Ichigaya – Ten Minute Tokyo

Name: Ichigaya

Kind: Town

Free Wifi: Yes

Location: 35°41’32.29″ N 139°44’06.06″ E

Station: JR Ichigaya Station, Metro Ichigaya Station

Our Rating: ⭑⭑⭑

Worth it? If you’re in the area.

Updated 7/26/2021

Access

Take the JR Chuo Line or the Metro Namboku, or Yurakucho Line to Ichigaya Station. Interestingly, the JR platform sits right on the bank of the river.

Ichigaya is a small, non-descript town on the east side of Tokyo. Its name means Market Valley. It’s a less-well maintained area and is seen by some in Tokyo as a lower-class area. But it’s worth a look around on a nice day – and it’s close to central Tokyo.

Ichigaya is at the very west end of Yasukuni-Dori. Just to the northeast is the controversial, but very interesting Yasukuni Shrine.

Ichigaya Fish Center

Perhaps the most well-known attraction in Ichigaya is the Ichigaya Fish Center – where many Tokyoites spend weekends or holidays fishing in the center’s small ponds. It’s a popular spot for families with small children.

Ichigaya Bridge

There is also a popular bridge in Ichigaya which has some nice cherry blossom-viewing areas in the spring.

Sotobori Park

Just at the south end of Ichigaya jammed in next to the river is Sotobori Park – a small park with a sitting area, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and a commercial fitness gym at the south end.

Universities

Ichigaya is also home to Chuo University + Hosei University, the later of which was recently remodeled – and which is more popular with international students.

While in the area you can also drop in at Iidabashi just to the north and check it out – which is also worth a look. Also just to the south down the main street is Yotsuya – which is well worth a quick walk. Yotsuya is home to Sophia University, and is just north of the interesting Akasaka. You can also jump off from Yotsuya to the west to Shinjuku fairly easily, although it is approx. 8 miles away. You can take the subway from Yotsuya Station on the corner to Shinjuku easily.