The Nakano and Ogikubo area offers tourist attractions such as Nakano Sunplaza, Hikawa Shrine, and Omiya Hachimangu Shrine; sightseeing events such as the Ekoda Lion Dance, Setsubun Festival, Monks' Procession, and Nakano Ward Refresh Plaza; and local delicacies such as sukiyaki, motsunabe, and soba noodles.
Perhaps because of the large number of universities and vocational schools along the railway line, the Nakano, Suginami, and Ogikubo area has many spots for movie, acting, and music lovers. The area has various faces, such as being a popular area with a refined atmosphere, and is crowded with people of all ages, genders, and nationalities, especially young people.
Nakano is conveniently located only one station away from Shinjuku on the rapid train, yet it is a residential area. As the birthplace of shopping arcades and famous commercial facilities, there is a historic shopping street called "Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Street" in front of the station, with as many as 50 stores.
It is a covered arcade, so it is not affected by the weather, and is a popular place for locals to procure daily necessities, but it is also one of the most popular spots for tourists. Another characteristic of this area is that it is dotted with many unique and warm individual stores.
Nakano has now made a name for itself abroad as a mecca for subcultures, and many fans from Japan and abroad visit the area for sightseeing. Nakano has become a popular gathering place for manga, anime, and figure fans, and Nakano Broadway, which houses a variety of stores from the first to fourth floors, is particularly popular among enthusiasts.
Suginami and Ogikubo, famous for "Ogikubo Ramen" that attracted attention during the ramen boom of the 1980s, still has many long-established ramen shops competing with each other, but each area of Suginami Ward has a different atmosphere, including Koenji with its live music clubs and Asagaya with its lively shopping streets and famous Awaodori dance.
Suginami Ward is also home to many famous shrines and temples, including Omiya Hachimangu, known as "Tokyo's navel," Myohoji Temple, known as a guardian temple against bad luck, and Shinmoriji Temple, the family temple of the Mitsui family.
The Nakano, Suginami, and Ogikubo area has a multifaceted face, and although it is located in the metropolis of Tokyo, there is a lot of greenery and a relaxing atmosphere.