Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Nishitokyo and its neighbors are mostly quiet commuter towns, rarely promoted to tourists, which is exactly their appeal: picnic parks around Tama Lake, a shrine with roots in the 13th century, an old sake brewery and a 195-meter tower that glows with tomorrow’s weather.
Quick answer
Getting there: Tanashi Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
Time needed: Half a day
Best time: May for the craft market at Tanashi Shrine; spring for the parks
Good for: Quiet parks, local life, sake, families
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Overview
| Getting there | Tanashi Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line) |
| Time needed | Half a day |
| Best time | May for the craft market at Tanashi Shrine; spring for the parks |
| Good for | Quiet parks, local life, sake, families |
Best Things to Do
Tanashi Jinja Shrine
A shrine with origins in the 13th century, much quieter than Tokyo’s famous shrines. Each May it hosts the “Yaoyorozu no Sanpoichi” market of local crafts, music and food.
Parks for a picnic
Kitayama Park near Higashimurayama Station has a lily-pad pond; Sayama Park has views over Tama Lake; Rokusen Park and Hachikokuyama Park, with its promenade, are calm escapes from the city.
Toshimaya Shuzo
One of the oldest sake breweries in Tokyo. Check its website for tours before you go. See our izakaya guide for where to drink sake.
Tanashi Tower (Sky Tower West Tokyo)
A 195-meter communications tower lit at night in colors that match the next day’s weather forecast.
Tamarokuto Science Center
A science museum with several exhibits in English, good for children.
DyDo Drinco Ice Arena
An ice rink with skating lessons.
Food & Drink
- Food stalls from local restaurants and cafés at the May market at Tanashi Shrine.
- Sake from Toshimaya Shuzo.
Shopping
- Handmade goods at the Yaoyorozu no Sanpoichi market in May.
Where to Stay
Most visitors make this a day trip from central Tokyo. Shinjuku, the starting point for trains west, has the widest choice of hotels: see Best hotels in Shinjuku.
Getting There
- Tanashi Station: Seibu Shinjuku Line, by express from Seibu-Shinjuku Station.
- From Tokyo Station: JR Yamanote Line to Takadanobaba, then the Seibu Shinjuku Line express to Tanashi.
- From the airports: about 1 hour 15 minutes by train from Haneda, or about 2 hours 10 minutes from Narita.
- Seibu-Shinjuku Station is a separate station from JR Shinjuku Station, a walk away.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- MorningTanashi Jinja Shrine
- Walk
- LunchPicnic in Rokusen Park
- AfternoonSake brewery (check tours) or the Science Center
- EveningSee Tanashi Tower lit up
Travel Tips
- Visit in May for the shrine market.
- Check the sake brewery’s tour information in advance.
- Look at Tanashi Tower’s colors at night: they show tomorrow’s weather.
FAQ
Is Nishitokyo worth visiting?
If you want quiet parks, an old shrine and local life away from the crowds, yes.
How do I get to Nishitokyo?
Take the Seibu Shinjuku Line express to Tanashi Station.
What is Tanashi Tower?
A 195-meter communications tower, lit at night in colors that match the next day’s weather forecast.
Travel Essentials
Airport Transfers
Trains, the monorail, the Airport Limousine Bus and taxis compared.
Train Tickets
How to buy Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets for Kyoto, Osaka and beyond.
JR Pass & Transport Passes
Whether a rail pass or a Tokyo subway ticket will save you money.
Explore More in This Area
Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
