Panorama TOKYO : Zoshigaya 2

Tramway Arakawa Line, the only remaining streetcar service still operating in Tokyo, runs through Zoshigaya. It has not been abolished in the cramped street, for the streetcar track is separated from a trunk road. You smell something good beside the crossing at Kishibojinmae Tram Stop, and find the old-fashioned shop with simple signboards. The right sign reads in Japanese, 'unagi' (eels / broiled eels) and 'yakitori' (grilled chicken skewered on a bamboo stick). This street makes us look back on the good old days.

The urban development gaining speed in the 21st century is not only in the center of Tokyo. They will start the new subway service passing through this area in 2007. A new underground station will be completed here then. You can rest easy as the tramway still remains, but the nostalgic scene of this town is unavoidable due to disappear.

Subway Yurakucho Line: Higashi-Ikebukuro Sta., Tram Arakawa Line: Kishibojinmae Stop