This time, I set out to explore the Kanda area by bicycle—an essential neighborhood when talking about Tokyo’s old town and also my hometown. Today, Kanda is no longer an official administrative district but rather a name used for the northeastern part of Chiyoda City, where the Tokyo Imperial Palace is located. A distinctive feature of the area is that most neighborhood names begin with “Kanda,” though in everyday conversation people usually drop the prefix. Feeling the breeze that signals the arrival of spring, I wander around Jimbocho, known as the world’s greatest book town, stop by a long-established wagashi shop in Ogawamachi for a chat, and visit museums and shrines along the way. Tex […]

Born and raised in Kanda, Tokyo, I go by the name Shitamachi Kombu. It’s been nearly half a century since I came into this world. Today, I took a ride through the Kanda Matsuri—Kanda area’s largest festival, held once every two years—using a docomo share bike. This festival is one of the three great festivals of Edo, dating back to the Edo period, and is sometimes counted among Japan’s three major festivals. The sky today is a perfect May blue—ideal weather for cycling. If you have a moment, come along with me for the ride. Table of Contents Charging up that Edo spirit in NihonbashiSoaking in Meiji Era vibes at Tokyo StationA detour to Akihabara, the mecca of otaku cultureKanda, […]