Toshima Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and culture in Toshima with our comprehensive travel guide, including hiking/biking routes, where to stay, and how to get there.


Explore the Hidden Gems of Toshima: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Tucked away in the heart of Tokyo, Toshima is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to delve into the local culture, explore the natural beauty of the area, or simply enjoy some delicious food and drink, Toshima has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the very best attractions, activities, and experiences that Toshima has to offer.

Introduction to Toshima

Before we dive in, let’s start with a quick introduction to Toshima. Located in Tokyo Prefecture and part of the Kanto region of Japan, Toshima is a residential ward that is home to roughly 300,000 people. Despite its relatively small size, Toshima has a lot to offer visitors, including cultural and historic landmarks, scenic outdoor spaces, and a vibrant food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Toshima

To help you plan your trip to Toshima, here is a list of some of the top attractions and landmarks in the area.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ikebukuro Sunshine City – This sprawling shopping and entertainment complex is home to a variety of stores, restaurants, museums, and even an aquarium.
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space – One of Tokyo’s premier art venues, this space hosts numerous concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.
  • Zoshigaya Missionary Museum – Housed in a former missionary’s home, this museum explores the history of Protestant missions in Japan.

Natural Attractions of Toshima: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ikebukuro West Gate Park – This picturesque urban park is popular with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its serene ponds and nature-filled paths.
  • Akatsuka Forest Park – Featuring walking trails, play areas, and even a campsite, this park is a great place to explore the natural beauty of Toshima.
  • Shakujii Park – Located on the banks of the Shakujii River, this park offers stunning views of the water and is home to a number of playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Toshima

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Toshima has plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the top options include:

  • Arakawa Cycling Road – Stretching for more than 25 kilometers, this road follows the Arakawa River and is a popular route for cycling enthusiasts.
  • Toden Arakawa Line – This charming streetcar line follows a scenic route through Toshima, providing a unique way to see the area.
  • Ikebukuro Cycling Road – This 4-kilometer route takes cyclists through the heart of Toshima, passing by major landmarks like the Sunshine City complex.

Best Things to Do in Toshima: Activities and Tours

Looking for some fun activities or guided tours to make the most of your Toshima experience? Check out these top options:

  • Shopping in Ikebukuro – With its countless boutiques, department stores, and malls, Ikebukuro is a shopper’s paradise.
  • Food Tours of Toshima – With its diverse culinary options, Toshima is a great place to sample everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to international fare.
  • Dinner and a Show – The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space offers a number of dinner and performance packages, allowing you to take in a show while enjoying a delicious meal.

Week-Long Itinerary for Toshima

To fully explore everything Toshima has to offer, we recommend spending at least a week in the area. Here is a sample itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Day Activity
1 Explore Ikebukuro Sunshine City
2 Hike or bike along the Arakawa River
3 Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space
4 Spend the day at Shakujii Park
5 Take a food tour of Toshima
6 Shop in Ikebukuro
7 Relax at Akatsuka Forest Park

Food and Drink Scene of Toshima

No trip to Toshima would be complete without sampling some of the area’s delicious food and drink. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages to look out for during your stay:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tantanmen – A spicy noodle soup that is a specialty of Toshima’s Chinese community.
  • Tonkatsu – A Japanese pork cutlet dish that is particularly popular in Toshima.
  • Mochi – A traditional Japanese sweet made from glutinous rice that is often filled with sweet bean paste.

Local Beverages

  • Sake – Japan’s famous rice wine is a staple of Toshima’s drinking culture.
  • Matcha – This high-quality green tea is a specialty of Japan and is particularly popular in Toshima.
  • Craft Beer – Toshima is home to a number of craft breweries that produce unique and flavorful beers.

Where to Stay in Toshima: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, Toshima has plenty of choices. Here are some of the top options to consider:

  • Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro – This luxury hotel offers spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and a convenient location near Ikebukuro Station.
  • Ikebukuro East Side Hotel – This budget-friendly hotel offers compact rooms and a convenient location near Ikebukuro Station.
  • Guesthouse Wasabi Toshima-An – This charming guesthouse offers affordable private rooms and a shared kitchen and lounge area.

What to Buy in Toshima: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts to bring back home, Toshima has plenty of options. Some of the top choices include:

  • Ikebukuro Sanbangai – This shopping district is home to a variety of vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to traditional Japanese crafts.
  • Nishi-Sugamo Shopping District – This area is particularly known for its selection of food-related shops, including bakeries and specialty food stores.
  • Kami-ikebukuro Shopping Street – Located outside Ikebukuro Station, this shopping street is known for its selection of souvenirs and gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Toshima

As with any destination, it’s important to be aware of the local culture and customs when visiting Toshima. Some tips to keep in mind include:

  • Bow when greeting someone – Bowing is a common way to show respect in Japan, and is often considered a polite way to greet someone.
  • Remove your shoes indoors – It’s customary to remove your shoes when entering a home, temple, or other indoor space in Japan.
  • Avoid eating or drinking in public – While it’s generally acceptable to eat or drink while walking in many countries, this is considered impolite in Japan and should be avoided.

Best Time to Visit Toshima

The best time to visit Toshima depends on your interests and preferences. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit, due to the mild weather and beautiful cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. Summer (June to August) can be uncomfortably hot and humid, while winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Toshima

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Toshima, here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try new foods – Toshima has many delicious options to explore, so don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new.
  • Learn some Japanese phrases – While many people in Tokyo speak English, learning a few Japanese phrases can help you navigate the area more easily and show respect to the local culture.
  • Be polite and respectful – Japanese culture places a high value on politeness and respect, so be sure to be courteous, even in busy or crowded areas.

Don’t:

  • Be loud or disruptive – Japanese culture values harmony and quiet, so avoid being loud or disruptive in public spaces.
  • Tip your servers – Unlike in some other countries, tipping is not a common practice in Japan and can actually be perceived as rude.
  • Take photographs without permission – Be sure to ask for permission before taking photographs of people or private property.

Safety and Health

Toshima is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your health and safety.

Safety in Toshima

  • Stay aware of your surroundings – While Toshima is generally safe, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid dark or isolated areas at night.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – To reduce the risk of theft, try to carry only the cash you need for the day and keep your valuables in a secure location.
  • Follow local laws and customs – Always be sure to follow local laws and customs, even if they may be different from what you’re used to.

Health in Toshima

  • Drink plenty of water – Toshima can get hot and humid in the summer months, so be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Wear sunscreen and insect repellent – If you’re spending time outdoors, protect yourself from the sun and insects with sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Get your vaccines and check-ups – Before traveling to Japan, be sure to schedule a check-up with your doctor and get any necessary vaccines or medications.

Getting to Toshima: Transportation Options and Logistics

Toshima is easily accessible from Tokyo and other parts of Japan, thanks to its excellent public transportation system. Here are some of the top options for getting to and around Toshima:

Airports Near Toshima

  • Haneda Airport – Located about 45 minutes away from Toshima by train, this airport is a convenient option for travelers arriving in Tokyo.
  • Narita International Airport – Located about 90 minutes away from Toshima by train, this airport is a good option for travelers arriving from international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Toshima

  • Ikebukuro Bus Terminal – This large bus terminal is located in the heart of Toshima and offers connections to destinations throughout Japan.
  • Tokyo Station Bus Terminal – This major transportation hub is located about 20 minutes away from Toshima by train and has connections to destinations throughout Japan.

Other Options

  • Train – Toshima is served by several train stations, including Ikebukuro Station, which is one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs.
  • Taxi – Taxis are readily available in Toshima and can be a convenient way to navigate the area if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

How to Get Around in Toshima

Once you’ve arrived in Toshima, there are several transportation options to help you get around the area. These include:

  • Subway – Toshima is served by several subway lines, including the Yurakucho, Fukutoshin, and Marunouchi lines.
  • Bus – Toshima has an extensive bus network that can take you to and from major landmarks and attractions.
  • Taxi – Taxis are readily available in Toshima and can be a convenient option for getting around the area.

Where to Go Next from Toshima: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time during your trip to Toshima, there are several nearby destinations and excursions worth checking out. Some of the top choices include:

  • Shinjuku – This lively neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shopping options, as well as several major attractions like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
  • Asakusa – Located on the east side of Tokyo, Asakusa is known for its traditional Japanese architecture, including the famous Senso-ji temple.
  • Mount Fuji – Located about two hours away from Toshima, Mount Fuji is a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Conclusion

From its rich culture and history to its stunning natural beauty and vibrant food and drink scene, Toshima is a destination that promises to delight and fascinate visitors. Whether you’re planning a week-long trip or a quick excursion, this comprehensive travel guide has everything you need to know to make the most of your journey. So pack your bags, hop on a plane, and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Toshima.

Location of Toshima in Tokyo Location of Toshima in Tokyo Ikebukuro Station at night Ikebukuro Station at night Zoshigaya Cemetery Zoshigaya Cemetery Kouganji Kouganji Honmyoji temple Honmyoji temple Namco Namja Town at Sunshine City Namco Namja Town at Sunshine City