Nerima City sits in the northwest of Tokyo’s 23 wards, covering a vast area of about 48.08 km².
Set along the gentle terrain of the Musashino Plateau, with rivers like Shakujii River and Shirako River flowing through spacious green parks, the area offers a relaxed lifestyle while remaining close to central Tokyo.

Historic parks such as Shakujii Park (opened in 1959) and the expansive Hikarigaoka Park create rich “green breathing spaces,” making Nerima one of the most popular family-friendly residential areas in the city.

📛 Where does the name “Nerima” come from?

There are several theories about the origin of the name:

From “neriba,” meaning a clay-working site that used red Kanto loam soil

From “Nenuma,” referring to marshy land once common in the area

From “Norinuma,” a Nara-era station name that shifted in pronunciation

From “Neruma,” meaning a place where horses were trained

None are definitive, but all reflect the land’s historical relationship with soil, water, and horses.

📜 Historical Highlights

🏯 Medieval Period
The Shakujii Castle served as a stronghold of the Toshima clan. It fell in 1477 in a battle against Ota Dokan.
Today, remnants like moats and earthworks remain as Tokyo-designated historic sites.

🌱 Edo to Early Modern Era
The area flourished as an agricultural village near Edo (Tokyo).
The famous “Nerima Daikon” radish became a well-known specialty across Japan.

🏙 1947 – Becoming a Special Ward
Nerima separated from Itabashi Ward, becoming Tokyo’s 23rd special ward. Rapid urbanization followed.

🌏 Postwar to Present
The Hikarigaoka district served as a U.S. military residential area called “Grant Heights” until its full return in 1973.
It was redeveloped into the Hikarigaoka housing complex and Hikarigaoka Park, forming today’s large-scale residential landscape.

🚆 Transportation Access

🚇 Railways
Nerima is served by the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Toshima Line, Shinjuku Line, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Fukutoshin Line, Toei Oedo Line, and more—effectively “eight lines worth” of connectivity.
Direct access to Shibuya and Yokohama via the Fukutoshin Line, and easy access to Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, offer excellent daily mobility.
The Oedo Line starts from Hikarigaoka Station, enhancing flexibility within the ward.

🚗 Road Access
Nerima IC is the starting point of the Kan-Etsu Expressway, and Oizumi JCT links the expressway with the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway.
Car travel within and outside Tokyo is smooth and convenient.

🏞 Key Districts and Landmarks

🌸 Shakujii Park Area
Home to natural forests and two ponds, Shakujii Pond and Sanpoji Pond.
A peaceful oasis perfect for strolling, bird watching, and exploring historic sites.
Cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in early summer are especially beautiful.

🌆 Hikarigaoka Area
A planned “new town” developed after the return of Grant Heights.
Wide boulevards, Hikarigaoka Park, residential complexes, and shopping facilities create an open and orderly landscape.

🎬 Oizumi Gakuen – The Home of Japanese Animation
The birthplace of Japan’s animation industry, linked to Osamu Tezuka’s Mushi Production and Toei Animation.
At “Oizumi Anime Gate” near the station, life-size statues of Astro Boy, Maetel & Tetsuro, Joe Yabuki, and Lum welcome visitors.
The Toei Animation Museum is also a popular spot.

🎡 Former Toshimaen Site
After the historic amusement park closed in 2020, the “Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter” opened in 2023.
It became an international attraction where visitors can explore behind-the-scenes film production.

🏠 Living & Real Estate Highlights

🌿 Top-class greenery in Tokyo
With around 690 parks and green spaces, daily access to nature is one of Nerima’s biggest advantages.
Families rate the area highly for its environment.

😌 Quiet living with strong mobility
Commercial convenience clusters around station areas, while quiet low-rise neighborhoods expand just beyond.
Direct or smooth connections to Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and even Yokohama make everyday travel remarkably efficient.

🏡 Area Personalities

🌳 Shakujii Park – Kami-Shakujii
A calm residential district surrounded by rich greenery and water.
Highly valued for both comfort and long-term property appeal.

🎬 Oizumi Gakuen
A serene family neighborhood blended with animation culture and shopping facilities.
Excellent access for car users thanks to the nearby expressways.

🏙 Nerima (Ward Office Area)
A convenient hub with strong commercial activity and easy daily shopping.
Balances station-front convenience with quiet residential living.

🌿 Hikarigaoka
A spacious, well-planned townscape with a large park, wide promenades, and organized residential blocks.
A long-standing favorite for families.

🕰 Historical Spots for Deeper Exploration

🏯 Shakujii Castle Ruins
Walk through moats, earthworks, and wooded paths while imagining the battles of the Warring States era.

🏘 Hikarigaoka – Memories of Grant Heights
The stories of occupation, return movements, and redevelopment offer insight into Tokyo’s postwar urban history.

📌 In one sentence
Nerima combines “direct access to central Tokyo,” “animation and park culture,” and “a calm residential environment,” making it one of the most satisfying and future-ready living areas in western Tokyo.