Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Itabashi is a relaxed residential area on the Arakawa River in northern Tokyo, about 15 minutes from Shinjuku. It is a chance to see everyday Tokyo: a lively old-style shopping arcade, a giant bronze Buddha, quiet parks and museums, and one of the city’s biggest fireworks shows in August.
Quick answer
Getting there: Itabashi Station (JR Saikyo Line); Oyama Station (Tobu Tojo Line) for Happy Road Oyama
Time needed: Half a day
Best time: Early August for the fireworks festival
Good for: Local life, cheap eats, fireworks, temples
Plan Your Visit to Itabashi
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Overview
| Getting there | Itabashi Station (JR Saikyo Line); Oyama Station (Tobu Tojo Line) for Happy Road Oyama |
| Time needed | Half a day |
| Best time | Early August for the fireworks festival |
| Good for | Local life, cheap eats, fireworks, temples |
Best Things to Do
Happy Road Oyama Shopping Street
An old-school covered shopping street with over 200 shops and restaurants, many family-owned. Come hungry for cheap snacks from small food stalls, such as yakitori skewers, takoyaki and traditional sweets, plus affordable clothes, restaurants and izakaya.
Jorenji Temple and the Tokyo Daibutsu
Founded around 1400, Jorenji Temple is home to the Tokyo Daibutsu, a large bronze Buddha, and is one of the “One Hundred Views of New Tokyo.”
Akatsuka Park and museums
Near Jorenji, the Akatsuka Botanical Garden and Akatsuka Park, whose Joshi area has the Itabashi Historical Museum and the Itabashi Art Museum.
Itabashi Fireworks Festival
Held every August on the Arakawa River together with the town of Toda across the river, with about 12,000 fireworks over 90 minutes, including a huge shakugosun-dama shell and the 700-meter-wide “Niagara Falls.” There is paid reserved seating and free seating on the riverbanks; arrive early if you do not have a reserved seat.
Food & Drink
- Happy Road Oyama: street food from small stalls and many casual restaurants and izakaya.
- GO TOKYO recommends Arai Meat for tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) and K’s Kitchen for sandwiches.
Find places to eat with our restaurant finder.
Shopping
- Happy Road Oyama Shopping Street for affordable clothes, snacks and everyday goods.
Where to Stay
Itabashi is an easy trip from Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, which have many hotels: see Best hotels in Ikebukuro.
Getting There
- Itabashi Station: JR Saikyo Line. Oyama Station: Tobu Tojo Line, for Happy Road Oyama.
- From Shinjuku: about 15 minutes on the JR Saikyo Line to Itabashi. From Tokyo Station: about 40 minutes (JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku, then the Saikyo Line).
- From the airports: about 1 hour 20 minutes by train from Haneda, or about 2 hours from Narita.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- Late morningHappy Road Oyama Shopping Street
- Train and bus
- AfternoonJorenji Temple and the Tokyo Daibutsu
- Walk
- LaterAkatsuka Park and the Itabashi Art Museum
Travel Tips
- Go to Happy Road Oyama around lunchtime to try the food stalls.
- For the fireworks, arrive early or book a reserved seat.
- Combine with Ikebukuro, a few stops away.
FAQ
What is Itabashi known for?
Happy Road Oyama Shopping Street, the Tokyo Daibutsu at Jorenji Temple, and the Itabashi Fireworks Festival in August.
When is the Itabashi Fireworks Festival?
Every year in early August, on the Arakawa River. Check the official festival website for this year’s date.
How do I get to Itabashi from Shinjuku?
Take the JR Saikyo Line to Itabashi Station, about 15 minutes.
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
