Japan : Nakamise Dori Editorial Image

Nakamise is one of the oldest shopping centers in Japan. Since Shogun Tokugawa (Ieyasu) established Edo Shogunate, the population in Edo (old capital city, now Tokyo) grew as well as visitors to Sensoji Temple. In 1688 - 1735, those neighbors who performed receiving and serving visitors in Sensoji Temple were given special right to open their shops in the approach to the temple. This was said to be the beginning of Nakamise. There are 54 shops in East side, 35 shops in West side; 89 shops in total. The length of Nakamise main street is approximately 250m(approx. 274 yards). The beauty of integrated electric sign boards and seasonal decorations against stone pavement made visitors from overseas who just went through Kaminari-mon exclaime Wonderful! many times.