The first place we will introduce is the Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple, which was founded during the early Edo Period （※）. While accessible from JR Ueno Station, the closest access point is the JR Okachimachi Station North Exit, from which it is a simple two-minute walk right into the heart of Ameyoko.

What makes this temple truly unique is the main hall itself, which stands directly above a row of shop signs! It is a sight that perfectly captures the one-of-a-kind blend of commerce and spirituality found only in this district

Once you enter the main hall, you are instantly enveloped by a tranquil and solemn atmosphere. In that instant, you will completely forget that a bustling shopping district lies just outside.

Standing prominently in front of the temple is the statue of Kaiun Daimarishisonten, believed to be the guardian deity of good fortune and victory, depicted standing atop a wild boar. Since the Middle Ages, Marishiten has been revered by samurai as a protective deity who granted the “virtue of victory and escape from all disasters.” This specific statue of Kaiun Daimarishisonten, recognized as one of the Three Marishiten of Japan, was enshrined here in 1708 (the 5th year of the Hoei era) during the mid-Edo period.

The “Victory Charm” that looks like it is filled with power is 1,500 yen (tax included).

The 500 yen (tax included) votive plaque features a picture of a wild boar, the symbol of Marishiten.

To the right of the worship hall stands a boar statue named “Powerful Boar.” It is said that touching it will bring you energy, stamina, and financial strength, so I made sure to give it a good stroke!

After paying my respects, I bought a “Love Fortune with Picture Charm” for 300 yen (tax included), which features a cute girl in a kimono. The result was Chukichi (Middle Blessing). Since Chukichi ranks just after Daikichi (Great Blessing) and Kichi (Blessing), I’d say my fortune is quite good! The charm is also very helpful because it specifically lists compatible partners based on zodiac sign, blood type, age difference, and Chinese zodiac sign.

The contrasting scenery you see when you leave the temple grounds is also a delight, as it makes you realize you’re back in the real world.

Mominoki House Mominoki Ueno, located in the heart of the Ameyoko area, is a dream-like establishment where you can enjoy drinks and food while soaking your feet in a relaxing foot bath.

Although the Ueno store is based on Ayurveda principles, it exudes a strong Japanese aesthetic. Its concept is to be “a place you can drop in casually, like a public bath.”

To start, I ordered the “Basic Course,” which includes herbal tea and a 45-minute foot bath for 1,100 yen (tax included). Towels are available to rent free of charge.

The foot bath temperature during the winter season is set between 43 to 44 degrees Celsius.

This slightly hot water will warmly penetrate your cold body, starting from your toes. Meanwhile, the cute Asian-style objects and miscellaneous goods decorating the space will help warm your heart.

For the herbal tea selection, I chose the “brain tea,” which is rumored to improve concentration and memory. It tasted like seaweed, or perhaps dashi stock… it was truly a tea unlike anything I had ever tasted before! Other herbal teas available with the Basic Course include “Samahan” and “Detox Tea.”

Herbal teas and oils are also sold in the store. The staff will kindly explain how to use them effectively.It’s a wonderful space that will warm your mind and body.

If you are heading to Ameyoko and want a delicious yet reasonably priced meal, we highly recommend Kushiage Juraku Ameyoko Branch. This izakaya specializes in kushiage (deep-fried skewers) and is operated by the Juraku Group, a long-established restaurant chain based in Ueno.

The interior has a casual atmosphere. Among the many items on the menu, your attention will immediately be drawn to the “red drink” dancing on the Showa-era poster!

So, this time, we raised a glass with two popular choices: the Akadama Punch (right, 429 yen including tax)—Akadama Sweet Wine mixed with soda—and a Hoppy Set (left, 429 yen including tax). This was my first time trying Akadama Punch; despite its striking red color, it had a surprisingly refreshing taste with a subtle hint of lemon acidity. The Hoppy, which is traditionally mixed with shochu, is less bitter than beer and incredibly easy to drink!

This is the “Chef’s Choice of 10 Skewers” (1,309 yen, tax included). You’ll have to wait until it is served to find out exactly what skewers you get! On the day we visited, the selection included quail, shishito peppers, white fish, and chicken thighs. The overall balance of the selection is excellent, allowing you to easily eat as many as you like.

The red Akadama Punch tasted especially delicious after biting into a big pickled ginger skewer…!

This is the restaurant’s specialty, the “Numb Pork Plate” (759 yen, tax included). The irresistible sweet and salty sauce that thoroughly permeates the pork will definitely make you want to order another drink.

Another specialty is the “Karashiyaki” (649 yen, tax included). This dish incorporates a rich blend of spices and seasonings, such as Japanese pepper (sansho) and miso. Even though it’s spicy, the flavor is complex and never becomes monotonous, meaning you will find yourself eating one piece after another.

The “Thick-Sliced ​​Ham Cutlet (649 yen (tax included))” is satisfying even with just one bite. It has a generous amount of ham, so it’s light despite being fried.

It’s a very comfortable space where you can relax and be yourself without any pretense.

or those who want to “warm up with delicious Japanese sweets,” we highly recommend Chanokiminoen, a long-established Japanese tea specialty store founded in 1918 (Taisho 7). They are famous for the soft-serve ice cream sold in their stores, which is renowned for “allowing you to fully enjoy the authentic flavor of matcha.”

The server who brought our order even had matcha-colored hair! This place definitely looks promising.

The beautifully presented “Rich Matcha Soft Cream” is 400 yen (tax included). You might think it would be a shame to break the perfect swirl, but once you take a bite, it disappears almost instantly. The elegant richness of Uji matcha subtly lingers in your mouth, followed by a refreshing aftertaste. It is so delicious that you truly won’t be able to stop eating it.

There is also a takeout version, the “Matcha Soft Cream Mix” (350 yen, tax included), which combines the matcha flavor with vanilla.

This shop creates products using carefully selected Japanese teas, which are blended at their own factory in Shizuoka. They always have over 100 different products on display. On the day we visited, we were given a special glimpse of their fresh tea leaves. Just inhaling the aroma of the tea is enough to have a calming effect on the soul.

The “Panda Chan” tea (500 yen, tax included) features the design of Ueno’s symbol, the panda. It’s both cute and convenient, so we highly recommend it as a souvenir!

Their signature product is the “Torori Tea Hoju,” sold at 1,425 yen (tax included) for 100 grams. As its name suggests (torori means creamy), it is a superb product boasting a smooth, creamy texture and a lingering umami flavor. The moment one of our reporting staff tried it, they exclaimed, “…delicious!!!” and immediately bought three bags!

This shop is truly an oasis in the hustle and bustle where you can experience the authentic “spirit of tea.” Be sure to stop by and enjoy it for yourself.