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Japan
Things to do in Toshima
4,071 attractions · Japan
Photo: Akonnchiroll, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kanto, Japan · 35.658, 139.701
About Toshima
Toshima is a high-density special ward located in the heart of Tokyo, serving as a major transportation and commercial hub for the metropolis. The district is defined by the Ikebukuro terminal, which handles one of the highest daily passenger volumes in the world. Visitors can easily reach cultural landmarks from here, including the scenic paths of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden [31769] or the iconic Shibuya Crossing [1317120]. It functions as a nexus between northern Tokyo's residential character and the intense urban energy of neighboring districts like the Imperial Palace [31803] area.
Good to know
- 1
Toshima hosts the Tokiwaso Manga Museum, a reconstruction of the apartment building where legendary manga artists like Osamu Tezuka once lived and worked.
- 2
The ward has officially declared itself a 'City of International Culture and Art' to promote its focus on anime and digital media industry growth.
- 3
Toshima was the first municipality in Japan to declare an 'SDGs Future City' initiative, prioritizing aggressive carbon-neutral goals for urban redevelopment.
- 4
Despite its dense urban nature, the ward successfully eliminated its registered 'waiting list' for childcare services through extensive infrastructure investment.
Plan your visit to Toshima
Best time to visit
March to May for cherry blossom season or October to November for mild, dry weather and autumn foliage.
How many days
2-3 days, providing enough time to explore local neighborhood hubs and utilize the primary train lines to reach major city landmarks.
Getting around
The area is serviced by the JR Yamanote Line and multiple subway lines, making it highly accessible via rail, with many localized districts being extremely walkable.
Where to stay
Staying near Ikebukuro Station offers the best convenience for rail travel, while quieter residential pockets in southern Toshima provide a more local experience.
Budget
Tokyo is a mid-to-high range destination where accommodation costs vary significantly by proximity to major train stations.
Highlights of Toshima
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Walk through a traditional landscape garden that blends Japanese, English, and French horticultural styles.
Shibuya Sky
Access an open-air observation deck providing 360-degree views of the Tokyo skyline from over 200 meters high.
Imperial Palace
Explore the historic site of the former Edo Castle surrounded by moats and massive stone walls.
Shibuya Crossing
Experience the world's busiest pedestrian scramble intersection at the heart of Tokyo's youth culture.
Hachiko Statue
Visit the meeting point dedicated to the loyal Akita dog known for waiting daily at the station.
Zojo-ji
Discover a centuries-old Buddhist temple featuring a striking contrast against the modern Tokyo Tower backdrop.
Shiba Park
Relax in a public park that offers views of the Zojo-ji Temple and the iconic Tokyo Tower.
The National Art Center, Tokyo
Browse one of Japan's largest art exhibition spaces showcasing rotating contemporary and international works.
Top things to do in Toshima
The 4,071 most popular places in Toshima.
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601
Venues Hidden gem
Ebisu Echo Theater
Ebisu Echo Theater is a compact live performance venue located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, managed by the theatrical product...
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602
Historical places Hidden gem
Former Kosaka Residence
The Former Kosaka Residence, known as the Kosaka House, is a preserved residence originally built in 1937 for the chemis...
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603
Places of interest Hidden gem
Flame of Liberty Statue
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604
Temples Hidden gem
Ōkannon-ji Temple
Ōkannon-ji Temple is a unique urban sanctuary located within a multi-story commercial building in the Nihonbashi Ningyoc...
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605
Museums Hidden gem
O Art Museum
O Art Museum is a municipal cultural facility located on the second floor of the New City building in the Osaki district...
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606
Historical places Hidden gem
Noge Ōtsuka Tumulus
Noge Ōtsuka Tumulus is a large keyhole-shaped burial mound (kofun) constructed in the late 4th century during the early...
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607
Temples Hidden gem
Shinjo-in Temple (Yushima Shoden)
Shinjo-in Temple, also known as Yushima Shoden, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Bunkyo City, Tokyo. It is close...
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608
Places of interest Hidden gem
Komazawa Park Olympics Memorial Tower
The Komazawa Park Olympics Memorial Tower is a striking modernist monument built to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Summer Ol...
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609
Venues Hidden gem
劇場MOMO
Gekijo MOMO is a compact, intimate black-box theater located in the Nakano Pocket Square complex in Tokyo. The venue is...
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610
Historical places Hidden gem
Wadakura-mon Gate
Wadakura-mon Gate is a historic stone gate site located within the outer gardens of the Tokyo Imperial Palace in Chiyoda...
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611
Venues Hidden gem
Woody Theatre
Woody Theatre is an intimate basement-level performing arts venue located in the Kamimeguro district of Meguro, Tokyo. I...
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612
Museums Hidden gem
Museum of Marine Science, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
The Museum of Marine Science is a specialized academic institution situated within the Tokyo University of Marine Scienc...
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613
Museums Hidden gem
Setagaya Local History Museum
The Setagaya Local History Museum preserves and showcases the cultural heritage, archaeology, and everyday history of To...
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614
Temples Hidden gem
Shinganji Temple
Shinganji Temple is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple located in the residential Daizawa neighborhood of Setagaya, Tokyo. The t...
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615
Temples Hidden gem
Ikōsan Hōmyō-ji
Ikōsan Hōmyō-ji is a historic Nichiren-shū Buddhist temple located in Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo. Founded in 8...
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616
Temples Hidden gem
Konjoin
Konjoin is an active Shingon Buddhist temple located in Toshima City, Tokyo, officially known as Kongozan Tokurain Konjo...
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617
Temples Hidden gem
Saishōji Temple
Saishōji Temple, also known as Kyōgakuin, is a Buddhist temple located in Setagaya City, Tokyo. The temple belongs to th...
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618
Museums Hidden gem
Bunkyō Furusato Historical Museum
The Bunkyō Furusato Historical Museum documents the local history, culture, and traditional industries of Bunkyo City in...
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619
Historical places Hidden gem
Hagi Mohri Residence Ruins
The Hagi Mohri Residence Ruins mark the former Tokyo estate of the Mori clan, the powerful daimyō of the Chōshū Domain d...
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620
Temples Hidden gem
Islamic Culture Exchange Center in Japan
The Islamic Culture Exchange Center in Japan, operated by the Islamic Center Japan, serves as a primary hub for Islamic...
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621
Parks Hidden gem
Koraku Playground
Koraku Playground is a neighborhood park situated in Bunkyo City, Tokyo, featuring a central lake and tree-shaded walkin...
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622
Temples Hidden gem
Tōchōji
Tōchōji is a historic Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. Founded in 1592 in Kanda befor...
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623
Museums Hidden gem
Waseda El Dorado
Waseda El Dorado is a striking residential and commercial building in Tokyo's Shinjuku ward renowned for its eccentric,...
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624
Historical places Hidden gem
SL Driving Wheel Underground Square
The SL Driving Wheel Underground Square features a genuine driving wheel salvaged from a historical Steam Locomotive (SL...
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625
Museums Hidden gem
Nakamura Tsune Atelier Museum
The Nakamura Tsune Atelier Museum preserves the restored workspace where prominent Western-style painter Tsune Nakamura...
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626
Museums Hidden gem
Nanzuka
Nanzuka is a contemporary commercial art gallery located in the Jingumae district of Shibuya, Tokyo, established by Shin...
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627
Parks Hidden gem
Seibi Park
Seibi Park is a neighborhood public green space situated in Suginami City, Tokyo, featuring a distinctive blend of tradi...
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628
Temples Hidden gem
Jissōin
Jissōin is a neighborhood Nichiren-shu Buddhist temple located in the Tsurumaki area of Setagaya, Tokyo. The temple func...
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629
Temples Hidden gem
Catholic Toshima Church
Catholic Toshima Church is a functioning parish community situated in the Nagasaki neighborhood of Toshima City, Tokyo....
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630
Temples Hidden gem
Rinshōin
Rinshōin is a historic Buddhist temple belonging to the Jōdo-shū sect, founded in 1624. It is primarily noted as the fam...
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Toshima on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Toshima?
Aventuro lists 4,071 curated attractions in and around Toshima, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Toshima?
Tokyo Tower is the most popular place to visit in Toshima right now.
What kind of attractions does Toshima have?
The largest category is temples, with 1,062 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Osaka, Kyoto, Ōta, Tokyo.
