Josai Area (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Nakano, Suginami, Nerima) Station & Area Guide Information
🏙️ Suginami City — What Is It? A neighborhood where Chuo Line culture meets abundant greenery. A comfortable, relaxed place to live with its own creative and local charm.
🏡 In Real Estate Terms Suginami City is known as a well-balanced residential area offering both direct access to central Tokyo and calm, low-rise neighborhoods. The district’s local shopping streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and rich greenery make it popular among families, DINKs, and singles alike. 🌳 Origin of the Name “Suginami” comes from the Edo period, when feudal lord Tadakichi Okabe planted rows of cedar trees along the Ome-kaido road as a landmark. The term “Suginamiki” (cedar row) was gradually shortened and became “Suginami,” eventually adopted as the name of the district. 📜 History at a Glance 1932: Incorporated into Tokyo as Suginami City Post-war: Rapid development as a residential district The expansion of Ome-kaido and the introduction of streetcars (later becoming the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) boosted local mobility 🖋 A Literary Heritage From the 1920s, many prominent writers—such as Masuji Ibuse, Osamu Dazai, and Yasunari Kawabata—lived in Asagaya. The traditions of the “Asagaya Bungaku (Asagaya Literati)” still leave a cultural imprint on the area. 🏘️ Distinct Personalities of Each Town 🎉 Koenji Known for vintage shops, live houses, and youth culture. The Koenji Awa Odori Festival (since 1957) is now one of Tokyo’s iconic summer events. 🎷 Asagaya Home…
🌳 Nerima City – What Is It? A residential powerhouse in western Tokyo, where greenery, animation culture, and comfort come together
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…
🏙 What is the Josai Area (West of Central Tokyo)? ―― A well-balanced residential zone connecting Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Nakano, Suginami, and Nerima ―― The Josai Area refers to the western part of Tokyo’s 23 wards — a region that combines excellent access to the city center with a calm, livable environment, making it one of the most desirable residential areas in Tokyo.
🏛 Overview The Josai Area covers Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Nakano, Suginami, and Nerima Wards — Tokyo’s west side. It offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility, appealing to a wide range of residents, from singles and couples to families and long-term residents. 📜 Origin of the Name The term “Josai” (城西) literally means “west of the castle,” referring to areas located west of Edo Castle (today’s Imperial Palace). This historical geographic distinction has been passed down through the centuries and is now widely used in the real estate industry to describe one of Tokyo’s most livable and sought-after residential zones. 🚇 Transportation Access The Josai Area is exceptionally convenient for commuting, thanks to its dense network of train and subway lines connecting directly to central Tokyo. Main lines: JR Chuo Line / Yamanote Line / Odakyu Line / Keio Line / Seibu Shinjuku Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Oedo Line, and more. These routes link directly to Shinjuku and Shibuya, allowing smooth travel between the city center and the suburbs. 🌆 Area Highlights Shibuya Ward Undergoing large-scale redevelopment, Shibuya stands as a global hub for youth culture, startups, and IT companies. Shinjuku Ward A…