With its glittering skyscrapers and love of cutting-edge technology, Tokyo is undoubtedly a twenty-first century metropolis. But behind all the modernity, there are parts of the capital that have retained the vintage charm and distinctive culture that helped make the city what it is today. Old Tokyo is sometimes referred to as shitamachi, a term that translates to ‘lower city’, and is typically associated with areas around Tokyo that thrived before World War II.
Unlike other cities that may have a single old town area, Tokyo’s shitamachi neighbourhoods are scattered throughout the city. They are usually identified by their architectural makeup, consisting of small winding alleyways and traditional Showa- style buildings. If you want to get a feel for the Japanese capital before it powered the post-war economic miracle, here are some of the most popular spots where you can immerse yourself in Tokyo’s nostalgic atmosphere.
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AloJapan.com