Katsushika City sits at the easternmost border of Tokyo’s 23 wards, surrounded by the Arakawa, Nakagawa, and Edogawa Rivers 🌊.
It is known for its wide riverside skies, laid-back atmosphere, and the warmth of traditional Shitamachi neighborhoods.
Home to the iconic towns of Shibamata and Kameari, Katsushika has been loved nationwide through films and manga such as “Otoko wa Tsurai yo” and “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-Mae Hashutsujo” 🎬📚.
🏷️ Origin of the Name “Katsushika”
“Katsushika” is an ancient place name found in the Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest poetry anthology 📜.
Its origin is debated:
“Katsu = cliffs/plateaus” + “Shika = lowlands” (terrain theory)
Origin from thick-growing vines (“kazura”)
Origin related to hunting grounds
Although no single theory is confirmed, the name traces back to the historic Katsushika County of ancient times 🕊️.
🕰️ Historical Highlights
Early modern to modern era: Land reclamation, river development, and canal transport flourished as Edo expanded 🌾🚣♂️
1932: Katsushika Ward established during Tokyo’s major municipal expansion
1947: Reorganized into the current “special ward” structure
Cultural milestones include:
The growth of Shibamata Taishakuten and its temple town
Nationwide fame through “Otoko wa Tsurai yo”
Kameari rising to pop-culture stardom through “KochiKame”
Katsushika blends nostalgic Tokyo with modern cultural charm✨.
🎌 Local Highlights & Cultural Spots
🛕 Shibamata Taishakuten (Taishakuten / Daikyoji)
Founded in 1629, rebuilt in 1929.
Known for its intricate wooden carvings, peaceful garden, and lively temple approach filled with street food.
⛴️ Yagiri-no-Watashi Ferry
A traditional Edo-period river crossing on the Edogawa River.
A short boat ride still operates today—perfect for a nostalgic weekend trip 🚣♀️.
🏡 Yamamoto-tei
A beautifully preserved 1920s residence combining Japanese shoin-style with Western influences.
Enjoy matcha or coffee while overlooking a serene garden 🍵。
🌿 Mizumoto Park
One of Tokyo’s largest waterside parks.
Famous for irises, poplar avenues, and metasequoia groves—stunning year-round✨.
🎥 Tora-san Museum & Yamada Yoji Museum
Experience the world of “Otoko wa Tsurai yo” with immersive exhibits.
👮♂️ Kameari: Home of KochiKame
More than 15 bronze statues of Ryotsu Kankichi and characters stand around the station.
A dedicated KochiKame Museum opens in 2025!
🌉 Katsushika Harp Bridge
The world’s first S-shaped cable-stayed bridge (opened in 1987).
A nighttime landmark with beautiful illumination 📸。
🚆 Access (Rail & Roads)
🚃 Rail
JR Joban Line (Kameari, Kanamachi)
→ Direct through-service to Tokyo Metro Chiyoda LineJR Sobu Rapid Line (Shin-Koiwa)
→ Key access to central Tokyo & ChibaKeisei Railway
→ Main Line, Oshiage Line, and Kanamachi Line (Shibamata)
→ Airport access via Keisei Access Express ✈️Hokusō Line
→ Connects to Narita Sky Access Line for fast airport travel
🛣️ Roads
Shuto Expressway Route 6 (Misato Line)
Tokyo Gaikan Expressway (C3) for smooth access to the bay area & northern Kanto
Major routes: National Route 6, Kan-nana (Ring Road 7)
🏙️ Townscape & Architecture
Shibamata’s temple approach, the Edo-style streetscape, the riverside parks…
Katsushika’s scenery blends old Tokyo charm with refreshing riverside openness✨.
The red-brick Kanamachi Water Purification Plant intake tower is a beloved local landmark appearing in films and manga.
🏠 Living & Real Estate Perspective
🛒 Convenience
Kameari, Shin-Koiwa, Kanamachi, and Aoto offer excellent daily convenience:
Large supermarkets
Shopping streets
Local eateries
Clinics and hospitals
A great balance of commuting convenience × everyday livability 🛍️。
🏘️ Housing Styles
A wide variety of housing options:
Low-rise houses and rowhouses
Small apartment buildings
Mid-rise condominiums near stations
Shibamata offers scenic tranquility, while Kameari & Shin-Koiwa emphasize practicality and convenience.
📈 Future Development
Major improvements underway:
Continuous grade separation on the Keisei Oshiage Line
Redevelopment of Tateishi Station North Exit
This means:
✨ Fewer level crossings
✨ Safer streets
✨ Better station-front walkability
✨ Higher future asset value
⚠️ Disaster Preparedness
As a low-lying riverside area, flood/hightide hazard checks are essential.
Katsushika Ward provides updated multilingual hazard maps (2025 edition).
When choosing housing, review flood assumptions, evacuation buildings, and ground conditions.
🎯 Recommended For People Who…
Love waterfront walks, photography, and seasonal nature 🌿📸
Enjoy living amid film & manga landmarks
Want both airport access and strong everyday convenience ✈️
Prefer active local shopping streets & community life 🛍️
Want parks and riverside relaxation on weekends 🏞️