Good Bye Fumikiri! walking tour

The controversial redevelopment of the Shimokitazawa area reaches a crucial juncture on March 23, as the Odakyu railway line moves underground, taking with it the widely loathed level crossings (known as fumikiri in Japanese) that have been inconveniencing local shoppers for decades. If the loss of these local landmarks/bugbears puts you in a nostalgic mood, you might want to join this afternoon walking tour on Saturday, which takes in all of the soon-to-disappear crossings between Higashi-Kitazawa and Setagaya-Daita stations. The tour departs from outside Higashi-Kitazawa Station at 1pm, and is limited to 20 people; email aoisigunal@hotmail.com if you'd like to take part.