Sugamo neighborhood of Tokyo

Sugamo (巣鴨?) is a neighborhood in Toshima ward of Tokyo, Japan. Jizō-dōri (地蔵通り?), a shopping street for the older generation .

The shops here sell clothing, traditional foods, domestic wares, and reading material that cater specifically to the older generation. Older people from all over Tokyo and surrounding areas come to Jizo-dori for their shopping. The place is popularly known as “Harajuku for Grannies” (Harajuku being a popular shopping street for the young) because of the large number of senior citizens that visit it.

The authorities have taken into consideration the needs of the elderly. The guide-board and rate-tables at the Station are all hand written and placed at eye-level and ticket machines are set lower. The pavements around the station and the rest of the area are flat and the streets have textured bricks to prevent slip. The area also has several places of rest with covered roofs. All shops at Jizo-dori and the rest of Sugamo are also barrier-free, making it easy for the elderly with canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to enter and move around.