Don't Leave After Platinum Street: Shirokane's Pre-War Backstreet Most Visitors Miss

Say "Shirokane" and most people picture Platinum Street, with its lovely tree-lined avenue and chic boutiques and cafés — the glamorous side of the neighborhood. But there is another face: Kitazato-dori, a street with a pre-war, old-Tokyo feel. If you're visiting, walk both.

Kitazato-dori — the Showa-retro, everyday side of Shirokane

Kitazato-dori (the Shirokane Kitazato shopping street) was once called the "Shinohashi shopping street" and, in the Showa era, rivaled Azabu-Juban for liveliness. Old row houses with "signboard architecture" and copper-clad shopfronts still remain, preserving a nostalgic atmosphere. In contrast to Platinum Street's polish, here you feel the rhythm of everyday life.

For a break, stop by Kissa Sandorian, a long-loved coffee house on the street. Its Showa-retro charm endures, and its specialty is a nostalgic Napolitan (ketchup spaghetti) that has even been featured on TV — the perfect rest stop on your stroll.

PRIVÉ白金Sandorian | PRIVÉ白金 寄り道スポット昭和の趣を残す、昔ながらの老舗喫茶店。テレビでも紹介された名物ナポリタンや、懐かしいカレー・ピラフが味わえます。朝から夜まで営業しているので、サロン帰りにほっと一息つく寄り道にぴったりです。

The lane named after a world-famous scientist

Kitazato-dori is named after Kitasato Shibasaburo, the father of modern Japanese medicine. He studied in Germany under Robert Koch, achieved the first pure culture of the tetanus bacillus, and pioneered serum therapy — work that earned him worldwide renown. (Japanese visitors will also recognize him as the face of the new ¥1,000 note.) Kitasato University and its hospital line the street, and the Kitasato Shibasaburo Memorial Room tells his story — a quiet highlight for the curious.

Add art and greenery in Shirokanedai

A little farther on, Shirokanedai offers the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, set in the Art Deco former Prince Asaka Residence, and the Institute for Nature Study, a forest you would never expect in the city center. Together with Platinum Street's avenue, it makes a perfect, relaxed half-day stroll. The nearest stations are Shirokane-takanawa and Shirokanedai (Tokyo Metro Namboku / Toei Mita lines).

Memorable to the fingertips — nails in Shirokane

Japanese nail art is loved around the world for its delicacy and technique. Why not make your Shirokane day memorable down to your fingertips with this local craft? PRIVÉ Shirokane offers fully private rooms. Browse our design gallery to choose a look that fits your trip.

PRIVÉ白金Private Nail Salon in Shirokane, Minato | Paragel Included, Private Rooms | PRIVÉ ShirokanePrivate nail salon in Shirokane 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo (walkable from Hiroo Station). Free Paragel upgrade on standard menus for gentle nail care. Premium...

A suggested half-day course

Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family — a relaxed half-day taking in both sides of Shirokane.

1. Stroll Kitazato-dori: wander the Showa-retro shopping street, its signboard architecture, and the area tied to Kitasato Shibasaburo
2. Break at Kissa Sandorian: pause over the signature Napolitan and a classic coffee
3. Visit Shirokane Hikawa Shrine: a quiet, green precinct — a moment to wish for safe travels
4. Nails at PRIVÉ Shirokane: a private room with a design made for your trip (the photos make a lovely keepsake)
5. Art in Shirokanedai: stroll Platinum Street's avenue and finish with art and greenery at the Teien Art Museum and the Institute for Nature Study

Note: our salon is women-only. If you're visiting as a couple or family, your companions can spend the appointment time exploring Kitazato-dori, relaxing at Kissa Sandorian, or visiting Shirokane Hikawa Shrine.

Glamorous Platinum Street and history-rich Kitazato-dori: walk both sides of Shirokane, polished to your fingertips, for a day to remember.