Kita-Senju Guide: Old Post Town, Izakaya and the Arakawa River

The west side of Kita-Senju StationPhoto: Boyfriendback / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Areas
Photo: Boyfriendback / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

My List

Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026

Kita-Senju began as an Edo-period post town on the road north from Edo, and its old shopping streets still keep that character. Today it is a busy transport hub with lively izakaya alleys, where locals gather for drinks after work, and big parks along the Arakawa River.

Quick answer

Getting there: Kita-Senju Station (JR Joban Line, Tsukuba Express, Hibiya and Chiyoda lines, Tobu Skytree Line)

Time needed: Half a day, or an evening

Best time: Evening for the izakaya; summer for the Adachi Fireworks

Good for: Old streets, izakaya, local life, riverside parks

Plan Your Visit to Kita-Senju

Search hotels and things to do in Kita-Senju. You book on the partner site.

Overview

Getting thereKita-Senju Station (JR Joban Line, Tsukuba Express, Hibiya and Chiyoda lines, Tobu Skytree Line)
Time neededHalf a day, or an evening
Best timeEvening for the izakaya; summer for the Adachi Fireworks
Good forOld streets, izakaya, local life, riverside parks

Best Things to Do

The large station building and plaza at Kita-Senju Station
The west side of Kita-Senju Station. Photo: 663highland / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shukubamachi-dori

The old post-town road, now a shopping street lined with shops and eateries.

Yokoyama Family Residence

A historic house that still bears sword marks from fighting at the end of the Edo period.

Izakaya alleys

Hidden alleys and arcades full of izakaya, restaurants and affordable shops, busy with locals after work.

Arakawa River and parks

Riverside parks along the Arakawa River, plus Toneri Park and Higashi-Ayase Park nearby. The Adachi Fireworks Festival is held on the river in summer.

Nishiarai Daishi Temple

The main hall of Nishiarai Daishi temple in Adachi
The main hall of Nishiarai Daishi. Photo: Abasaa / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Nishiaraidaishi Soji Temple is a well-known temple in Adachi Ward, a short trip away.

Food & Drink

  • Izakaya: the alleys around the station are full of them.
  • Local restaurants along Shukubamachi-dori and Senju Honcho Shotengai.

Find places to eat with our restaurant finder, and see our izakaya guide.

Best Restaurants in Kita-Senju

Researched

Nadai Unatoto Kitasenju

Kita-SenjuUnagi (Eel)Under ¥2,000

Affordable eel rice bowls near Kita-Senju Station, with an English menu.

  • English menu
  • Reservations: see details

Explore Kita-Senju Restaurants

Shopping

  • Department stores by the station: EQUiA Kitasenju, Marui and Lumine.
  • Affordable shops in the local shopping streets.

Where to Stay

Ueno and Asakusa are close by train and have many hotels. See Best hotels in Ueno.

Search hotels in Kita-Senju

Getting There

  • Kita-Senju Station: JR Joban Line, Tsukuba Express, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Hibiya lines, Tobu Skytree Line.
  • From Tokyo Station: about 20 minutes on the JR Ueno-Tokyo Line. From Shinjuku: JR Yamanote Line to Nishi-Nippori, then the Chiyoda Line, about 40 minutes.
  • From the airports: about 60 minutes by train from Haneda, or about 90 minutes from Narita.

New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.

Suggested Itinerary

  1. AfternoonShukubamachi-dori and the Yokoyama Family Residence
  2. Walk
  3. The Arakawa River bank
  4. EveningIzakaya alleys by the station

Travel Tips

  • Come in the evening, when the izakaya alleys fill with locals.
  • Walk the old post-town street for its Edo-era character.
  • Visit in summer for the Adachi Fireworks Festival.

FAQ

What is Kita-Senju known for?

Its Edo-period post-town history, old shopping streets and lively izakaya alleys.

How far is Kita-Senju from Tokyo Station?

About 20 minutes on the JR Ueno-Tokyo Line.

Which lines stop at Kita-Senju?

JR Joban Line, Tsukuba Express, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Hibiya lines and the Tobu Skytree Line.

Travel Essentials

Explore More in This Area

Sources

Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.