Shotengai
Shōtengai
Type of Japanese commercial district
A shōtengai (商店街) is a style of Japanese commercial district, typically in the form of a local market street that is closed to car traffic. Local shōtengai cater to the needs of nearby residents with a diverse mix of small specialty shops and few large retailers. In many older neighborhoods, these streets serve as cultural gathering spaces, holding seasonal festivals, processions, and other events throughout the year.[1][2]
Many older shōtengai developed along roads leading to large shrines or temples; Nakamise-dōri to Sensō-ji, Asakusa is a typical example. More modern shōtengai often connect to the nearest train or subway station, or other public gathering points such as large parks or landmarks.[3] Most suburbs and towns of Japan have shōtengai of varying size, and larger shōtengai may take the form of covered arcades that are accessible only by foot or bicycle.[4]