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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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781
Museums Hidden gem
Komaba Museum, The University of Tokyo
The Komaba Museum is an academic exhibition space located within the University of Tokyo's Komaba Campus, focusing on th...
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782
Places of interest Hidden gem
Ultraman Statue
The Ultraman Statue stands in Soshigaya-Okura as a landmark dedicated to Tsuburaya Productions, the studio that created...
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783
Historical places Hidden gem
Obansho Guardhouse
The Obansho Guardhouse is a historical architectural structure located within the outer gardens of the Tokyo Imperial Pa...
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784
Temples Hidden gem
Tako-Yakushi Jōjuin
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785
Museums Hidden gem
Jade Ore Museum
The Jade Ore Museum, known as Hisui Genseki-kan, specializes in the study and exhibition of natural jadeite and nephrite...
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786
Museums Hidden gem
Museum of Health and Medicine
The Museum of Health and Medicine is operated by the University of Tokyo and is located on its Hongo campus. It showcase...
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787
Temples Hidden gem
Shokoin
Shokoin is a historical Buddhist temple belonging to the Soto sect, located in the residential neighborhood of Sakura in...
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788
Historical places Hidden gem
Fushimi-yagura
Fushimi-yagura is a historic guard tower located within the East Garden of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Originally constru...
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789
Parks Hidden gem
Shiodome Nishi Park
Shiodome Nishi Park is a compact urban pocket park situated in the high-density Shiodome business district of Minato Cit...
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790
Museums Hidden gem
Kakiden Gallery
Kakiden Gallery is an art space located in the Shinjuku district, closely affiliated with the adjacent Kakiden kaiseki r...
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791
Parks Hidden gem
Higashi-Yatsuyama Park
Higashi-Yatsuyama Park is a neighborhood green space located in the historic Kitashinagawa district, notable for its sig...
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792
Temples Hidden gem
Tokyo Union Church
Tokyo Union Church is an interdenominational, international Christian congregation located in the Omotesando district of...
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793
Parks Hidden gem
Setagaya Maruyama Park
Setagaya Maruyama Park is a compact neighborhood green space situated in the densely populated Sangenjaya district. It f...
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794
Places of interest Hidden gem
Shibusawa Eiichi Statue
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795
Parks Hidden gem
Tamukai Park
Tamukai Park is a neighborhood green space located in the Himonya district of Meguro Ward, Tokyo. The park provides a qu...
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796
Museums Hidden gem
Irregular Rhythm Asylum
Irregular Rhythm Asylum (IRA) is an independent, volunteer-run social center, bookstore, and archive space located in Sh...
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797
Parks Hidden gem
Sakuragaoka Sumireba Natural Garden
Sakuragaoka Sumireba Natural Garden is a dedicated 'Sumireba' or 'Violet Spot' conservation area maintained by the Setag...
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798
Historical places Hidden gem
Site of Setagaya Castle
The Site of Setagaya Castle marks the location of a medieval Japanese fortification originally constructed in the late 1...
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799
Venues Hidden gem
Umewaka Noh School Hall
The Umewaka Noh School Hall is a premier training and performance venue for the Umewaka family, a lineage of Noh actors...
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800
Parks Hidden gem
Setagaya Municipal Komatsunagi Park
Setagaya Municipal Komatsunagi Park is a local residential-style park located in the Shimouma district of Setagaya, Toky...
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801
Temples Hidden gem
Shingyō-ji
Shingyō-ji is a Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist temple located in the Fukagawa district of Koto City, Tokyo. The temple belongs to...
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802
Museums Hidden gem
Hillside Forum
Hillside Forum is a prominent multi-purpose exhibition space located within the Hillside Terrace complex in the Daikanya...
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803
Parks Hidden gem
Kitazawa Park
Kitazawa Park is a compact neighborhood park located in the residential Setagaya district of Tokyo, distinct for its mul...
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804
Parks Hidden gem
Kami-Yōga Park
Kami-Yōga Park is a neighborhood green space in Setagaya City, designed primarily for local recreation rather than as a...
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805
Parks Hidden gem
Mishuku-no-Mori Greenspace
Mishuku-no-Mori Greenspace is a designated urban reforestation project located in the Setagaya district of Tokyo. It fun...
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806
Amusement parks Hidden gem
Miniature Steam Locomotive Station
The Miniature Steam Locomotive Station is located within the Setagaya Park grounds and features a rare, functioning mini...
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807
Parks Hidden gem
Tokuden Park Jabujabu Pond
Tokuden Park features a specialized wading area known as the Jabujabu Pond designed primarily for small children. The fa...
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808
Temples Hidden gem
Sengyōji Temple
Sengyōji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo, featuring modern architectural int...
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809
Historical places Hidden gem
Kamuro-zaka
Kamuro-zaka is a historical slope located in the Nishigotanda district of Shinagawa, Tokyo. The name 'Kamuro' is associa...
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810
Parks Hidden gem
Seiseki Park
Seiseki Park is a historic site in Shinagawa that preserves remnants of the former Tōkaidō road, the most important of t...
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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.
