Located in the northeast of Tokyo, Arakawa City is a special ward known for its warm “shitamachi” local atmosphere in areas like Nippori, Nishi-Nippori, Machiya, Minami-Senju, Mikawashima, and Oku.
The charm of traditional neighborhoods blends with modern redevelopment, especially noticeable in Minami-Senju.
🗾 Origin of the Name and Historical Background
The name “Arakawa” originally came from the Arakawa River, which once flowed through the area.
Today, the main river along the ward boundary is the Sumida River.
This is because, in 1965, the Arakawa Floodway was legally redefined as the main “Arakawa River,” creating the unique situation where the Arakawa River no longer flows through Arakawa City.
Arakawa City was formed in 1932 through the merger of Minami-Senju, Mikawashima, Oku, and Nippori towns.
Although the river name moved, the ward continues to carry its historical name and identity.
📜 Historical Highlights
🟦 Edo Era (1594)
The Senju Ohashi Bridge—one of the first bridges built in Edo by Tokugawa Ieyasu—was completed.
As the gateway to the Nikko Highway (Nikko Kaido), the area prospered and appeared in ukiyo-e works by Utagawa Hiroshige.
🟧 Modern Era
Industrialization brought factories and lively shopping streets.
Nippori developed into the famous Nippori Fabric Town, now an international destination for creators and DIY enthusiasts.
🟩 Today
Minami-Senju has undergone major redevelopment, with new residential towers and commercial centers like LaLa Terrace Minami-Senju, supporting a convenient daily lifestyle.
🎡 Landmark
Arakawa Amusement Park reopened in 2022 after a full renovation.
A rare ward-operated amusement park in Tokyo, it offers a ferris wheel, mini roller coaster, animal petting area, and family-friendly attractions.
🚆 Transportation: Rail, Airport Access, and Streetcars
Arakawa City has excellent transportation.
• JR Yamanote Line & Keihin-Tohoku Line (Nippori, Nishi-Nippori)
• Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (Nishi-Nippori, Machiya)
• JR Joban Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Tsukuba Express (Minami-Senju)
• Nippori-Toneri Liner (direct access toward Adachi)
✈ From Nippori, the Keisei Skyliner reaches Narita Airport in as little as 36 minutes—ideal for frequent travelers.
🚋 The Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) runs through the ward.
During cherry blossom and rose seasons, the whole route becomes photogenic, turning everyday travel into a scenic experience.
🛣 Roads and Bridges
Major roads include National Route 4 (Nikko Kaido), Meiji-dori Avenue, and Okubashi-dori Avenue.
Senju Ohashi still carries Route 4 across the river and preserves the atmosphere of Edo’s northern gateway.
🎡 Local Highlights & Lifestyle
🎢 Arakawa Amusement Park
Perfect for families with small children.
Ferris wheel, mini coaster, animal area, and cafés make it an easy weekend outing.
🧵 Nippori Fabric Town
A sacred spot for creators, with fabric, trims, and accessories lining the streets.
Popular among international visitors for bulk buying and craft supplies.
🌳 Parks
• Arakawa Nature Park – selected as one of the “New Tokyo 100 Views,” with ponds, sports facilities, and a traffic park.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Ogu-No-Hara Park – known for its wetlands and beautiful weeping cherry blossoms.
📚 Culture
Yui-no-Mori Arakawa is a cultural hub featuring a library, literature museum, and children’s play space.
🏠 Real Estate Perspective
💴 Price Trends
Compared to central Tokyo wards like Chuo, Minato, or Chiyoda, Arakawa City is generally more affordable.
However, popular stations—Nippori, Nishi-Nippori (Yamanote Line, airport access), and Minami-Senju (redevelopment)—see fast-moving inventory.
🏘 Neighborhood Styles
• Machiya → Kumanomae: Calm residential areas with strong local shopping streets
• Nippori → Nishi-Nippori: Excellent transit, ideal for singles and DINKS
• Minami-Senju: Redeveloped, spacious, and family-friendly with riverfront openness
🏭 Zoning Characteristics
Mixed-use zones, including small factories, shops, and houses coexist in classic Tokyo fashion.
When choosing a property, it’s wise to check road width, noise levels, and surrounding uses on-site.
🛡 Disaster Awareness
Because parts of the ward include low-lying river areas, flood and earthquake hazard maps are available.
Checking flood/ liquefaction risk before renting or purchasing is recommended (3D English maps available).
📌 Summary
Arakawa City offers a rare balance of excellent access, local warmth, and reasonable housing costs.
It’s a compact but dynamic area where daily convenience and weekend enjoyment coexist—ideal for those who want a practical, comfortable, and authentic “Tokyo local” lifestyle.