Karukozaka Is Older than Kagurazaka
Karukozaka Street runs parallel to the north of the bustling Kagurazaka Street. Since the Edo period (1603-1868), it has served as a vital thoroughfare supporting the logistics of the Kagurazaka area. Spanning approximately 380 meters in length and 5-8 meters in width with a gradient of about 6%, Karukozaka is narrower than Kagurazaka Street but facilitates two-way traffic.
Historically, while Kagurazaka served as the prestigious avenue for the Shogun, Karukozaka was utilized for practical purposes, such as transporting goods. Even today, due to its utility as a two-way street, it sees heavier use by trucks compared to the one-way Kagurazaka Street.
Karukozaka Street: A Part of the Historic 'Kamakura Kodo' (Kamakura Old Road)
Karukozaka Street is part of an ancient road network dating back to the Kamakura period, known as the 'Kamakura Kodo' (Kamakura Old Road). It was part of what was known as 'Kamitsu-michi' (Upper Road), starting from Higashi-Murayama and leading up to 'Nakatsu-michi' (Middle Road) in Nakano-Ochiai. The southern route passed through Otakibashi, south of Akagi Shrine, and Karukozaka Street, eventually reaching Otemachi as 'Shimotsu-michi' (Lower Road). Note that the Kamakura period spanned from 1185 to 1333.
In the Edo period, the area was bustling with porters (called "Karuko") who carried goods in baskets along this street from the rice unloaded at the "Kagura Kashi (Ushigome Wharf)." This is the origin of the name "Karukozaka," which literally means "Light-basket Slope." This wharf and its bustling activity were even depicted in Ukiyo-e woodblock prints by the renowned artist Hiroshige Utagawa.
Source: National Diet Library, 'Enjoying Edo's Famous Places through Nishiki-e.'(https://www.ndl.go.jp/landmarks/)
Discover the Entrance to the Picturesque Stone-Paved Alley 'Hyogo Yokocho' from Karukozaka Street
Until recently, this street also led to the entrance of the once famous "Uotoku" restaurant, established in 1920 but closed and demolished in 2022. Now, it’s the site of a new building project. Furthermore, the entrance to the picturesque stone-paved alley "Hyogo Yokocho" is located on Karukozaka Street. This alley is home to the luxury ryotei "Yukimoto," where you can still play "Ozashiki Asobi" with geisha.
Let's Experience a Walking Tour around Kagurazaka, a Historical Street
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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