This page invites you to a residential district where, even today, you can see wooden houses from another era. Walk into a certain alleyway and you will be greeted by a scene from yesteryear—three old houses, beautifully restored, and locals relaxing around a communal well. Opened a few years ago, this small complex is known as Ueno Sakuragi Atari. Atari is a fluid word that can mean "neighborhood" or "surroundings." The houses, built in the Japanese traditional style, were constructed in 1938. They have been repurposed as shops and event spaces, creating a refreshing sense of community.

Although much of Tokyo was burned to the ground during the aerial bombardments of World War II, this area miraculously escaped the flames and is still dotted with wood-built shops, houses, and temples.

The shop, workshop and home that make up Ueno Sakuragi Atari, taking advantage of a traditional architectural style, open their front rooms onto a laneway, letting both locals and visitors who are out for a walk share the same indoor and outdoor spaces. Here, people organize events like an open-air markets and classes for tea ceremony and yoga to promote the arts of eating and living, which are so closely tied to life itself. Day in, day out, new ways to connect with others continue to evolve.

Top photo: On the right-hand side, the inner right, and the inner left of the entrance to the alley are three houses built in the traditional style. They are now used as shops and event spaces.
Bottom row of photos: Children and elderly locals alike enjoy each other’s company around the communal well. There is a bakery in one of the old houses.