Introducing the Joto area (Arakawa Ward, Taito Ward, Sumida Ward, Koto Ward, Katsushika Ward, and Edogawa Ward), which has an image of an atmospheric townscape.
■What's Arakawa Ward like?
〈Long-cherished Shopping District and Amusement Park〉
Arakawa Ward is an area with many townscapes that retain a long history and a downtown atmosphere.
Nippori is known as a city of textiles, and handles all kinds of clothing-related fabrics and textiles, regardless of whether they are Japanese or Western.
Because you can buy it at an amazingly low price, it is crowded with shoppers of all ages, from young to old.
In addition, there is Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, which has been loved by locals for a long time, and you can eat affordable gourmet foods such as skewers while walking around.
And there are many cats in this place, and there are shops that sell cat goods. It is a recommended place for cats lovers.
For those who want to have a lot of fun, Arakawa Amusement Park, which was renewed in the spring of 2022, is also recommended.
There are many rides that children will love, as well as an area where you can interact with animals and a fishing pond where you can catch goldfish.
There is also a permanent exhibition of model railroads that will please railfans, making it an amusement park that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
〈Live in Arakawa Ward - You will appreciate lower rent and comfortable distance from Central Tokyo〉
Arakawa Ward has a spacious park and a shopping street where you can enjoy shopping.
Among them, Minami-Senju is undergoing urban development and many new condominiums are being built. There are shopping spots in front of the station, which is convenient.
Many streetlights brighten at night. Asakusa and Ueno can be easily reached by bicycle or bus, so it is very convenient for living alone.
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■What's Taito Ward like?
〈Popular tourist spots of Asakusa and Ueno Park〉
In Taito Ward, which is famous for Asakusa, a tourist spot visited by people from all over the world.
The approach from Kaminarimon to Hozomon is lined with shops that sell souvenirs and traditional crafts, and is bustling with tourists.
You can rent a kimono or yukata and take a nice photo in Asakusa.
We also recommend riding a rickshaw for sightseeing. They will tell you about hidden spots that are not listed in the guidebooks, so you should be able to know the deep charm of Asakusa.
Ueno Onshi Park has many spots full of art and culture. Ueno Zoo is home to over 500 species of animals and is especially famous for giant pandas.
The national museum where national treasures and important cultural properties are exhibited. There is the National Museum of Nature and Science, which houses the Global Pavilion, which has the themes of the history of life on Earth, mankind, science and technology, and the Japan Pavilion, which has the themes of Japan's nature and the history of the people.
There are also several museums that display the works of famous artists.
〈Live in Taito Ward - if you want convenience and the down-to-earth "Shitamachi" atmosphere〉
Taito Ward has a strong image of a old town, but in recent years, the development of condominiums in residential areas has become active.
Among them, Kuramae is popular among young people because of its increasing number of stylish cafes and general stores in the business district.
There are several supermarkets and convenience stores in front of the station.
In addition, the rent market is high in Taito Ward, so it is safe and clean so that it is recommended for women living alone.
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■What's Sumida Ward like?
〈Skytree, All-day Entertainment Venue and Sumo Ryogoku Kokugikan〉
Sumida Ward has a new symbol of Tokyo, Skytree. A radio tower with a height of 634m equipped with an observation room.
You can enjoy the feeling of walking in the air while gazing at the scenery of Tokyo. In addition, at the foot of the tower, there is a complex facility called Tokyo Skytree Town where you can enjoy an aquarium, restaurants, and shopping.
Sumida Aquarium has attractive exhibits that overturn the image of an aquarium, such as so-called Edorium, which displays Japanese goldfish. Penguins swimming freely in the largest pool tank.
In addition, there is a Kokugikan where you can watch sumo wrestling in Ryogoku. In addition to watching sumo matches, during the Grand Sumo Tournament, life-size panels of popular wrestlers are displayed at the entrance, and the names of wrestlers are displayed along the grounds. There are many photo spots because the written banners line up.
In addition, there are various ways to enjoy the sumo wrestling museum where you can see photographs of popular wrestlers and exhibits such as makeup mawashi around their waists. There is also a restaurant which is famous for chankonabe that is what sumo wrestlers eat.
Looking Skytree from Asakusa.
Ryogoku Kokugikan
〈Live in Sumida Ward - if you want to enjoy both the "Shitamachi" and redevelopment areas〉
Sumida Ward is largely divided into areas that have undergone redevelopment, including the Sky Tree, and traditional downtown areas.
There is also a loop bus that runs through the ward, making it a convenient way to get to the hospital, shopping, and other daily activities.
Among them, Hikifune is a downtown area and the rent is reasonable, where new apartments and libraries have been built lately. In front of the station is beautifully arranged. There is also a large supermarket.
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■What's Koto Ward like?
〈Toyosu Market and Bayside Commercial Complex〉
Koto Ward is home to Toyosu Fish Market, which was relocated from Tsukiji in 2018. This market supports the distribution of food not only in Tokyo, but also in nationwide.
General visitors can enter to the market after 5 am and observe the auctions.
Pre-registration is required for some areas. (Tuna auction is from 5:30 am to 6:30 am)
Because Toyosu Market is not open every day, please check the business days of the market before visiting.
There are also many popular facilities in Toyosu, such as TeamLab, where you can enjoy hands-on digital art, and KidZania, where kids can experience working.
In addition, Kiyosumi Garden in Kiyosumi-shirakawa offers beautiful scenery of the seasons.
There are many stylish cafes in the surrounding area, so you can enjoy walking around the town.
Toyosu Fish Market
〈Live in Koto Ward - For a Family Wanting to Live Near the Commercial Facilities〉
Koto Ward is a comfortable area with many large commercial facilities.
In particular, the Toyosu and Ariake bay areas are home to many high-rise condominiums, and the population continues to grow.
The entire town is organized and the sidewalks are wide, making it easy to walk around and a comfortable place for families to live.
You can also go to Ginza and Tokyo Station by bicycle, so it is recommended for people who want to enjoy city life while gazing at the ocean.
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■What's Katsushika Ward like?
〈Japanese Movie Locations and Quaint Shopping Districts〉
For Japanese old movie lovers, when they think of Katsushika Ward, "It's Tough Being a Man" may come to mind.
Just like in the movie, this area still retains the atmosphere of a old town. At Shibamata Station, there is a statue of main charactor “Tora-san”, making it a must-see spot.
You can see the studio set at the Tora-san memorial and museum.
The world of movie is recreated in the nostalgic station building and the station office.
You can see the numerous works and movie productions of director Yoji Yamada at the Museum.
In the nearby Taishakuten Sando Shopping Street, you can enjoy freshly-fried tempura and oden in a retro townscape filled with the atmosphere of the Showa era.
Yagiri no Watashi, a hand-rowed ferry, which is the transportation of Edo period. It goes betweenShibamata and Chiba Prefecture, the other side of the river.
Statue of Tora-san in Shibamata.
〈Live in Katsushika Ward - Lower rent and the Warmhearted "Shitamachi" Atmosphere〉
Rent in Katsushika Ward is one of the cheapest among Tokyo's 23 wards.
Among them, Kameari has a good reputation for being easy to live in, and there are large shopping malls and multiple shopping streets, so you won't have trouble shopping and dining.
The area is moderately prosperous, so there are plenty of green areas, and it is recommended for those who want to live a calm life.
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■What's Edogawa Ward like?
〈Giant Ferris and an Aquarium〉
Edogawa Ward is the easternmost of Tokyo's 23 wards which is a border of Chiba Prefecture.
There are not many sightseeing spots. Kasai Rinkai Park has a BBQ spot, a large Ferris wheel, and an aquarium.
At the Kasai Sea Life Park, you can see tuna migrating, which is rare in the world, and many rare creatures are on display.
You can see Tokyo Sky Tree and Mt Fuji from the distance.
There is also a tour where you can paddle a canoe while looking at the Tokyo Sky Tree on the Kyu-Nakagawa River, which flows through the center of Tokyo.
Recommended for those who want to experience the wind, sky, and greenery of Tokyo.
〈Live in Edogawa Ward - For a Family with Little Kids and Those who Wants a Slower Pace〉
Edogawa Ward has many residential areas. Funabori is greenery and there are many supermarkets and hospitals around the station, making it a comfortable place to live.
It is known as a city with many families because of its parks and child-rearing support system.
It takes about 30 minutes by train to the city center, but there are many places where you can take a leisurely stroll, such as cherry blossom trees along the river. So it is a city recommended for people who want to live a calm life.
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