Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Street

What is Asagaya?

Asagaya is a quiet residential neighborhood in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, known for its retro shopping streets, small izakayas, and vibrant community culture. Just 10 minutes from Shinjuku, it's a world away from the busy city — full of charm, with festivals, music, and old-school shops. A perfect place for slow travelers and those seeking a more authentic side of Tokyo.

It's also part of the culturally rich JR Chūō Line area, alongside Koenji and Nakano. Asagaya hosts lively local events like the Tanabata Festival in summer and the Jazz Street festival in autumn, filling the Pearl Center shopping arcade with color and sound. One of the town's most unique corners is "A-san no Niwa," a small garden designed by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli.