WALKING ON THE STREETS OF KAMATA, JAPAN

Kamata is one of the neighbourhoods of Ota. Ota is one of the 23 wards of Tokyo and has about a total of 700 thousand people. It is also one of the largest from among the 23 cities. Tokyo is a dense network of train but Kamata is conveniently located at the same train line (Keihin-Tohoku) as the main city of Tokyo so it will be difficult to miss it. This particular area is also very close to Haneda airport, roughly 10-15 minutes ride by taxi and you will easily get there.

Kamata is home to many industrial, manufacturing and office areas. You may probably find that the place will not be interesting as it doesn't have the touristy or picturesque areas you are looking for. But, if you are hunting for a wide variety of food and some great, cheap shopping... this will be the perfect place.

I had been to Kamata several times primarily because this is where our headquarter office is located but I never really got to explore the area except in instances that we had to go out for lunch or walk back to my hotel. 

But this recent trip had given me a bit of free time before heading home...and what could be the best thing to do? What else but not to miss the opportunity to walk around and  know what this place could offer.

Within the streets of the hotel where I stayed (which also happens to be the only hotel in the area), are several restaurants you can choose from, whether you fancy different kinds or types of Japanese food, Chinese or Italian.

Kamata, Japan train station

A 5-minute walk from the same hotel will lead you straight to the Kamata train station. In the station itself is a big department store called Grand Duo and is about 3 floors and houses many different shopping items from cosmetic items, clothing and a whole lot more. Up above the same building will bring you to several restaurants. I had been privileged to eat lunch with a Japanese colleague and I ate the most delicious and authentic pork cutlets and shrimp tempura on top of shredded lettuce with some nice gravy which came with it to dip in.

Sunrise Kamata

Behind the station is a gem of shopping districts...to your left, you will find a shopping street called Sunrise Kamata. In this shopping street, you will find items from food and household items, shoes, clothes, appliances, fresh fruits and vegetables and essentially anything and everything you want and need.

When you go out and you walk slightly further you will find another street called Happy Road. The covered street also houses most of the same stuff as Sunrise street but here you will also find some international, popular fastfood joints like KFC. This is also the road where you could find a 100Yen store (yes, all items sold at 100Yen or 1USD). 

Walking further will lead you to Tokyu Plaza. Tokyu Plaza is where you could find a supermarket which mainly sells fresh food items. Opposite the supermarket is a bakery shop, if you are longing to eat some bread or pastries. Tokyu Plaza is also called the restaurant street which means, yes you are right, where you can find another row of restaurants. If you are longing and raring for fastfood, this is where you could find Mc Donald's. 

So when you plan to visit Japan and want to explore some rare finds, do not forget to visit and drop by Kamata and you may easily find yourself liking this place. Have fun!