Overview
Nerima is one of Tokyo's greenest wards, with abundant parks and a relaxed suburban atmosphere. It's the birthplace of Japanese anime (Toei Animation is headquartered here) and offers significantly lower rents than central wards. The Seibu and Tobu lines provide direct access to Ikebukuro.
Best For
Families, anime enthusiasts, and budget-conscious residents who don't mind a slightly longer commute.
Living Costs
Rent Prices (Monthly)
- Studio / 1R: ¥60,000–¥82,000
- Family (2LDK+): ¥120,000–¥200,000
- Prices are for average locations; station-front apartments cost 10-20% more
- Key money and deposit typically 1-2 months each
Monthly Budget Estimate
- Utilities: ¥8,000–¥15,000 (electricity, gas, water)
- Internet: ¥4,000–¥5,000
- Groceries: ¥30,000–¥50,000
- Transport: ¥5,000–¥15,000 (commuter pass varies)
Transit Access
Train lines and travel times from Nerima.
Available Lines
| Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku | 20 min (Oedo Line) |
| Shibuya | 25 min (Fukutoshin) |
| Tokyo Station | 35 min (via Ikebukuro) |
Expat Life
Community
- Small expat community. Mostly Japanese residential area with growing diversity.
English Services
- Nerima Ward Office has basic English support. Limited English-speaking medical facilities.
International Shopping
- Limited. Gyomu Super for budget imports. Easily accessible international shops in Ikebukuro (20 min).
- Full supermarket guide →
Ward Office
- Address: 6-12-1 Toyotama-Kita, Nerima-ku
- Languages: English, Chinese
- Handle resident registration, health insurance, My Number, and more
- ID documents guide →
Neighborhood Highlights
The best spots and areas in Nerima.
Shakujii Park
Large park with ponds, boat rentals, and beautiful seasonal foliage.
Toshimaen Area
Home to the new Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (Harry Potter experience).
Oizumi Anime Gate
Monument to Nerima's anime heritage, near studios that produced iconic anime series.
Hikarigaoka
Modern planned community with wide streets, parks, and family-oriented facilities.
Practical Info
Garbage & Recycling
- Each ward has its own garbage collection schedule
- Sort into: burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and oversized items
- Collection days vary by neighborhood within the ward
- Complete garbage sorting guide →
Safety & Preparedness
- Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world
- Register for ward disaster alerts (available in English)
- Know your nearest evacuation center (listed at ward office)
- Keep an emergency kit ready (see home centers guide)