Sugamo's Shopping Street

As Japan has one of the oldest average age populations in the world, it is not surprising that they have a shopping neighbourhood that caters specifically to the older generation.  Sugamo Shopping Street, its formal name, is often lovingly referred to as the “Harajuku of the old ladies”. 

Naturally, Beth couldn’t wait to go and check it out.

The street itself is flat and fully accessible, with gentle slopes to separate the street from the sidewalk and the sidewalk from the shops.  This also helps to prevent flooding from any rain.  The main square has lots of benches with a wide open space in the center for people to gather.

The crosswalks are brightly coloured with perforated colour blocks for those who may have vision challenges.  The crosswalk signage is bigger and louder than those in the rest of the city.

One has to wonder if this is what streets of the future look like – easy to walk and accessible to all.  It certainly gets you in a cheerful shopping mood…