Toshima City Area Guide
Located in the northwestern part of Tokyo’s 23 wards, Toshima City is a vibrant urban area centered around Ikebukuro, a major commercial and transportation hub. Ikebukuro Station connects numerous lines including the JR Yamanote, Saikyo, and Shonan-Shinjuku Lines, as well as the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Yurakucho, and Fukutoshin Lines, plus the Seibu Ikebukuro and Tobu Tojo Lines. This provides excellent access to key areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station.
While Ikebukuro is bustling with large-scale commercial facilities and a wide range of dining options, quieter residential neighborhoods can be found in areas like Mejiro and Sugamo. Toshima offers a well-balanced living environment where lively urban conveniences and peaceful communities coexist.
The ward is also home to a mix of cultures. Otome Road in Ikebukuro is a well-known center for anime and manga fans, while the Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping street attracts tourists and locals with its nostalgic charm. This diversity makes Toshima an appealing place for people from various backgrounds, including foreign residents.
Toshima City Key Data
- Area
- 13.00 km²
- Population
- 291,650
- Population Density
- 22,425 / km²
- Number of Foreign Residents
- 32,732
Major Stations and Access to Key Areas in Tokyo
Major Train Stations in Toshima City
- Ikebukuro Station (JR Yamanote, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku Lines; Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Fukutoshin Lines; Seibu Ikebukuro Line; Tobu Tojo Line)
- Mejiro Station (JR Yamanote Line)
- Sugamo Station (JR Yamanote Line, Toei Mita Line)
- Otsuka Station (JR Yamanote Line)
- Komagome Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
Average Travel Time from Major Stations to Key Tokyo Area
| Departure Station | Shinjuku | Tokyo | Shibuya | Ikebukuro | Ueno | Shinagawa | Akihabara |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikebukuro Station | About 5 min | About 16 min | About 10 min | - | About 12 min | About 25 min | About 15 min |
| Mejiro Station | About 8 min | About 18 min | About 12 min | About 2 min | About 15 min | About 28 min | About 18 min |
| Sugamo Station | About 10 min | About 20 min | About 15 min | About 5 min | About 8 min | About 30 min | About 12 min |
Living Convenience for Foreign Residents
International Schools
- Lycée Français International de Tokyo (Mejiro): Offers international education based on the French national curriculum.
Medical Facilities with Foreign Language Support
- Tokyo Kensho Hospital (Ikebukuro): A hospital with English-speaking doctors and services for foreign patients.
Popular Supermarkets and Restaurants Among Foreign Residents
- Seijo Ishii (Ikebukuro West Exit): A high-end supermarket offering imported goods popular with international residents.
- Cafés and restaurants around Otome Road: A lively area with international-themed dining options popular among anime and manga fans.
Public Support Services for Foreign Residents
- Toshima City International Exchange Association: Offers lifestyle support, language assistance, and cultural exchange events for foreign residents.
Popular Neighborhoods in Toshima City
- Ikebukuro: A major commercial and entertainment hub with excellent transportation access.
- Mejiro: A quiet, upscale residential area known for its calm atmosphere and educational institutions.
- Sugamo: Popular among older residents, yet offers peaceful, convenient living for all ages.
- Otsuka: A Yamanote Line neighborhood with more affordable rent and a relaxed lifestyle.
Housing Market in Toshima City
Toshima City is a vibrant area centered around Ikebukuro, offering excellent commercial and dining amenities. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Mejiro and Sugamo provide quiet and comfortable residential environments. With strong transportation access and a multicultural atmosphere, Toshima is highly appealing to foreign residents.
Over the past three years (2021–2024), the average price of pre-owned condominiums (based on 70m²) has risen steadily from around 61 million JPY to approximately 72.35 million JPY—an average annual increase of about 5%.
The rental market is also active, especially near Ikebukuro Station, where studio and 1-bedroom units are in high demand among singles and international residents. Family-sized units such as 2LDK and 3LDK also enjoy stable demand, particularly in quieter areas like Mejiro and Nagasaki.
Average Rent by Floor Plan
| Layout | STUDIO | 1Bedroom | 2Bedrooms | 3Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent (JPY/month) | ¥100,000–140,000 | ¥180,000–260,000 | ¥260,000–380,000 | ¥350,000–550,000 |
Average Prices for Pre-Owned Homes
| Property Type | Apartment (70m²) | Single-Family Home (100m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | ¥72,350,000 | ¥89,710,000 |