Negishi, Administrative district in Taitō-ku, Japan
Negishi is an administrative district in Taitō-ku that merges residential areas with commercial zones through narrow streets lined with small shops and apartment buildings. The mix of older and modern structures creates a distinctive streetscape that feels both lived-in and active.
The district grew during the Edo period as a residential extension from agricultural land at the edge of expanding Edo. This foundation shaped how the neighborhood remains organized as a coherent community today.
The neighborhood holds annual festivals where residents gather for traditional performances and communal food preparation in public spaces. These events reflect how locals maintain their sense of community within the urban setting.
The neighborhood connects to central Tokyo through several bus routes, with nearby Ueno Station providing main rail access to other parts of the city. Walking is the easiest way to explore the area and move between its different sections.
Several small family-operated workshops throughout the district continue making traditional Japanese paper using techniques passed down over centuries. These shops are easy to miss while walking, but they offer a rare glimpse into how such craftsmanship survives in the modern city.
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