Katsushika-ku, Japan
Region: Tokyo
Geographic Coordinates: 35.743400, 139.847000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Population: 453410
Language: Japanese
Katsushika-ku is a ward located in eastern Tokyo, Japan. It sits on the banks of the Edo River and covers an area of around 34 square kilometers. The district has a population of over 450, 000 people and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Beautiful parks, And lively shopping streets. During the Edo period, Katsushika-ku was a thriving agricultural region known for its rice paddies and vegetable gardens. Today, It boasts numerous traditional Japanese houses alongside several temples and shrines that are popular tourist attractions.
Taishakuten Sandoji Temple is one such temple that was built in 1629 and features intricate wood carvings. Katsushika-ku also has several stunning parks including Mizumoto Park which spans over 90 hectares. The park has a vast lake where visitors can enjoy boat rides or fishing. Other notable parks include Horikiri Shobuen Park with cherry blossom trees, Higashi Ayase Park with a children’s playground, And Shin-Koiwa Central Park which hosts various events throughout the year. The district’s shotengai or shopping streets offer visitors an authentic experience of Japanese culture.
These narrow streets are lined with small shops selling traditional Japanese goods such as ceramics, Clothing, Sweets, Snacks among others; Shibamata Taishakuten Sando Shotengai leads up to Taishakuten Sandoji Temple mentioned earlier. Shibamata District is another attraction worth visiting in Katushika-ku where visitors can experience old-world Tokyo by walking along historic streets lined with traditional wooden houses from the early 1900s. The district is also famous for Shibamata Taishakuten Temple which was built in 1629 featuring a beautiful garden with a pond.
In addition to its cultural heritage sites & attractions Katsushika-ku offers delicious food options too; it’s particularly famous for its shoyu ramen, A type of ramen noodle soup made with soy sauce-based broth that originated in the area. Other local specialties include unagi don (grilled eel on rice) and monjayaki (a type of savory pancake). Overall, Katsushika-ku provides visitors with a unique glimpse into traditional Japanese culture while also offering modern amenities such as shopping streets and parks. Whether you are interested in history, Nature or food, There is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Tokyo district.
- Shibamata Taishakuten Temple
- Tateishi Park
- Mizumoto Park
- Horikiri Iris Garden
- Katsushika Symphony Hills Cultural Center
- Katsushika City Museum of Literature
- Shinkoiwa Park
- Higashiayase Park
- Nagareyama Otaka no Mori Museum
- Kameari Station and the statue of Kochikame’s Ryotsu Kankichi
- Manufacturing: Katsushika-ku has a significant manufacturing industry, with companies producing products such as machinery, electronics, and automobile parts.
- Retail: The area is home to many retail stores and shopping centers, including department stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
- Hospitality: With its proximity to Tokyo Disneyland and other tourist attractions, Katsushika-ku has a thriving hospitality industry that includes hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
- Healthcare: The area is home to several hospitals and medical facilities that provide healthcare services to residents of the district.
- Education: Katsushika-ku has several universities and colleges offering courses in various fields of study.
- Transportation: The district is well-connected by public transportation systems such as trains (JR East), buses (Toei Bus), taxis etc., making it an important transportation hub for commuters travelling within the city or outside Tokyo metropolitan area.
- Agriculture & Food Processing: There are also some farms in the outskirts of this district which produce vegetables like Cabbage, Tomatoes etc., which are then processed into food products like pickles etc.
- The Battle of Katsushika occurred in 1457 and was a significant event in the establishment of the Hosokawa clan’s power in Japan, as they faced off against the Yamana clan.
- Basho Matsuo, a renowned Japanese poet, spent time living and writing in Katsushika-ku during his lifetime.
- During the Edo period (1603-1868), Katsushika-ku played an important role as a center for agriculture and commerce, with many farmers and merchants residing there.
- Shunkan was a Buddhist monk who lived during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and is known for his involvement in an unsuccessful rebellion against Kamakura shogunate.
- Toshusai Sharaku was a famous ukiyo-e artist who created numerous portraits of actors while residing in Katsushika-ku.
- The Great Kanto Earthquake struck Tokyo and surrounding areas, including Katsushika-ku, causing widespread devastation and loss of life back in 1923.
- Hokusai Katsushika is one of Japan’s most celebrated artists known for his woodblock prints showcasing landscapes and everyday scenes from across Japan; he spent much of his life living and working within Katsushika-ku.
- Some events at Asakusa Forest Sports Plaza were held during the Tokyo Olympics 2020/2021; this location is situated at Asakusa Park within Taito City that borders onto Sumida Ward before reaching into neighboring Adachi Ward before finally reaching into neighboring area to both these wards -Katushikia Ku where some other events such as canoeing and rowing were also held.
- Shibamata Taishakuten Temple: a Buddhist temple featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture.
- Katsushika City Museum: a museum showcasing the history and culture of Katsushika-ku, including art exhibitions, historical artifacts, and interactive displays.
- Horikiri Shobuen Iris Garden: a stunning garden filled with over 6,000 iris flowers that bloom in early summer.
- Mizumoto Park: one of Tokyo’s largest parks featuring vast green spaces, walking trails, and various recreational facilities.
- Tateishi Shotengai Shopping Street: an old-fashioned shopping street lined with traditional shops selling local specialties like sweets and snacks.
- Tobu Museum of Transport and Culture: a museum dedicated to the history of transportation in Japan including trains, buses, cars, airplanes, and more.
- Yagiri no Watashi Ferry Crossing: A traditional ferry crossing that has been operating for over 400 years across the Edo River.
- Kameari Park: A large park known for its cherry blossom trees during springtime.
- Shibamata Fujimotokan: A small museum dedicated to Japanese woodblock prints.
- Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival – An annual fireworks festival held on the banks of the Edogawa River in late July.
- Katsushika Iris Festival is a popular event held in June, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful blooming of irises at Horikiri Shobuen Garden.
- Shibamata Taishakuten Sanno Festival is a traditional festival held in early April, featuring a parade of portable shrines and performances by local musicians and dancers.
- Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks displays in Tokyo, held annually on the last Saturday of July along the banks of the Arakawa River.
- Tateishi Shishimai Festival is a folk dance festival held in January, featuring lion dances and other traditional performances.
- Higashi Ayase Park Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual spring event where visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing, food stalls, and cultural performances.
- Kameari Matsuri is a summer festival featuring street vendors, music performances, and traditional Japanese games held in August.
- Horikiri Tofu Festival is an autumn festival celebrating tofu with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and cultural activities held in October.
- Mizumoto Park Lantern Festival is an illuminated lantern display celebrating Japan’s autumnal equinox holiday held annually from mid-September to early October.
- Tonkatsu Wako: A chain of restaurants that specializes in tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet).
- Tsukemen Tetsu: A ramen restaurant that serves tsukemen (dipping noodles) with a rich and flavorful broth.
- Yakiniku Gyukaku: A Japanese-style barbecue restaurant where you can grill your own meat at the table.
- Soba Udon Kappo Nakamura: A traditional Japanese restaurant that serves soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat noodles) dishes.
- Oyakodon Yamamotoya: A cozy diner-style restaurant that specializes in oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl).
- Ramen Jiro: An iconic ramen chain known for its massive portions of thick, hearty broth and chewy noodles.
- Izakaya Hachibei: An izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can enjoy a variety of small plates, grilled skewers, and drinks.
- Tempura Tenya: Another chain of restaurants that specializes in tempura (deep-fried seafood or vegetables).
- Horikiri Shobuen Park is a large park in Tokyo that boasts a beautiful Japanese garden, cherry blossom trees, and a pond.
- Mizumoto Park is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and offers visitors a lake, cycling paths, and various sports facilities.
- Shibamata Taishakuten Sando is a historic street lined with traditional shops and restaurants that leads to the Taishakuten Temple.
- The Katsushika City Museum of Literature is an interactive museum dedicated to famous Japanese authors from the Katsushika area.
- Tateishi Public Hall functions as a community center offering various classes and events such as dance lessons, calligraphy workshops, and music performances.
- Shin-Koiwa Sports Center is an indoor sports facility offering basketball courts, table tennis tables, and other activities suitable for all ages.
- Edogawa Park Sports Center is another indoor sports facility offering various activities such as badminton, gymnastics, and martial arts classes.
- Higashi-Ayase Park Pool is an outdoor swimming pool open during summer months for both adults and children to enjoy.
- Kameari Central Community Hall Plaza serves as a multi-purpose community center hosting cultural events such as concerts or exhibitions throughout the year.
- Shinkoiwa Athletics Stadium can accommodate up to 20 thousand people where many athletic events are held including soccer games by local teams like FC Júbicó Chiba or Tokyo Musashino United FC.
