Reasons to visit Nakamurabashi
※updated on June 18 2025
Nakamurabashi, located in Tokyo’s Nerima city, is just a 12-minute train ride from Ikebukuro. Nestled within a peaceful residential area away from the noise of central Tokyo, this charming neighborhood blends local Japanese culture with creative public art. Located next to Nerima Station, the area is easily accessible and increasingly popular due to ongoing redevelopment focused on its identity as an “art city.” The local library near the station is also set to be renovated, adding even more cultural value to the community.
Strolling through the Nakamurabashi shopping street offers a real taste of everyday Japanese life, complete with locally owned shops and neighborhood charm. It’s also home to hidden art spots and museums. Though not widely known among international tourists, Nakamurabashi is a rewarding destination for those seeking authentic Japanese experiences and unique artistic encounters.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Nakamurabashi so special. Consider adding it to your Tokyo itinerary!
Access
・From Ikebukuro：Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station to Nakamurabashi Station – it’s about 12 minutes by train.
Bijutsu no Mori Ryokuchi Park
Just a 3-minute walk from Nakamurabashi Station’s north exit, you’ll find a whimsical art park filled with mysterious and imaginative animals. This is “Bijutsu no Mori Ryokuchi Park”, located beside the Nerima Art Museum. It’s a unique space where nature and public art come together in perfect harmony.
The park features 32 art sculptures representing around 20 different animal species. From colorful creatures to those shaped entirely from greenery, each artwork sparks curiosity and creativity. It’s an ideal place for taking memorable and Instagram-worthy photos with your favorite animal.
The park is free to enter and open to the public, creating a relaxing atmosphere where you might even see local children playing. This colorful, creative space offers a delightful art experience unlike any other in Tokyo.
・Neri-Mama
A horse with a body made from daikon radishes and a head made of grass. This artwork symbolizes Nerima’s historical role as one of Tokyo’s main daikon-producing areas. Its odd appearance makes it a truly iconic piece of Nerima art. The name “Neri-mama” is a coined word combining Nerima daikon (a type of Japanese radish) and a horse. It has a striking and uniquely memorable appearance.
・Gorilla
This is a gorilla-themed artwork. The gorilla gazes off into the distance with a slightly grumpy expression. However, its hands are raised in front of its body, making it possible to place small objects on them.
The artworks in this park are built with a certain level of durability, so it's generally safe for small children to touch or interact with them — as long as it’s within reasonable, respectful limits.
・Neribie
A whimsical creature born from the logo of the Nerima Art Museum. There are three Neribies in the park, each in a different color. Their oversized heads and surreal appearance are especially memorable.
The logo of the Nerima Art Museum was created on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, with the hope that local residents would grow to love the museum, feel proud of it, and share that pride with others. Inspired by the catchphrase introduced at the same time—"A museum where brilliance and excitement await"—the design symbolizes the process of growth: a single seed sprouting and eventually bearing fruit.
From this meaningful logo, these charming animal characters were born, capturing the spirit of creativity and warmth that the museum represents.
Other Areas
