Mixture of Japanese and French cultures in Kagurazaka
1. Today's Walking Course
I came to Kagurazaka. Today, I will try to find mixture of Japanese and French cultures here.
2. Today's Photographies
Now, I am in front of the exit of Iidabashi Station. The slope area over there is Kagurazaka.
I arrived at Zenkokuji Temple on the slope. This temple is very popular among the local people and they often stopped by and prayed to the God here.
If you came to Kagurazaka, you should stroll around alleys because these alleys have very traditional atmosphere. For exmaple, this alley is called “Hyogo Yokocho Alley”, one of the most popular alleys here.
This alley is called “Kakurenbo Yokocho Alley”. If you strolled around alleys around here, you can often see “Maiko”, Japanese traditional dancer or "Geisya", Japanese traditional performer.
On the other hand, we can also feel French culture in Kagurazaka. Look, there is a French flag.
I will stop by this French bakery called “Paul”.
The inside decoration is also nice.
I ordered Croissants and Kouign Amann, French traditional sweet.
After eating breads, I finally arrived at Institut français du Japon. This facility is for teaching French and promoting French culture in Japan.
I can see some French people here.
This book store really looks like store in Paris!
Today, I could enjoy both Japanese and French cultures in Kagurazaka.
3. History
At the latter half of the 18th century, Zenkokuji Temple was moved to Kagurazaka and many people visited this area to worship at this temple. The following painting for Kagurazaka in the 19 century also shows the prosperity in this area.
After Meiji Restoration in the latter half of the 19th century, many formal restaurants where customers could watch the performance by “Maiko”, Japanese traditional dancer and “Geisya”, Japanese traditional performer were built in this area. Today, some formal restaurants are still remaining along some alleys such as “Hyogo Yokocho Alley”.
After the World War Ⅱ, Tokyo Japanese French Language School, the predecessor of Institut français du Japon was established in 1952. Due to this facility, many French people settled in Kagurazaka and many France related shops have been opened. As the result, there is mixture of Japanese and French cultures in this area.
4. Information
・Closest stations to Zenkokuji Temple are Iidabashi Station, JR Chuo Line, JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Namboku Line, Oedo Line, Tozai Line, Yurakucho Line or Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station, Oedo Line.
・Paul is open from 10am to 9pm every day.
