3 Attractions in Minami-nagasaki
※updated on July 8 2025
Just south of Seibu Ikebukuro Line’s Shiinamachi Station lies Minami-Nagasaki, a must-visit area for anime and manga lovers. This neighborhood in Toshima City, Tokyo, is home to the Tokiwa-so Manga Museum, and is filled with colorful public art, creative street objects, and retro vibes that feel like stepping into an anime world. This area once housed many legendary manga artists, and their influence still lives on in the culture and streets of the community. Here are three must-see spots in Minami-Nagasaki for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture.
1) Tokiwa-so Manga Museum – A Journey to the Roots of Manga Culture
Located in a quiet residential area of Toshima, the Tokiwa-so Manga Museum is a faithful full-scale reconstruction of the original wooden apartment, “Tokiwa-so,” where some of Japan’s most famous manga creators lived and worked during their early years.
Artists like Osamu Tezuka, creator of the 100,000-horsepower robot boy Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), and Fujiko F. Fujio, who brought Doraemon to life, once called this place home. This museum lets you experience their lives and creative environments, offering rare insights into the beginnings of Japan's iconic manga industry. Today, the museum is a sacred spot for fans from around the world.
2) Street Art & Public Installations – A Free Open-Air Museum
Across from the Tokiwa-so Manga Museum, the streets of Minami-Nagasaki are decorated with unique and colorful public art. One standout series is the vibrant face-themed wall paintings by artist Kohei Kyomori, who reinterprets historical ornamentation and facial elements with a modern, artistic twist. The art uses high-saturation colors and geometric composition, making it impossible to miss.
These works are arranged like an outdoor gallery, creating a free, walkable art experience. If you enjoy photography or contemporary Japanese art, this is a perfect spot. However, the streets here are narrow, so be mindful of traffic and pedestrians while viewing or taking pictures.
3) Tokiwa-so Street Showa Retro Museum – A Nostalgic Time Capsule
The Showa Retro Museum (Tokiwa-so Street Showa Retrokan) is a cozy, free-entry museum that recreates everyday life in Japan’s Showa era (1926–1989). Inside, you’ll find vintage appliances, furniture, posters, and toys that bring the era to life.
This museum captures the atmosphere of the time when legendary manga creators like Tezuka and Fujiko lived in the area. It’s a nostalgic spot where visitors can explore not only manga roots but also get a feel for mid-20th-century Japanese lifestyle. Volunteers from the local community are often on hand to share stories and insights, making it a heartwarming experience.
Minami-Nagasaki is a special destination where visitors can learn about the history of manga and anime, explore Japanese pop culture landmarks, and enjoy a creative walk filled with unique public art. Whether you're a dedicated fan or just curious about Japan’s manga legacy, this Tokyo neighborhood offers an unforgettable, immersive experience into the roots of anime culture.
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