Contemplate for a moment. Where do locals say they are from? They often use the local station name. Even if the name isn’t on many maps. Naka-Itabashi is one such place.
Naka-Itabashi is more than just a station. It is a convenient and homey area in Tokyo’s Itabashi ward. Many people abbreviate it to Naka-Ita. This area offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo life.
Naka-Itabashi Station opened on July 12 1933. It is on the Tobu Tojo Line. The line runs from Ikebukuro. Naka-Itabashi is between Ōyama and Tokiwadai stations. It is 4 km from Ikebukuro. The station is coded TJ-05. This happened in March 2012.
Only local trains stop here. There are eight trains per hour during the day. The station has two island platforms and four tracks. These platforms let non-stopping trains pass.
Many people use Naka-Itabashi Station daily. In 2014 about 26961 passengers used the station each day. The numbers have stayed steady.
Naka-Itabashi is convenient. It has a wide range of shops and restaurants. Ikebukuro is only four stations away. This makes accessing Tokyo easy.
One author felt so at home. He set his novel “Hijacking Japan” here. Some parts describe the area in detail.
Itabashi itself has a rich history. The name means plank bridge. This comes from a wooden bridge over the Shakujii River. It dates back to the Heian period. Such a bridge was rare then. The current bridge is ferroconcrete.
Itabashi was one of the Four Edo Post Towns. Travelers lodged here after leaving the capital.
The ward became part of Tokyo City in 1932. Later, Nerima ward split off from Itabashi.
Today Itabashi has sister-city relations. These are with Burlington Canada. Also Shijingshan District China and Bologna Italy.
Naka-Itabashi is a great place to experience Tokyo. Its local charm its convenience and history make it special. As Naka-Itabashi continues to evolve it remains a welcoming place.