Monzen-nakacho Station

A convenient transfer station to Shinjuku. Logically laid out without the need to walk long distances between platforms.

Nice services!

This area is a hidden gem in Tokyo. You have everything here, but the tourists. There are two large temples, a Buddhist and a Shinto, each dating back over 500 hundred years. The sakura/cherry blossom season here is spectacular along the many parks and river walks. I have not found a better place for sakura viewing yet. It is know as old Tokyo, shitamachi, but unlike Asakusa, it is clean. 4 train lines intersect here, including JR. So it is an extremely easy place to commute to and from. Many famous Japanese quietly live in the neighborhood, though the area is not expensive. It feels like the part of Tokyo the Japanese keep for themselves. Obon season is extremely traditional here. Giant and small obon alike. All the different neighborhoods and temples participate. One of the largest in all of Japan is housed at the Shinto temple. They are very welcoming of foreigners who want to participate in the ceremony/parade. They also have parades run by the children. The Buddhist temple has a goat wooden statue that is over 500 years old and is made of a single giant tree. I highly recommend Monzennakacho.