A TASTE OF TAKADANOBABA: A bustling student district

Takadanobaba is infamous for its status as a town built for schools and students. Young people from the nearby universities, particularly the most well-known academy Waseda University, come together to indulge in the dynamism offered by the neighborhood (also known as “Baba”), which also enjoys its proximity to the popular neighboring districts of Ikebukuro, Shin-Okubo, and Shinjuku. However, before becoming a place for students, Takadanobaba was known as the birthplace of Astroboy (an iconic manga in Japan) by the legendary creator Osamu Tezuka in 1952. As a testimony to the legacy of the mangaka (manga author), two big murals representing the little robot boy are visible right outside the station greeting all visitors walking along the street. Also for curiosity, if you are at the JR station, you can hear the musical theme of the animated series Astro Boy. But this isn’t all that you can find when visiting this magnificent area, there are also plenty of great restaurants and a very active lifestyle with typical stores that both boast and benefit from a youthful atmosphere, it is truly a neighborhood that shows that it knows how to adapt with the times!

Takadanobaba’s Story

The original name of Takadanobaba was Totsuka; an area that remained unchanged for some time. Little by little, however, new houses were slowly being built in the region, with the Yamanote line having the greatest influence on this developing urban change. Ultimately, Takadanobaba station was opened and since then, the name Totsuka was removed and addresses changed to pair with the new station. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the surrounding area (to the north Takada, Toshima-ku, and west Kamitakada, Nakano-ku) was called “Takada”.

One theory is that the place was named because of its high topography. As for the second half of the neighborhood’s name, it was also once a “Baba”, a place where horses lived. Another theory behind the name “Takada” is said to have come from the fact that it was the favorite residence of “Takata-dono” (“Chaa-no-tsubone”) as well as one of Tokugawa Ieyasu, whose child, Matsudaira Tadateru, was well-known as “Takada-no-kimi.” Furthermore, during the reign of the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1636, it became an equestrian training ground for the shogun (highest title of the samurai) and was thus named “Takada no Baba”.

Yabusame, the Art of Japanese Archery On Horseback

During the Edo period, the city was home to samurai who practiced horse riding and other horse-based arts because of its abundance of stables. According to history, the town started in 1728 when the 8th shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune dedicated the art of Yabusame (horse archery) at Ana Hachimangu Shrine (a shrine in Babashita-cho) as a way to pray for the healing of his children’s diseases. Today, the Takadanobaba Yabusame (Horse Archery Ceremony), which has been designated as a cultural property, is held every year on Sports Day in October in Toyama Metropolitan Park. Later, in 1737, a new style of Yabusame was introduced, as archery was no longer a common thing at that time, with the pistol quickly succeeding the bow in popularity and causing the original form of horseback archery to all but disappear. The statues of archers and horses that dotted the parks ultimately began to disappear around 1910, and the neighborhood started to become the Takadanobaba that we know now.

BIG BOX

The BIG BOX is a symbol of Takadanobaba that sits as high as the station itself, so there is no missing it whilst walking around. It is a big shopping complex that offers a range of stores like clothing stores, games (pincer game, purikura,…), and restaurants on the top floors. On the 7th floor, there is a place called “Jiyu Kukan”, where you can read manga, sing karaoke, play darts, and have as much fun as you like. A perfect place to spend a good full day without having to run around, convenient and enjoyable.

Retro-gaming

Mikado Game Center (ミカド) is the place to be for retro-gaming fans in Takadanobaba. This old-fashioned game center is located at the Waseda exit of Takadanobaba station in the first alley parallel to the railroad. The sign is simple but effective, plunging us directly into a nostalgic Japan, even the arcade games offered are some of the best from the 80s and 90s, adding to this feeling of nostalgia and retro. Experienced gamers who have mastered the machines meet here, marking it as an important spot in the gaming community. There is a wide variety, including racing, rhythm, and fighting games. Tournaments and events are organized with a commentator on hand to entertain, so make sure to check out the shop regularly so you don’t miss out on the action!

Sakae-Dori さかえ通り

Sakae-Dori is an incredible old-fashioned street located right in front of Takadanobaba station. As proof that we are indeed in a student town, an inscription is written on the entrance sign of Sakae-dori “東京富士大学 入口” which means “Entrance to Tokyo Fuji University”, clearly indicating that this is the road to Tokyo Fuji University. The shopping street is full of izakayas (Japanese pubs), restaurants, and plenty of tasty yet affordable cafes. But it’s not only a perfect place to eat there are also convenience and traditional stores, gambling centers, banks, real estate agencies, and lots, lots more! Sakae-dori is a great place to walk around and enjoy yourself, not to mention a sure opportunity to meet Japanese students!

Try A Taste of Takadanobaba!

Tonkatsu Ichiyoshi (とんかつ – いちよし) restaurant is a top recommendation for those who want a complete and gourmet meal in a typical Japanese place. It is a good quality and affordable restaurant that can be a bit crowded at lunchtime due to its prime location in the famous Sakae-dori. The delicious juicy meat for the tonkatsu is cut at the counter and has a crispy batter. Accompanied by pickles, miso clam soup, and a large bowl of rice, it is a good meal to get you through the day. Other fried dishes such as fried squid are also available.

Chicken Soba Sanpoichi (鶏そば三歩一) specializes in chicken soba noodles as well as an incredible chicken soup that you will remember for the rest of your life. With an old-fashioned exterior, the restaurant is quiet and bright. Noodles and tsukemen (noodles served with the broth separate) are available with the choice of either light or thick broth and all offer the flavor of chicken with every bite, perfectly complimenting the noodles. On the table are homemade raayu (chili oil), fried shallots, which are a rare appearance in restaurants like these, and bonito powder. The origin of Sanpoichi soup is said to be that the dish has an elegant and refreshing aftertaste, gained by cooking only with chicken in the broth. You can order a stronger or lighter flavor so you are sure to find something that suits your taste. But if you’re looking for something else other than chicken, fear not, as the restaurant is also known for its pork dishes.

Izakoi (“俺んち来い”) is an izakaya where you can not only stop and grab a meal but relax with an ice-cold drink. Good value, good food, with a lively party atmosphere. Izakoi is an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink place that is popular amongst young people in Japan. The perfect place to enjoy a drink and have a good time with friends.

Kurahashi (倉はし) is a restaurant serving okonomiyaki based on the very famous and beloved Hiroshima style. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a Japanese-style savory pancake that is incredibly popular in the Kansai region. However, there is a huge difference in cooking methods and taste when it comes to the Osaka and Hiroshima styles. The biggest difference is that while Osaka mixes all the ingredients, Hiroshima layers each ingredient and also always includes noodles! There is no competition, it all depends on your taste, so come and try this culinary experience!

10°Cafe is located near the Kanda River, just outside Takadanobaba Station, with an open kitchen and tables on the ground floor, sofas on the second floor, and an event space called 10°Space on the third floor. 10°Cafe offers a morning formula with a drink (coffee, café au lait, fruit juice, …) and you can enjoy their delicious sandwiches or desserts. Seats are equipped with electricity and Wi-Fi for reading, studying, or just chatting with friends. This café is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Otome Yama Park

Otome Yama Park is located north of Takadanobaba Station, about a 7-minute walk, and uses the slopes and springs of the mountain to create a unique landscape that is too beautiful to miss. The name “Otomeyama” comes from the fact that this area was originally forbidden to the general public as a hunting ground for shoguns during the Edo period (1603-1868). Since the Meiji era, the Konoe family has managed the area in the north and the Soma family in the south. After World War II, the neighboring residents requested the preservation of the nature of the area, calling it the “Ochiai unexplored area”, and in 1969, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government opened a part of it as a park. The spring water that gushes from the slopes has been selected as one of the 57 most famous springs in Tokyo, and the fireflies breed on this pure water. Every year in early July, a firefly viewing party and night is held at Otome Yama Park.

Takadanobaba offers a perspective of student life, a step into the Japanese working life, close to universities such as Waseda University. Come to this typical district to discover a facet of the culture that adapts over time, with restaurants that offer Japanese traditionalism through their recipes, and bring modernity with decadently designed buildings to perfectly represent the modern era, such as Big Box. Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax among the gorgeous parks, or grab that perfect cup of coffee and hang out with friends, there’s something for all here in Takadanobaba. So make sure to visit on your next travel, Astro Boy will be there to welcome you with pleasure and immerse you directly in the atmosphere of his birthplace.

Join us on a delicious tour in Shinjuku after your stroll in Takadanobaba!

Be sure to get the JR Pass to make navigating Japan during your trip that much easier!