Why does this area have such a name?
Shibuya has always been a valley, filled with natural springs.
This area was once known for its water.
People believed it to be sacred—a “divine spring.”
That is the origin of the name Shinsen.
During the Edo period, pilgrims passed through here, and entertainment districts began to form.
This became the Maruyama geisha district.
In the Meiji era, with the arrival of railways
and the nearby military grounds, the area grew even livelier.
It’s said that on festival days, geisha carried portable shrines through the streets.
Today, what remains is a stone monument recalling the spring, and the traditional restaurant Sanchou.
This street is known as Sangyo Street.
“Sangyo” refers to three trades: geisha houses, restaurants, and teahouses.
Though the geisha district has disappeared, another form of nightlife culture lives on here.
Around Shibuya’s valley, many hidden streets still remain to be discovered.
※This guide was created based on documents and interviews and includes some interpretation done by us at ON THE TRIP. Theories differ between experts, so try to find out what really happened on your travels!