15 Must-Visit Spots in Nakano, Tokyo: A Favorite Among Foreign Tourists

Known for its nostalgic charm, vibrant shopping streets, quirky theaters, and historic shrines, Nakano is a popular destination for both locals and international visitors seeking a taste of old-school Japan.

Whether you're exploring solo, with family, friends, or a special someone, Nakano offers plenty of attractions to suit every taste. Discover 15 must-visit spots that capture the heart and soul of this beloved neighborhood.

1. Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway is without a doubt the most bustling spot in Nakano. This retro building, reminiscent of the Showa era, is packed with a diverse range of shops, from hobby stores specializing in figures to clothing and general goods stores, cafes, restaurants, and even fortune-telling shops. Spread across five floors, from the basement to the fourth floor, it's a treasure trove for tourists seeking a unique and enjoyable experience.

One of its biggest advantages is that you can explore it regardless of the weather. Located just a short walk from Nakano Station, it's the perfect starting point for any visit to Nakano. With so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered, Nakano Broadway is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for something a bit different.

2. Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Street

Alongside the Nakano Broadway is the Nakano Sunmall Shopping Street. It is another iconic place in the neighborhood, cherished by locals. This nostalgic arcade-style shopping street boasts a diverse lineup of stores, from familiar chain brands to locally-owned shops, making it a delightful place to explore, even for tourists.

At the end of the arcade, you'll find the entrance to Nakano Broadway, making it convenient to visit both in one trip. Just like Broadway, you can enjoy shopping here without worrying about the weather. Experience the warm atmosphere of this traditional downtown area and discover the charm of Nakano's shopping streets for yourself!

3. Nakano Engei Small Theatre

Nakano Engei Small Theatre is a theater located within the Smile Nakano Social Welfare Center, just a short walk from Nakano Station. This versatile venue hosts a wide range of events, from comedy shows and Japanese dance performances to rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling) and lectures.

One of the greatest advantages of a smaller theater is its intimate atmosphere. At Nakano Geino Kogetheater, you can enjoy an up-close and personal experience, allowing you to clearly see even the most subtle movements of the performers. This creates a truly immersive live performance experience.

With a diverse lineup featuring both newcomers and seasoned professionals, there's always something exciting to see. If you're planning a trip to Nakano, be sure to check the schedule and immerse yourself in a captivating performance.

4. Nakano City History and Folklore Museum

The Nakano City Historical and Folk Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of Nakano, supported by a wealth of valuable materials. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts, from Jomon and Yayoi Period stone and earthenware excavated in the vicinity of Nakano to items from various eras leading up to the present day. Each exhibit is accompanied by clear and informative explanations, making it an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors.

One of the best parts is that admission to the museum is free! The museum also hosts special exhibitions and planned events, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit. This history museum is packed with exhibits that will give you a glimpse into how Nakano has changed over time. It's a great place to visit for both locals and tourists.

5. Nogata Water Tower

The Nogata Water Tower is affectionately known to locals as the "Water Tank" or "Mizunotou." Built in 1929, Its charming, somewhat European-inspired design has made it a popular tourist spot. At one point, there were discussions about demolishing it, but it is now a registered cultural property of Japan and is carefully preserved.

Surprisingly, it's still in use as an emergency water supply facility for disaster preparedness! While interior tours aren't available, the surrounding area has been transformed into a park called "Mizunoto Park," allowing visitors to admire the tower from up close. As a beloved local landmark, the Nogata Water Tower is definitely worth a visit.

6. Yakushi Ai Road Shopping District

When thinking of the trendy shopping streets around Nakano Station, the first that come to mind are "Sun Mall Shopping Street" and "Nakano Broadway." However, for tourists, don't forget the third, equally unique shopping street, "Yakushi Ai Road Shopping Street," located a bit further. Unlike the other two, this street is open-air and provides a more casual atmosphere, making it perfect for sunny days or pleasant weather.

Stretching out in a cross shape, you'll find a variety of shops perfect for sightseeing, including cafes, a soba noodle restaurant established in the Taisho era, general stores, and unique hobby shops. If you're visiting Nakano, be sure to stop by "Yakushi Ai Road Shopping Street" for the perfect finishing touch to your journey through the nostalgic atmosphere of these shopping districts.

7. Hikawa Shrine

Established in 1030, Nakano Hikawa Shrine is one of the oldest and most revered shrines in Nakano. Its spacious grounds are home to four additional shrines: Kitano, Mitake, Inari, and Shiogama.

Famous for its annual Grand Festival in September, the largest in Nakano, the shrine attracts numerous visitors each year. The serene atmosphere within the shrine grounds has a calming effect, leaving visitors feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. When visiting Nakano, be sure to stop by Nakano Hikawa Shrine for a moment of peace and tranquility.

8. Heiwa no Mori Park

Heiwa no Mori Park, originally built on the site of the former Nakano Prison, has become a popular recreational spot as the surrounding area has become more residential. The park boasts a variety of amenities, including sports fields, multiple plazas, a children's playground, a wading pool for kids (open only during summer), and a Yayoi-era burial mound with a reconstructed dwelling, making it an ideal destination for tourists.

The park's spacious grounds offer a serene and refreshing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation even without engaging in physical activity. As a unique feature, the park allows visitors to enjoy handheld fireworks during the summer months. When visiting Nakano, be sure to create unforgettable memories at Heiwa no Mori Park.

9. Tetsugakudo Park

The philosopher Enryo Inoue, also the founder of Toyo University, built the "Four Saints Hall" to honor Confucius, Socrates, Buddha, and Kant. This marked the beginning of the "Philosophical Garden Park."

The park, designed like a traditional Japanese garden, is well-maintained and features unique and humorous bridges, slopes, and statues, all with philosophical themes. It's a perfect spot for sightseeing, offering a distinctive and enjoyable experience. Even just reading the philosophical explanations at various points in the park is interesting.

Famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, the park attracts numerous visitors during the cherry blossom season. Whether you want to ponder deep philosophical questions or simply relax and unwind, the "Philosophical Garden Park" is an ideal destination.

10. Arai Tenjin Kitano Shrine

Arai Tenjin Kitano Shrine in Nakano Ward is a compact shrine dedicated to two significant deities: Sugawara no Michizane, the god of scholarship, and Ukemochi no Kami, the goddess of food.

Despite its small size, the shrine is packed with interesting sights, including the "chikaraishi" (power stones) that were once used for strength-testing competitions and the "nadegushi" (petting cow) statue, believed to alleviate ailments when petted.

A popular souvenir among visitors is the hand-carved wooden amulet known as "kiuso." Each amulet has a unique, charming expression and comes in three sizes. It’s highly recommended stopping by this shrine during your visit to Akasaka.

11. Rengeji Temple

Said to have been founded around the Muromachi period, Rengeji Temple is a beautiful temple surrounded by greenery, making it a perfect destination for sightseeing. It's also the final resting place of Inoue Enryo, the founder of the nearby Tetsugakudo (Philosopher's Hall), and features a unique gravestone designed by Enryo himself (with a circle placed on the top of the character '井').

Rengaji Temple is also a valuable site where you can view and pay respects to some striking statues, including "Onakakomori Kiyomasa" (Kiyomasa with a stuffed stomach), a statue of Kato Kiyomasa with a face shaped like the character '口' on his belly, and the "Ikagami Kizi Bosatsu" (Living Hair Kannon), a statue said to have been planted with real human hair. If you're visiting Nakano, be sure to include Rengaji Temple in your sightseeing itinerary.

12. Nakano City Central Library

Located in Nakano Ward, the central hub of the ward’s public library system is the Nakano City Central Library. Situated in the basement levels 1 and 2 of the comprehensive cultural facility, Nakano ZERO Momijiyama Culture Center, it boasts a collection of over 500,000 books and offers 150 reading seats where you can peruse a wide range of materials.

While residents outside of Nakano Ward are unable to borrow materials and can only browse, this is perfectly suitable for tourists who simply want to read a book during their visit. The Nakano City Central Library is the ideal place to quietly enjoy reading during your trip to Nakano. We encourage you to visit.

13. Nakano Shiki no Mori Park

Nakano Shiki no Mori Park, a beloved oasis for Nakano residents, is part of the redeveloped "Nakano Shiki no Toshi" area. With its expansive lawn and lush greenery, it's the perfect place to unwind, even for a quick break during sightseeing. Adjacent to the comprehensive commercial facility, "Nakano Central Park," where beer gardens are also held, you can enjoy a drink while taking in the park view.

The park's spaciousness allows for large-scale events to be held frequently, so you might stumble upon interesting happenings depending on the timing of your visit. Enjoy a wonderful time at Nakano Shiki no Mori Park.

14. Nakano Sunplaza → Currently being redeveloped into "NAKANO Sunplaza City"!

Nakano Sunplaza is a striking building recognized by its distinctive design of two triangles combined, was a beloved concert venue that represents Nakano

Due to the redevelopment of the area, including the neighboring land, demolition work began in 2024. The site is scheduled to be used as a skyscraper called NAKANO Sunplaza City, which will house a concert hall and hotel, and is scheduled to open in 2029.

15. Pocket Square

Pocket Square in Nakano is a theater district where small theaters like 'The Pocket', 'Gekijo MOMO', 'Theater BONBON', and 'Gekijo HOPE' are situated side by side. Each of these four theaters has its own unique characteristics and is renowned for its excellent facilities, making them easy to watch performances in and easy to use.

Nakano is also known for having many other small theaters and a large community of theater professionals. The plays performed in these small theaters in this artistic city are full of immediacy. It might be fun to spontaneously choose a performance from one of the four theaters without doing much research beforehand. Be sure to enjoy an exciting sightseeing experience filled with Nakano's unique arts.

◎ Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in Nakano, Tokyo

Discover the charm of Nakano, a city filled with a nostalgic atmosphere. Come and explore!