Serenity in the Heart of Tokyo

Amid the bustle of Tokyo, incense wafts through the air, geiko wander steadily on ancient cobbled streets and kaiseki cuisine changes the way you think about Japanese food. In these quaint downtown neighborhoods, serenity reigns supreme.

Unlike the rest of Tokyo, which is overseen by a central government, the 23 Special Wards have more autonomy to run day-to-day city operations. They’re also known for their fashionable neighborhoods and affordable rents.
1. Shakujii Park

The pristine greenery of Shakujii Park is a popular destination for joggers, hikers, picnickers, and lovers of nature. The area also boasts a variety of shopping options and cozy cafes.

This sprawling metropolitan park features two ponds surrounded by unpolluted nature. Bird watchers love Scenic Sanpoji Pond, while existential ponderants and wannabe artists hone their brushstrokes on the shores of Shakujii Pond.
2. Hikarigaoka Park

The neighborhood is also home to large parks such as Hikarigaoka Park which extends over 608,000 square meters. It is a popular spot for locals to take breaks from their small living spaces, exercise, socialize and watch nature.

Hikarigaoka Park is located at the center of a residential area where 11,000 families live. It is famous for its ginkgo-lined avenue which turns into a yellow tunnel during autumn.
3. Oizumi Central Park

The ward’s open parks, residential vibe and local atmosphere makes it very family friendly. A 12-minute walk from Nakamurabashi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line is Kodomo no Mori, a children’s park designed purely for imagination and fun.

Also nearby is Heisei Tsutsuji Park, where visitors can admire the azaleas that are Nerima’s flower. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Garden Square, a crowd-free optimal hangout.
4. Sanpoji Temple

Sanpoji Temple is home to a five-storied pagoda and classic tsuyomon front gateway. It’s often referred to as Tokyo’s oldest temple.

It’s also home to the famous Kaminarimon – Asakusa’s Thunder Gate with its giant red and black chochin lantern. It has become a symbol of Asakusa. The area is also known for its Nakamise, a street lined with shops selling souvenirs.
5. Shinjuku Gyoen

This 144-acre park is a beautiful green oasis in the middle of the city. During spring, the garden receives a flood of visitors seeking to see its vibrant cherry blossom displays.

Get to the park via Shinjuku Station (South Exit) or Sendagaya Station on JR Line. Bring a picnic to save on lunch costs. Or hit up a department store basement depachika for some cheap food and drinks.
6. Omoide-Yokocho

More commonly known as Memory Lane or Piss 不動産 練馬区 Alley, this ramshackle tangle of tight alleyways in northwest Shinjuku features cramped little bars and restaurants where you can enjoy drinks and food. Many establishments have English menus.

The area emerged after World War II when locals had to find inventive ways to make money – including grilling animal organ meat. Today, the area retains some of its wild spirit.
7. Shinjuku Department Store

While most associate Nerima Ward with its impressive jungle of skyscrapers, this area is also a shopping paradise. New fashion trends start here, and this area has some major department stores.

The Odakyu department store dominates the west side of Shinjuku station and links to HALC – a shopping mall where you can buy everything from Japanese clothing to high tech gadgets. Right beside it is Bic Camera & Uniqlo, a fun gimmick that combines two high street retailers.
8. Shinjuku Gyoen Observatory

Travelers report that Shinjuku Gyoen’s wide open lawns and beautifully maintained gardens are the perfect spot to escape from the city. This park features a Japanese traditional garden, French formal gardens and other flora from around the world. Alcohol, smoking and sports equipment are prohibited.

With a low crime rate and unique neighborhoods, Nerima Ward is an ideal place to live in Tokyo. Discover its natural beauty, cultural attractions and unique restaurants.
9. Omoide-Yokocho Bar

Located close to the West Exit of Shinjuku Station, this maze of tiny alleys has 80 bars and restaurants. The area has a rich black market history during the post-war period when laws and order were weak.

Also known as Piss Alley, Omoide Yokocho is where salarymen go to eat cheaply and drink. Spending an evening here will give you a glimpse of Japanese culture that more manicured tourist traps can’t.
10. Chihiro Art Museum

The world’s first museum dedicated to picture books opened in 1977. It was established in response to the strong wishes of Chihiro Iwasaki’s fans, who wanted to see her illustrations.

The museum has continued to grow and now has one of the world’s largest assemblages of picture book art. Gallery talks in English can be arranged. The museum also has a branch in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture.