Kita
北区
Things to Do in and Around Kita
Kita City is located in the northern part of Tokyo's 23 Cities, where historical sites and modern cityscapes coexist. The area features landmarks from the Edo period, such as Asukayama Park and the Former Furukawa Gardens, while also boasting lively shopping streets like Akabane and Oji. It is a district that combines a down-to-earth atmosphere where you can feel Tokyo's traditional culture with excellent access to the city center.
Where is Kita?
Kita City is located in the northern part of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, approximately 5 km north of the city center. To the east, it is bordered by Adachi City across the Arakawa River, and to the west, it is adjacent to Itabashi City. The southern border is shared with Bunkyo City and Toshima City, while the northern border meets Kawaguchi City in Saitama Prefecture.
The Shakujii River and Sumida River flow through the ward, serving as natural boundaries, and the area along the Arakawa River offers scenic waterfront views. Despite its excellent access to the city center, it also features attractive green spaces such as Asukayama Park and the Former Furukawa Gardens.
Getting Around
For Kita City, JR Yamanote Line stations and Tokyo Metro Namboku Line stations are convenient. The Toden Arakawa Line, which runs east-west through the city, is also ideal for sightseeing. Especially Akabane Station serves as a hub for access to Saitama, with the Shonan-Shinjuku Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line stopping there.
In addition to trains, the community bus "K-Bus" is also in operation, making it convenient for travel within the city.
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About Kita
Kita City is located in the northern part of Tokyo's 23 Cities, where historical streets from the Edo period coexist with modern urban functions. The area known as "Oji," where Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have first set foot upon entering Edo, is a historical symbol of Kita City.
Asukayama Park - One of Japan's Oldest Parks
Asukayama, developed in 1737 by the eighth shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, is known as one of Japan's oldest parks. In spring, about 600 cherry trees bloom, making it a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period. Within the park, there are three museums: the Shibusawa Memorial Museum, the Kita City Asukayama Museum, and the Paper Museum, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy culture and history all at once.
The Legacy of Eiichi Shibusawa, Father of Japanese Business
In Kita City, the former residence "Bankoro" and "Seien Bunko" of Eiichi Shibusawa, who greatly contributed to Japan's modernization, are preserved. Tracing the footsteps of Eiichi Shibusawa, whose image is featured on the new 10,000 yen bill, is a unique attraction of Kita City. Especially, Bankoro is designated as an important cultural property of Japan, showcasing the beauty of Meiji-era Western-Japanese architecture.
Shopping Streets Full of Downtown Charm
The Jujo Ginza Shopping Street is a lively shopping area stretching about 400 meters with over 200 shops. It is bustling with traditional eateries and specialty stores, supporting the daily lives of locals. For foreign tourists, it offers a rare opportunity to experience "the real daily life of Tokyo" that hasn't been commercialized as a tourist spot.
Excellent Access to the City Center and Abundant Nature
Kita City offers excellent access to the city center while being rich in nature with waterfront spaces like the Arakawa and Shakujii Rivers and many parks, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Arakawa riverbed, in particular, is a vast green space, bustling with locals enjoying sports and walks on weekends.