When cherry blossoms bloom and fresh greenery begins to sprout, it is the perfect season for a stroll. This time, we introduce a walking route in Nerima where you can also enjoy beautiful sakura along the way. Known as the birthplace of Japanese animation, Nerima blends urban convenience with abundant nature, making it a popular area for families. The recent opening of a Harry Potter–related attraction has also drawn fresh attention to the neighborhood. Explore trending spots, soak in a hot spring surrounded by nature, and fully experience the many charms of Nerima.
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Start from Seibu Ikebukuro Line Oizumi-gakuen Station ➡ About 15 minutes on foot ➡ Toei Animation Museum ➡ About 20 minutes on foot ➡ Shakujii Park ➡ About 1 minute on foot ➡ Nerima Shakujikoen Furusato Museum ➡ About 16 minutes on foot ➡ From Seibu Ikebukuro Line Shakujii-koen Station, transfer at Nerima Station to the Seibu Toshima Line and get off at Toshimaen Station ➡ About 2 minutes on foot ➡ Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter ➡ About 2 minutes on foot ➡ Toshimaen Niwa no Yu
Toei Animation Museum
Japan’s oldest existing animation production company, Toei Animation continues to create new works today. Located within a corner of its Oizumi Studio, the Toei Animation Museum showcases exclusive materials on everything from nostalgic classics to the latest releases, including original storyboards and production documents. There is also a photo area where you can snap pictures and even dance alongside beloved characters, as well as a museum shop offering exclusive merchandise and items inspired by animation production tools. Experience the enduring appeal of Japanese animation, a cultural phenomenon that has captured hearts across generations and around the world.
Address: 2-10-5 Higashi-Oizumi, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
https://museum.toei-anim.co.jp/en/
Shakujii Park
When it comes to cherry blossom viewing in Nerima, Shakujii Park is a local favorite. Known as a scenic spot since the Edo period, it officially opened as a Tokyo metropolitan park in 1959. The park centers around two ponds: the tranquil Sanpoji Pond, surrounded by lush woodland, and Shakujii Pond, lively with rowboats. The gently rolling grounds preserve an abundance of natural beauty. From late March to early April, around 170 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom, followed by about 70 wild mountain cherry trees in mid-April, allowing visitors to enjoy sakura for an extended season. Near the service center and the open lawn area, rows of cherry trees create a spectacular sight when in full bloom. Take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths or rent a boat and admire the blossoms at your own pace.
Address: 1–2 Shakujii-dai and 5 Shakujii-machi, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/shakujii/
Nerima Shakujiikoen Furusato Museum
Located on the south side of Shakujii Park, the Nerima Shakujiikoen Furusato Museum opened in 2010 as a local history museum where visitors can learn about Nerima’s heritage, traditions, and natural environment in an engaging way. The “Nerima Information Area” introduces birds, insects, and plants found around the museum, along with local landmarks, traditional crafts, and works by residents. In addition to special and themed exhibitions, there are interactive booths where you can learn about cultural traditions through hands-on experiences, as well as an area recreating the streetscape of the Showa era. Next door, at Ikebuchi Historic Spot Park, you will find the former Uchida Residence, a Meiji-period home. Together, these spots offer a wonderful opportunity to explore Nerima’s history free of charge.
Address: 5-12-16 Shakujii-machi, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
https://www.neribun.or.jp/en/furusato/
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
Opened in 2023, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter is a walk-through entertainment experience where visitors can explore the behind-the-scenes world of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series. Throughout the studio tour, unforgettable moments await. Board the Hogwarts Express from the iconic Platform 9¾, step through the doors of the Great Hall, and venture deep into the Forbidden Forest. This is an immersive journey filled with excitement at every turn. Discover the magic of filmmaking through spectacular sets and intricate costumes created by world-class creators, and get a rare glimpse behind the scenes of these beloved films.
Address: 1-1-7 Kasuga-cho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
https://www.wbstudiotour.jp/en/
*Please purchase your timed-entry tickets in advance through the official website.
Toshimaen Niwa no Yu
After enjoying cherry blossoms and exploring the area’s attractions, there is no better place to relax than Toshimaen Niwa no Yu. Designed as a tranquil retreat for adults, this soothing oasis invites you to unwind while gazing out over a 3,900-square-meter Japanese garden. Inside, you will find a bathing zone featuring natural hot spring water drawn from 1,445 meters underground, as well as a swimsuit-friendly zone. A variety of authentic saunas adds to the experience. With facilities such as a health-focused bathing pool and a restaurant serving seasonal specialties, everything you need for a restorative escape is here. Even in the heart of Tokyo, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a tranquil hot spring retreat.
Address: 3-25-1 Koyama, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
https://www.seibu-leisure.co.jp/niwanoyu/english/index.html
