Kagurazaka

Lower portion of Kagurazaka street.

Akagi Shrine, at the top end of Kagurazaka.

July 2007 Awa Odori in Kagurazaka.

Kagurazaka (Japanese:神楽坂) is a neighbourhood in Tokyo, near Iidabashi Station. It has a sloping street at its center, lined by numerous cafés and restaurants. In the early 20th century, the area was renowned for its numerous geisha houses, of which several remain today. Currently, Kagurazaka is experiencing a popularity boom due to its traditional, sophisticated atmosphere in the middle of modern Shinjuku.

While it retains a traditional Japanese atmosphere, Kagurazaka now boasts a significant French presence with many French expatriates living in the area due to the proximity of l'Institut Franco-Japonais de Tokyo and the Lycée franco-japonais de Tokyo's primary section. Kagurazaka also boasts Tokyo's largest concentration of French eateries.

Kagurazaka is also widely regarded as an important center of Japanese cuisine within the Kanto region. Several old and famous "ryotei" are to be found in the winding back streets, often accessible only by foot. These ryotei provide expensive "kaiseki" cuisine, which is generally regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese food. Ryotei also allow diners to invite geisha to provide entertainment during the course of the evening.

The Kagurazaka Awa Odori (Japanese: 阿波踊り) festival is held the fourth Friday and Saturday each July.

Akagi Shrine (Akagi Jinja/赤城神社) was formerly found at the top end of Kagurazaka. As of October 2009 its former grounds were under redevelopment for residential purposes.

External links

• Akagi Shrine Official Website in Japanese
• More information at Japanvisitor