Itabashi - fireworks on the banks of the Arakawa River

A peaceful riverside town on the outskirts of Tokyo

The relaxed, residential neighborhood of Itabashi sits on the north side of the city along the Arakawa River. Escape the towering skyscrapers and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the river. Then check out the Tokyo Daibutsu Buddha statue at nearby Jorenji Temple.

For a bite to eat, head to the old-school Happy Road Oyama Shopping Street, which is full of quaint restaurants and affordable shops.

How to Get There

The closest access point is Itabashi Station on the JR Saikyo Line.

From Haneda Airport: Around one hour and 20 minutes by train.
From Narita Airport: Around two hours by train.
From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Saikyo Line approximately 15 minutes to Itabashi Station.
From Tokyo Station: Take the express train on the JR Chuo Line, then change at Shinjuku Station to the JR Saikyo Line. From there it is approximately 40 minutes to Itabashi Station.

12,000 fireworks light up the sky

Every year, cities and towns across Japan hold large fireworks festivals. One of Tokyo’s biggest firework events is the Itabashi Fireworks Festival, organized jointly with the town of Toda on the other side of the river, consisting of 12,000 fireworks launched into the air over the course of 90 minutes. Held in August every year, there are many attractions such as Tokyo's largest firework, the shakugosun-dama and a contest of artistic balls made by fireworks craftsmen. Most famous is the “Niagara Falls” firework, which stretches 700 meters across the sky.

Paid reserved seating and free unreserved seating are available along the banks of the Arakawa River. Note that hordes of people come early to stake out a viewing spot, so try to arrive with plenty of time to spare if you don't have seats reserved in advance.

This old-school shopping street has all the charms of a bygone era

While much of the shopping in central Tokyo caters to ritzy consumers looking for expensive, internationally renowned brands, Happy Road Oyama provides a more casual, straightforward charm, with over 200 shops and restaurants, many of which are family owned. In addition to affordable clothes, the arcade is full of various food stalls, restaurants, and izakaya bars.

Come on an empty stomach to enjoy a selection of cheap eats on sale at tiny food carts. Sample yakitori chicken skewers, takoyaki octopus treats, and various traditional sweets and snacks.

For a full meal, head to Arai Meat to taste the tonkatsu fried pork cutlet, or go to K's Kitchen, which is famous for its incredible sandwiches.

Jorenji Temple and Daibutsu

Jorenji Temple, founded around 1400, is home to the Tokyo Daibutsu, a large bronze Buddha, and has been chosen as one of the One Hundred Views of New Tokyo. It’s well worth a visit, and nearby you’ll also find the Akatsuka Botanical Garden and Akatsuka Park Joshi Area, which contains the Itabashi Historical Museum and the Itabashi Art Museum.