Ichigaya, Educational district in Shinjuku, Japan.
Ichigaya is a neighborhood in Shinjuku defined by multiple universities, including Hosei University and Chuo University, which sit alongside residential areas and commercial streets. The district combines academic buildings, apartment blocks, and small shops in a mixed layout that offers different spaces for students, residents, and visitors.
During the Edo period, Ichigaya served as a military quarter, a role that continues through the present-day location of Japan's Ministry of Defence. This long connection to power and security has shaped the character of the neighborhood for centuries.
The Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu Shinto shrine sits on elevated ground overlooking the neighborhood, showing how traditional worship coexists with modern city life. Visitors notice the quiet pathways leading to the shrine, which provide a contrast to the busy daily rhythm of the area.
Multiple train stations connect the neighborhood to central Tokyo, making it easy to navigate with clear entry points throughout the area. Student-focused restaurants and food stands are scattered across the district, offering quick and affordable meals for visitors and residents alike.
The Ministry of Defence was the site of a significant historical event in 1970 connected to the life of a renowned writer. This event has permanently shaped public perception of the location, making it a point of historical interest for many visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
