Former Shibuya River Promenade (Cat Street) | Review by Eddie

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Former Shibuya River Promenade (Cat Street)

A trendsetting destination filled with popular shops and cafés.

14 Nov 2026 See More

Walking through the streets of Harajuku in Tokyo, I saw quite a few familiar streetwear brands along the way, such as BAPE and HUMAN MADE. For anyone who likes Japanese streetwear culture, this place is really appealing.

What struck me even more was how similar these streets looked to the Japanese street scenes I saw in magazines as a child. I used to flip through magazines and read about Harajuku's street culture, clothing brands, and young people's fashion. Back then, I could only admire it from afar. I never imagined that years later, I would actually have the chance to walk these streets myself.

For a moment, it felt like I was a student again, remembering the days when I used to read those magazines. Some places can still bring back memories from years ago when you finally visit them in person. This trip to Harajuku wasn't just about shopping. It felt more like fulfilling a small childhood wish.

Other Reviews by Eddie

TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)

Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.
- Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
- Observatories
14 Nov 2026 See More

This time I visited TOKYO SKYTREE just to walk around and have a look, but unexpectedly, there was a Taiwan Festival going on! Seeing familiar Taiwanese food, night market stalls, and event decorations that reminded me of home gave me an unexpected sense of familiarity.

While traveling in Japan, suddenly seeing culture from home felt quite special. Although I can normally enjoy these foods in Taiwan, seeing a Taiwanese festival in another country still made me want to spend more time exploring and experience how Taiwanese culture is presented in a different place.

This visit to TOKYO SKYTREE became an even more unique memory because of this unexpected encounter with the Taiwan Festival.
Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)

Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) is beloved as the only remaining Toden tram line in Tokyo. It runs from Minowabashi Station in Arakawa Ward to Waseda Station in Shinjuku Ward, connecting 30 stations over 12.2 km, and it continues to be an important presence that supports local transportation. In FY 2024, it was used by an average of about 51,000 people per day, and it is also known for being well established as a line used for daily travel.
- Tokyo
- Trains & Subway
9 Nov 2026 See More

On this trip to Tokyo, I made a special point of visiting Minowabashi Station. I’ve always felt that Japan’s streetcars have a distinctive charm, especially stations that retain the atmosphere of old Tokyo. They always make me want to stop and take it all in.
Minowabashi Station is one of the terminal stations on the Toden Arakawa Line, Tokyo’s only remaining publicly operated streetcar line, now also known as the “Tokyo Sakura Tram.” Arriving at the station, it really felt very different from the modern Tokyo I had imagined. There were no towering buildings or the hurried pace of a subway station. Instead, there was an old-fashioned platform, streetcars slowly pulling into the station, and surrounding streets that showed their age.
Standing beside the platform and watching the streetcars slowly arrive, stop, and then depart with passengers felt especially relaxing. There weren’t many elaborate decorations, but it had a very natural sense of nostalgia. I couldn’t help taking several more photos to preserve this scenery, so different from Tokyo’s bustling downtown areas.
Sometimes travel doesn’t necessarily mean rushing around to lots of famous attractions. Taking a slow walk somewhere like this and observing the daily lives of local people can actually give you a better sense of what a city is really like. There are also old streets and shopping streets near Minowabashi Station where you can browse the shops and experience a more everyday side of Tokyo.
If I have the chance to visit Tokyo again, I think I’ll still be drawn to places like this. There’s no pressure from a packed sightseeing schedule, and there’s no need to deliberately plan anything. Simply watching the streetcars come and go already makes for a wonderfully atmospheric travel experience.
📍Tokyo, Japan | Minowabashi Station (Minowabashi Stop)
🚃 Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram)
Mojiko Retro

Moji Port was opened in the early Meiji Period and prospered in international trade. Nostalgic architecture, built from the Meiji into early Showa Periods, are still standing today. It is a fun area to meander.
- Mojiko, Kokura
- Tourist Attractions
9 Nov 2026 See More

Arriving at the Sikong Mountain Retro Area felt like stepping into another era. There aren’t many modern buildings here. Instead, quite a few streetscapes and architectural features from earlier times have been preserved. As you walk around, you can slowly take in the surroundings and get a sense of how local people lived in the past.

Compared with busy tourist attractions, I prefer places like this where you can casually stroll around and take photos. You can look at the old buildings and small details along the streets without rushing or having to plan any particular itinerary. Just wandering around slowly offers a different kind of travel experience.

If you happen to be nearby, you might want to set aside some time to walk around. It may not be a major attraction that leaves you amazed, but a nostalgic place like this can give you a different kind of travel memory.