Exploring Oimachi’s Showa Retro Back Alleys: Ofuro no Osama, Just One Stop from Shinagawa

“Oimachi,” located in a prime location just 1 station from Shinagawa on the Keihin-Tohoku Line, is a super hidden gem of a town in the metropolis of Tokyo that still exudes a Showa retro feel; we explore Oimachi.

In this article, we introduce the back alleys of Oimachi.

Exploring “Oimachi,” a Fascinating Town Retaining a Downtown Feel

1 Station from Shinagawa on the Keihin-Tohoku Line

“Oimachi,” located in a prime location just 1 station from Shinagawa on the Keihin-Tohoku Line, is a super hidden gem of a town in the metropolis of Tokyo that still exudes a Showa retro feel.

Getting off at the station, it is a prime location where you can watch the Keihin-Tohoku Line to your heart’s content. Does that have any meaning? The station in Oimachi is a bit complex, with two types of stairs going up from the platform to the ticket gates; depending on which one you climb, the exit is completely different. Futuristic buildings stand side by side, and YAMADA DENKI LABI stands imposingly right before your eyes in Oimachi.

The exit on the Atre side ticket gate of Oimachi Station is huge.

I also like the downtown-side ticket gate with a Heisei-like feel; since I don’t know which is which, I’ll take my chances when I exit.

Ticket Gate	Main Landmarks
Central Exit (Atre-side Ticket Gate)	YAMADA DENKI LABI, Ofuro no Osama
West Exit (Downtown-side Ticket Gate)	Restaurant district, izakaya/drinking district

Downtown Atmosphere Overflowing with Showa Retro Vibes

Getting off at the West Exit (downtown-side ticket gate) and making a U-turn toward the train tracks, entering a small path leads to the Azuma-koji restaurant district, where this back alley overflowing with Showa retro vibes is irresistible.

Nostalgic-feeling restaurants (small eateries) and drinking spots stand side by side, making it fun just to walk around, although shops are not open yet during an exploration around 4:00 PM.

Ramen shops are open even at this time. Diner-style eateries and drinking spots are filled with good shops operating at old-fashioned Showa prices; the restaurant district of Oimachi is a back alley you want to visit at least once. Entering takes a bit of courage, but let’s take a leap of faith and go in!

Passing by without entering Azuma-koji, there is a 24-hour, year-round manga cafe, DiCE, so even if you miss the last train, you’re fine.

Super Public Bath “Ofuro no Osama”

If you want to enjoy Oimachi, the recommended super public bath “Ofuro no Osama” is on the Hankyu Hotel side upon exiting the Atre-side ticket gate. Exiting the Central Exit (Atre-side ticket gate), the first thing that catches your eye is the escalator leading to the “Rinkai Line”; if you accidentally get on the Rinkai Line escalator, you’ll be carried far underground, so be careful! Seriously long…

Riding it in reverse like an elementary school student would be a huge nuisance, so let’s give up on that.

Exiting safely outside, “Ofuro no Osama” is right in front of your eyes. Guests staying at Ours Inn Hankyu can apparently also enter “Ofuro no Osama” (*In the case of plans with a bath ticket).

be nice~

Looking at “Ofuro no Osama,” it always looks like “Hadaka no Osama” (The Emperor’s New Clothes) to me, but…

The indoor bath and open-air bath are spacious, the facility interior is spacious, and the dining spot is also spacious and relatively uncrowded, so you can relax. Spending the whole holiday slacking off here might be nice. A useless human… It is a super public bath equipped with good conditions.

Summary: Oimachi Where You Can Enjoy Showa Retro Vibes

Located right next to the metropolis—just 1 station from Shinagawa on the Keihin-Tohoku Line—Oimachi surprisingly retains a rich “downtown emotion” and “Showa retro” feel to this day. Futuristic building groups decorating the front of the station, and a restaurant district where stepping inside feels like time-traveling. This dual nature can be called the greatest pleasure of walking through the town of Oimachi.

Oimachi is an urban oasis with a triple threat: good to live in, good to play in, and good to drink in. After shopping in a futuristic shopping mall, having a drink in a back alley lined with red lanterns… Please do visit Oimachi to experience such a luxurious gap. Surely, you will encounter a new side of Tokyo!