Tora-san Museum

2014 Escapade in Japan– review #4
Tokyo’s backyard wonders.
While not usually considered a primary visitor attraction, Shibamata is a beautiful old style town along the Edogawa river and is easily accessible by subway and train from the main Tokyo City area. The town of Shibamata is known for primarily two things:
1) The Taishakuten Daikyoji temple.
2) The home setting for the 48 Tora San movies made in the 1960s thru 1990s and the special Tora San museum.
Shibamata has really been branded as «the home of Tora-​San» and the town shops sell all sorts of Tora-​San related items both food and souvenir items. Many of the businesses which lead to the temple as well as the temple itself provided a backdrop for many of the Tora San movies.
A highlight is the Tora-​San museum which covers the all movies made by the famous Japanese comedian Kiyoshi Atsumi. He was Tora San. Film clips, props, sets from the movies, lots of pictures, interesting information– it’s all here for your enjoyment for only 500 yen. The price includes admission to the Yoji Yamada Museum which covers the work of the director of most of the Tora San movies as well as his life and times in the world of movies.
And finally, an interesting souvenir from Shibamata is the «golden poop» that can purchased in different shapes and sizes– see my photo.
Definitely an interesting place somewhat «off the beaten track» to visit when in Tokyo.