Top 5 recommendations in Nakano
※updated on June 8 2025
Just a quick 4-minute ride on the JR Chuo Line Rapid from Shinjuku Station brings you to Nakano Station, the vibrant heart of Nakano City. Located directly west of Shinjuku, Nakano is a well-connected area beloved for its accessibility, culture, and charm.
Nakano is more than just a commuter hub—it's a dynamic district where shopping, food, history, art, and subcultures beautifully intertwine. Here are 5 must-visit spots in Nakano that showcase the area’s unique appeal.
1)Nakano Station Area
At the north exit of Nakano station, you’ll find the iconic Nakano Broadway, a commercial and residential complex that opened in 1966. Now world-renowned as a mecca for Japanese subculture, it draws fans from around the globe.
One of its most famous tenants is MANDARAKE, a secondhand store specializing in manga, anime, figures. Its success sparked an influx of niche shops, turning Nakano Broadway into a true cultural landmark.
Just outside the station, the Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Street stretches over 200 meters. This covered arcade is lined with eateries, daily goods stores, and cozy cafés—supporting the daily lives of locals.
Plus, Nakano's North Exit boasts over 60 shopping streets, many coming alive after dark. Wander through narrow alleys filled with lively IZAKAYA and restaurants, lit by warm orange lights. It's a scene that captures the heart of Japanese nightlife. From casual bites to gourmet dishes, every visit feels new—many fall in love at first sight.
2) RENGA ZAKA
Just 1 minute walk from Nakano Station’s South Exit lies the charming Renga Zaka, or “Brick Slope.” This quaint hill is known for its European-style gate and brick-paved road, illuminated by romantic warm lights at night.
Flanked by stylish cafés, unique restaurants, and boutique shops, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or Instagram-worthy photos. Don’t just pass through—stop by a shop or two and soak in the atmosphere.
📍 Address: Nakano 3-chome, Nakano city
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24 hours
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 1-minute walk from JR Nakano Station
3) Nakano Station Mural Project
Nakano’s streets come alive with color thanks to the Nakano Mural Project, an initiative to incorporate public art into everyday spaces. These murals, scattered across the district, reflect the city’s creative energy and inclusive spirit.
Aiming to build "a city where people connect and new energy is born," the project invites you to explore Nakano through art. Wander the streets and enjoy the unexpected joy of discovering vibrant murals as part of your journey.
4) Nakano City Hall
Inaugurated in 2024, the new Nakano City Hall is a striking example of modern architecture. Designed with sustainability, seismic safety, and harmony with nature in mind, the trellis-like lattice façade stands out as both functional and beautiful.
This is more than a government building—it’s a local landmark. Right in front is Shiki no Mori Park, where people gather on sunny days to chat over coffee or enjoy weekend markets. It’s a place where civic life and community spirit thrive.
📍 Address: 11-19, Nakano 4-chome, Nakano city
🚉 Access: 7-minute walk from JR Nakano Station
5) The Dog Statue
To understand Tokyo, one must also understand the Edo period (1603-), during which modern Tokyo’s foundations were laid. Nakano’s connection to this era is especially evident through the legacy of the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi.
Known for issuing the “Edicts on Compassion for Living Things,” Tsunayoshi built a massive stray dog shelter in Nakano, allocating what would be about 12.25 billion yen (approx. USD 78 million) in today’s money.
This history is commemorated by a dog statue outside Nakano City Hall, serving as a modern reminder of animal welfare and the value of life. It’s a unique symbol that links past compassion to today’s social values.
📍 Address: Nakano 3-chome, Nakano city (In front of Nakano City Hall)
🕒 Opening hours: 24 hours
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 7-minute walk from JR Nakano Station
Nakano Station is far more than just a transit point—it's a neighborhood where subculture, art, history, and food experiences coexist harmoniously. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning, there’s always something new to discover.
While the area around Nakano Station often steals the spotlight, Nakano City has so much more to explore. Just a short distance from Nakano-Sakaue Station, you’ll find historic gems like Joganji Temple—a peaceful and spiritually significant temple with deep cultural roots.
Come and create your own special memories in Nakano, one of Tokyo’s most captivating hidden gems. 🌟
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