When visiting Tokyo, Itabashi typically doesn't register on the travel radar. When moving to the capital city, however, the ward commands attention with its low costs and high quality of life.
Itabashi, often referred to as Itabashi City, is in the north of Tokyo Prefecture, on the border of Saitama Prefecture. It's adjacent to Nerima Ward, another residential area that's worth a look.
Served by multiple train lines and generously supplied with parks, temples, shops and medical facilities, Itabashi, which has a population of roughly 546,000, is well positioned as a place in which to settle and maybe even raise a family.
It may lack the glamour of famous spots like Shinjuku and Shibuya, but more than makes up for it when it comes to what you pay to live there, and what you get for the price. Here's a quick peek at what Itabashi is all about.
Transport in Itabashi
Itabashi is medium to large, as Tokyo wards go, so it's no surprise that several train lines connect it to other parts of the prefecture and beyond.
Depending on where you call home, you could find yourself using the JR East Saikyo Line, Toei Mita Line, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho or Fukutoshin Lines, or the Tobu Tojo Line.
Many housing developments and shopping centers are clustered around the major stations on these lines, making commuting and daily life convenient. Rental prices typically drop the further away from these hubs you go.
Buses criss-cross Itabashi, providing extra links. It's also possible to cycle between many places.
Schools and medical care
If you're looking for an international school, Itabashi has both a pre-school (New Hope International) and a school that goes up to Grade 9 (Camelot International). There is also an assortment of public schools in the ward.
Itabashi hosts campuses of four of Tokyo's universities: Tokyo Kasei, Teikyo, Daito Bunka and Nihon University.
When it comes to medical facilities, Itabashi has multiple dentists, clinics and hospitals — including Nihon University Hospital, Teikyo University Hospital and the Itabashichuo General Hospital.
There's no shortage of facilities, but you might need to go down to Akasaka or another more central part of Tokyo to reliably find medical staff who are fluent in English.
Shopping and dining
Supermarkets of all shapes, sizes and prices can be found throughout Itabashi; you can also get your vittles from family grocers in the old-school shopping streets, of which there are several. One example is Happy Road in Oyama — along this covered street you can find everything from fresh fruit to clothes and carpets.
Malls make life easy near major stations, some, like the Aeon Mall near Tobu-Nerima, include cinemas.
Itabashi is full of family restaurants, but small, independent bars and eateries are also abundant. Wine bars, curry houses, ramen closets and more wait for customers around the stations and in the back streets.
When you need something more, the shopping and entertainment centre of Ikebukuro is a short train ride away.
Parks and recreation
At first glance, Itabashi might appear to be mostly concrete, but spending some time exploring the ward will reveal plenty of green spaces and opportunities to have fun.
There are several decent parks, prime among which is Johoku Chuo Park — a large affair that's near Shakuji River (good for strolls in spring) and features sports facilities.
Itabashi also boasts two botanical gardens, and nearby Nerima has its fair share of nature spots which can be visited. For those into outdoor lifestyles, the (relative) wilds of Saitama are an easy day trip.
A meander through the streets of Itabashi should also turn up a few allotments; these are tended by mostly senior citizens, who grow vegetables and flowers.
Itabashi and Nerima are home to a number of hot springs and public baths, which are great for soaking away stress after a long day at work. Popular examples include Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro and the chain spa Ofuro no Osama.
For those who are into history, Itabashi has a few small folk museums. There's also an art museum for creative types.
Come summer, the Itabashi Fireworks Festival brings an explosion of colour to residents, many of whom watch the show from the comfort of their balconies, drink in hand.
The Tokyo Buddha
An added bonus of Itabashi is the giant statue of Buddha that's tucked away at Jorenji Temple in the middle of the quiet Akatsuka area. Lesser known than its counterparts in Nara and Kamakura, the 30-ton bronze Tokyo Buddha, or Tokyo Daibutsu, sits about 13m high, radiating goodness into its surroundings.
The temple itself is one for the to-visit list, and just around the corner you'll find Akatsuka Botanical Garden with its 600+ varieties of plants.
Though Jorenji is one of Itabashi's largest temples, a number of others exist in the ward — and you'll come across plenty of small neighbourhood shrines, too.
By Carey Finn
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