A lively, culturally rich district in northwest Tokyo, centered around the major hub Ikebukuro.
Toshima City was formed in 1932 when the former towns of Sugamo, Nishi-Sugamo, Takada, and Nagasaki merged.
The district name comes from the ancient “Toshima County,” a historic region in Musashi Province.
Today, Ikebukuro stands as one of Tokyo’s key sub-centers, along with Shinjuku and Shibuya.
📜 Origin of the Name & Historical Highlights
・The name “Toshima” originates from the ancient Toshima County of Musashi Province.
・In 1932, four towns were incorporated into Tokyo City to form Toshima Ward; reorganized as a special ward in 1947.
・As transportation networks expanded, Ikebukuro rapidly developed into a major commercial and cultural hub.
・A symbolic redevelopment after WWII was Sunshine City, built in 1978 on the former Sugamo Prison site.
・Sunshine 60, its landmark tower, was one of Asia’s tallest skyscrapers at the time, gaining global attention.
🎨 Culture & Key Attractions
🌇 Sunshine City (Ikebukuro East)
A massive complex with an aquarium, planetarium, shopping malls, and hotels.
The observatory was renewed in 2023 as “Sunshine 60 Observatory – Tenbou Park.”
🎭 Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Ikebukuro West)
Opened in 1990. Houses a 2,000-seat concert hall and performance venues, serving as a major cultural institution.
🎬 Hareza Ikebukuro / Brillia Hall
Opened in 2019. A cultural zone consisting of a large theater and eight surrounding venues—an anchor facility for the city’s “International Art & Culture City” initiative.
🎶 Global Ring (Ikebukuro West Gate Park)
A circular open-air stage hosting free events, concerts, and festivals, adding vibrancy to the district.
⛩️ Zoshigaya & Kishimojindo
Historic neighborhood with traditional shops and local charm.
📚 Tokiwa-so Manga Museum (Minami-Nagasaki)
A full-scale recreation of the legendary apartment where manga icons such as Osamu Tezuka, Fujiko Fujio, and Shotaro Ishinomori lived.
Opened in 2020 and loved by fans worldwide.
🚆 Transportation & Access
🚉 Ikebukuro Station
One of Tokyo’s largest hubs:
JR (Yamanote, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku), Tobu Tojo Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and three Tokyo Metro lines (Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Fukutoshin).
Direct access to central Tokyo, Saitama, and southwest Tokyo.
🚋 Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)
Runs through Otsuka and Sugamo—ideal for slow-paced local exploration.
🚗 Shuto Expressway Route 5 (Ikebukuro Line)
With nearby on-ramps at East Ikebukuro and Kita-Ikebukuro, the district offers excellent road access to both city center and outer Tokyo.
🏙️ Urban Development & Livability
・Toshima City promotes the “International Art & Culture City” vision through public–private redevelopment of theaters, parks, and station plazas.
・Selected as “Culture City of East Asia 2019” and an “SDGs Future City” in 2020.
・The Toshima Ward Office (Toshima Eco-Musee Town) relocated to Higashi-Ikebukuro in 2015.
・The eco-friendly high-rise is directly connected underground to Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line.
・Upper floors house Brillia Tower, representing a modern “work–life integration” model.
🏘️ Residential Characteristics by Area
🏙️ Ikebukuro
・One of the busiest stations in Japan with huge transportation demand.
・Dense concentration of commerce, offices, and entertainment.
・Extremely strong rental demand from singles and working couples.
・Redevelopment (Hareza, Global Ring, station plazas) enhances long-term property value.
🌿 Mejiro / Zoshigaya / Minami-Ikebukuro
・Calm residential areas with schools, campuses, and historic temples.
・Popular among families and DINKs seeking tranquility.
🎏 Otsuka / Sugamo
・Retro shopping streets and nostalgic local eateries.
・More affordable than Ikebukuro—great for first-time Tokyo residents.
🏠 Kanamecho – Shiinamachi – Higashi-Nagasaki (Seibu Ikebukuro Line)
・One stop from Ikebukuro, offering semi-urban living.
・Good mix of older homes and new developments; balanced for both end-users and investors.
📚 Minami-Nagasaki (Tokiwa-so area)
・Cultural tourism zone with strong local charm.
・Ideal for small shops combined with residential use.
💴 Rental Trends
・Fast turnover for studio–1LDK rentals within walking distance of Ikebukuro.
・Families tend to choose Mejiro, Zoshigaya, or Minami-Nagasaki for a quieter lifestyle.
・Redeveloped areas around major stations maintain stable rental prices and demand.
🛣️ Major Roads & Daily Mobility
National Route 254 (Kawagoe Highway), Meiji-dori, and Mejiro-dori traverse the district.
Proximity to Shuto Expressway entrances provides smooth access to central Tokyo and the suburbs.
🌍 Popular Topics for International Residents
・Deep anime/manga culture: Otome Road, Animate flagship store, Tokiwa-so Museum.
・Abundant theaters and concert halls attract global performers and fans.
・Frequent outdoor events—often free—create a lively cultural atmosphere.
・Family-friendly: stroller-accessible malls, rooftop playgrounds, and well-designed public plazas.
🎯 Recommended for People Who:
・Need top-level commuting convenience.
・Want daily shopping, dining, and entertainment within walking distance.
・Enjoy culture—music, theater, anime, and events.
・Seek future property value in a continuously redeveloping sub-center.
📌 Summary
Toshima City blends the power of Ikebukuro’s transportation hub with an exceptional cultural infrastructure of theaters, museums, and open plazas.
It offers both metropolitan convenience and local charm, appealing to residents, visitors, and investors alike.