Toshima
豊島区
Things to Do in and Around Toshima
Toshima City is located in the northwestern part of Tokyo's 23 wards, offering a diverse urban landscape where commercial areas centered around Ikebukuro coexist with quiet residential neighborhoods. The district boasts rich cultural facilities including Sunshine City and Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, while the traditional shitamachi atmosphere is preserved in Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, affectionately known as "Grandma's Harajuku." With several universities in the area, Toshima is a unique district where youthful energy harmonizes with tradition.
Where is Toshima?
Toshima City is located in the northwestern part of Tokyo's 23 wards, bordered by Itabashi City to the north, Bunkyo City to the east, Shinjuku City to the south, and Nakano and Nerima Cities to the west. Ikebukuro Station, the district's center, is recognized as one of Tokyo's three major sub-centers alongside Shinjuku and Shibuya. The district can be broadly divided into several distinct areas: the Ikebukuro area with its concentration of commercial facilities, the quiet residential neighborhoods of Mejiro and Takada, and the Sugamo and Komagome areas that retain their traditional downtown atmosphere, each offering a different character.
Getting Around
Access to Toshima City is extremely convenient, with Ikebukuro Station serving as the district's gateway where multiple lines converge: JR Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Yurakucho Line, Fukutoshin Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and Tobu Tojo Line. The district is also served by JR Mejiro Station on the Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Zoshigaya Station on the Fukutoshin Line, and the Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram) running through the area, making intra-district travel simple. From Ikebukuro Station, it takes only about 5 minutes to Shinjuku Station and approximately 15 minutes to Tokyo Station, providing excellent access to major areas of the city.
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About Toshima
Ikebukuro, known as the center of Toshima City, is a shopping district with large commercial facilities, led by Sunshine City. It has gained attention as a hub for anime and cosplay culture, particularly for young people, with an area called "Otome Road" lined with anime shops targeting female fans that attracts many enthusiasts from both Japan and abroad. The Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre also offers high-quality performing arts, adding a cultural dimension to the area.
Sugamo: "Grandma's Harajuku"
The Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, popular among senior citizens and affectionately known as "Grandma's Harajuku," features rows of shops selling clothing for the elderly, health foods, and traditional Japanese sweets. It becomes especially lively on days with 4 and 9 in the date when special markets are held. This is also a valuable spot for foreign tourists to experience Japanese elderly culture.
A Literary District
Toshima City has a history of being home to many literary giants, including Natsume Soseki and Tayama Katai. Zoshigaya contains the former residence site of Natsume Soseki, making it a pilgrimage site for literature fans. Additionally, Minami-Nagasaki, where "Tokiwa-so" apartment was located, is known as the place where renowned Japanese manga artists like Osamu Tezuka and Fujiko Fujio spent their youth, and now houses the "Tokiwa-so Manga Museum."
Initiatives as an International Art and Culture City
Toshima City promotes itself as an "International Art and Culture City," advancing community development through arts and culture. The district has been developing new cultural hubs such as Hareza Ikebukuro and Naka-Ikebukuro Park, hosting various cultural events. In 2019, it was selected as an "East Asian Cultural City," actively engaging in international cultural exchanges.
The Charm of the Toden Arakawa Line
The Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram) running through the district is a precious local railway line preserved in the urban environment. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully along the tracks, offering scenery that lives up to its name as the "Sakura Tram." The areas along the tram line feature old shopping streets and quiet residential neighborhoods, making them popular spots to experience Tokyo's traditional landscapes.
Culinary Spots in Toshima City
Both the east and west exits of Ikebukuro Station are surrounded by distinctive restaurants. The Higashi-Ikebukuro area, known as a competitive district for Chinese cuisine, offers authentic Chinese dishes. The Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street is lined with long-established Japanese confectionery shops and dango (rice dumpling) stores where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese flavors. The district contains a wide range of dining establishments from budget-friendly restaurants for students to high-end venues, allowing visitors to experience diverse food cultures.