Edo Rokujizo-son Shinshoji Temples for unique healing rituals and cultural history.
- Sample tofu donuts, matcha soft serve, and more—Sugamo blends old recipes with modern desserts.
- Don’t miss retro tram rides on the Toden Arakawa Line or rubbing Sugamon’s bottom for good luck.
- Plan your trip: aim for weekday mornings, use coin lockers, and tap into the tourist info center for guides.
Try swapping your usual Tokyo stop for Sugamo next time you ride the Yamanote Line. You might just uncover your new favorite neighborhood.
FAQs
1. Which exit leads to Jizo-dori Shopping Street?
Head for the Jizo-dori exit—it opens directly onto the covered arcade lined with shops and food stalls.
2. Can I use a JR Pass at Sugamo Station?
Yes, the JR Pass covers the Yamanote Line. Just show your pass at the JR ticket gates.
3. Are English menus available at local eateries?
Many popular spots post English or picture menus. If you need help, staff are used to guiding English-speakers.
4. How crowded does Sugamo get on weekends?
Saturdays and Sundays tend to draw local shoppers and tourists, especially mid-morning to early afternoon. For a calmer experience, visit on a weekday.
5. Is Sugamo Station wheelchair-friendly?
Absolutely. All platforms and exits have elevator access, and station staff can assist with any mobility needs.
