Nerima is one of Tokyo’s more residential wards. Its relaxed vibe and relatively affordable costs make it a popular choice for families with 不動産 練馬区 children or students.

Bands of timber alternate with slices of glazing across this Tokyo house by Swedish studio Elding Oscarson. The big first floor is semi-sunken, offering a connection to the garden.
1. Nakamura Hachiman Shrine

Climb a ceremonial staircase to this 15th-century shrine and witness the serenity of Shinto devotion. Explore artistic prayer halls and look for a small silver bell—the smallest in Japan at just 2mm across.

To the left of the first torii stands a second, marking the start of a raised walkway called the dankazura (). The path becomes gradually wider here so that when you’re standing at the first torii it looks much longer than it actually is.

A simple and unpretentious Shinto shrine, the site has a history that dates back to the late 18th century and its design details reflect this tradition, adding to its authenticity. It’s also a popular spot for families with kids and is accessible via the south exit of Nakamurabashi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
2. Kodomo no Mori

A very good shojo psychological drama with a well-developed romance between two characters. One of the most important story-elements is that Hotarubi and Akito can't touch each other which sets the tone for their relationship and it's really cool how it evolves.

It can be interpreted as a critique of the military-influenced cultural environment in Japan at the time. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of militarism.

Nerima has the largest share of hobby UA in Tokyo's special wards (Method I and II). This can be attributed to the ward's slower urbanization rate compared to other parts of Tokyo, which allowed farmers to keep their farmlands. The ward has many UA farmers that specialize in vegetable species that were historically grown in the area.
3. Shakujii Park

The ward’s laid-back, residential feel is evident in its many large parks, especially Hikarigaoka Park, whose sprawling grounds offer the ideal picnic spot with ample grassy lawns and rows of trees (including sawtooth oaks and konara oaks). A ten-minute walk from Shakuji-koen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.

The area is also known for its rich manga and anime culture; the ponds of Shakuji Park are a favorite location for TV shows and films to shoot boating scenes, including those from Rumiko Takahashi’s Ranma 1/2 and Kazutoshi Sakurai’s Mr. Children.

The warm and friendly spirit of Nerima’s residents shines through in its many historic landmarks, green spaces and cultural treasures, making it a great choice for families with kids. Use Michi, our AI travel assistant, to discover the best things to do and see in the ward.
4. Nerima Art Museum

Aiming to be a museum that is familiar, accessible and approachable, the Nerima Art Museum holds regular exhibits focusing on modern and contemporary Japanese art. In addition, the museum rents out its creative room and gallery as a place for residents to make art themselves. Adjacent to the museum is the green space “Bijutsu no Mori Ryokuchi,” with 32 animal sculptures, which also serves as a relaxation area for the community.

Located in the center of the ward, this house designed by Stockholm-based studio Elding Oscarson is designed for weekend stays and short-term occupancy (+ slideshow). Bands of timber alternate with slices of glazing across the facade to maximize views of the garden. The building is a mix of residential and office, with the garden acting as a buffer between the two.
5. Oizumi Gakuen

Despite being one of the most secluded and smallest of Tokyo’s 23 wards, Nerima is home to some of the most vibrant Otaku culture in Japan. From the famed electronics district of Akihabara to the specialized stores of Nerima Gakuen, the ward demonstrates that anime is not just a genre but an integral part of Japanese culture.

The most well-known symbol of this is Oizumi Anime Gate, a shrine to anime’s roots that features life-sized statues of characters who have connections to the area (Astro Boy from “Astro Boy,” Joe Yabuki from “Ashita no Joe,” Maetel and Tetsuro Hoshino from “Galaxy Express 999” and Ram from “Urusei Yatsura”).

It’s also where Toei Animation, the oldest Japanese animation studio, has its headquarters. Here, you can explore the studio’s history and get a taste of its animators’ creative process.