Overview
Despite being the headquarters for a couple of popular animation studios, Nishitokyo City still manages to remain low key. Once part of Saitama Prefecture, the city became part of Tokyo in 1907 and offers up some interesting landmarks that reveal the city's history. Here is an introduction to some of the history and landmarks of Nishitokyo City and how to reach them.
Dydo Drinco Ice Arena
A popular ice skating rink, the Dydo Drinco Ice Arena began its life in 1984 and once acted as the home rink for the Seibu Prince Rabbits ice hockey team when they competed in the Asia League Ice Hockey competition. Figure skating, ice hockey and recreational skating all feature at the arena.
A 1-minute walk from Higashi-Fushimi Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line.
Shitanoya Iseki Remains
Located within a residential area, the Shitanoya Iseki Remains appears as a simple, well-maintained park space. In truth, the grounds hide the ruins of an ancient Jomon period settlement. Designated as a National Historic Site in 2015, the remains are still yet to be fully revealed but features pit dwelling sites, pillars and earth pits.
A 7-minute walk from Higashi-Fushimi Station of Seibu Shinjuku Line.
Tanashi Tower
A 195m-high skeletal mass of metal, Tanashi Tower is a communications tower built in the 1980s. Also known as the Sky Tower West Tokyo, this prominent member of the city's skyline is illuminated each evening. Its colours change each night according to the weather forecast for the following day, giving the tower an added sense of character.
A 20-minute walk from Hana-Koganei Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line.
University of Tokyo Tanashi Forest
Primarily a research centre for urban forestry and tree physiology, the University of Tokyo Tanashi Forest opened in 1929 and has been educating students and scientists ever since. Opened to the public, there are over 200 tree and plant species within its nine hectares of original geography making it a unique natural experience.
An 11-minute no.4 bus ride from Tanashi Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line.
