With excellent access to major central hubs like Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, it is highly popular among families and commuters.
From large-scale housing complexes to brand-new station-front condominiums and quiet detached-home neighborhoods, the area offers a wide variety of living environments.
📛 Origin of the Name
“Itabashi” (meaning “wooden plank bridge”) comes from the wooden bridge that once crossed the Shakujii River along the old Nakasendo route.
The current Itabashi area, around Nakajuku, appears in documents dating back to the Kamakura period.
A bridge literally became the name and starting point of the town.
📜 Historical Highlights
• During the Edo period, Itabashi flourished as Itabashi-juku, the first post town on the Nakasendo—one of the five major routes of Edo.
• Along with Shinagawa-juku, Senju-juku, and Naito-Shinjuku, Itabashi-juku formed the “Four Edo Post Towns,” serving as the northern gateway for travelers and goods entering Tokyo.
🚆 Transportation Access
🚉 JR Saikyō Line
• Just one stop from Ikebukuro via Itabashi Station
• Direct access to Shinjuku and Shibuya
• Also connects northbound to Akabane and Ōmiya
🚉 Tobu Tojo Line
• Stations such as Narimasu, Kami-Itabashi, and Tobu-Nerima are located within the ward
• Fun fact: “Tobu-Nerima” has “Nerima” in its name, but the station is actually in Itabashi City
🚉 Toei Mita Line
• Runs north–south through the ward (Shin-Itabashi → Itabashi-Kuyakusho-mae → Itabashi-Honchō → Shimura → Takashimadaira → Nishi-Takashimadaira)
• Easy access from nearly any part of the ward
🚉 Tokyo Metro Yurakucho & Fukutoshin Lines
• Both stop at Chikatetsu-Narimasu Station (in Itabashi)
• The Fukutoshin Line offers through-service to Shibuya and Yokohama
🚗 Road Access
• The Shuto Expressway Route 5 (Ikebukuro Line) runs vertically through the ward
• Connected to the Central Circular Route (C2)
• Major surface roads include National Route 17 (Nakasendo) and National Route 254 (Kawagoe Kaidō)
🏛 Major Spots in Itabashi
🗿 Tokyo Daibutsu (Jōren-ji Temple)
• A bronze Buddha statue standing about 13 meters tall and weighing around 32 tons
• Selected as one of the “New 100 Views of Tokyo”
• Quiet temple grounds with seasonal flowers
🎨 Itabashi Art Museum
• Opened in 1979
• Holds collections ranging from the Kano School to early avant-garde artists
• Known for exhibitions rooted in regional culture
🏙 Takashimadaira Housing Complex
• A massive 1970s residential development once called “the largest housing complex in the East”
• Currently undergoing revitalization and green promenade upgrades
🌸 Old Nakasendo Bridge & Shakujii River
• The bridge that gave Itabashi its name
• Famous cherry blossom spot with seasonal nighttime illumination
🏡 Living & Real Estate Highlights
✨ Convenient commuting × comfortable living
• Direct and easy access to Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya
• Local shopping streets, parks, and riverside promenades make everyday life relaxing
🏘 Wide range of housing options
• Mita Line area (Itabashi-Kuyakusho-mae → Takashimadaira): calm residential neighborhoods with many family-size units
• Tojo Line area (Narimasu / Kami-Itabashi / Tobu-Nerima): lively shopping streets and great retail convenience
• JR Itabashi Station area: next to Ikebukuro with abundant rental and condominium options
🌱 Future potential
• Station redevelopments, housing complex renewal, and green corridor projects are progressing
• Everyday comfort and living quality continue to improve year by year
🎯 Recommended for People Who…
• Need direct access to central Tokyo for work or school
• Prefer a quiet residential environment while staying close to the city
• Enjoy shopping streets, riverside walks, and a community-oriented lifestyle
• Want a family-friendly area with stable amenities and greenery