“Japan Life with Seibu”

私たちは全ての人が住みやすい場所を目指しています。

“Japan Life with Seibu” is a collaboration between Seibu Railway and GTN, where we ask foreign residents along the Seibu Line to share what they love most about their neighborhoods.

This year’s theme is Encounters and Connections Along the Seibu Line. In this series, we explore the unique connections that foreign residents feel within their communities and uncover the hidden gems they’ve discovered in their daily lives.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes Higashi-Nagasaki Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line so special!

New Life in Japan: Connected Through 13 Trips

What brought you to Japan, and how long have you been living here? What were your first impressions?

I’ve been living in Japan for 5 months now, but before moving here long-term, I had visited 13 times as a tourist. This time, I came to study photography techniques and pursue graduate studies at Tokyo University of the Arts. My first impression of Japan was that it’s very clean and people are polite.

Who was the first Japanese person you became friends with?

The first friend I made in Japan was an Israeli woman from my Japanese language school. We would study together, go out for meals, and hang out.

Do you have any memorable experiences of being helped by someone while living in Japan?

Six years ago, while I was traveling, I visited Oshino Hakkai (a group of eight springs in Yamanashi Prefecture). When I was buying yomogi mochi at the entrance, the shop owner had taught himself Chinese and we were able to chat a bit. Later, when we missed our bus back to Tokyo, he noticed we were in trouble and after finishing work, drove us to the nearest station – over 20 kilometers away. I’m really grateful for his kindness. After I shared this story with my friends, they also started buying mochi from his shop.

How do you build connections with people in your daily life in Japan?

In Japan, I make an effort to communicate actively using both English and Japanese, and sometimes even translation apps. This proactive approach has been key in creating connections with people around me.

Higashi-Nagasaki Station: A Peaceful Neighborhood Near Ikebukuro

Out of all the options in Tokyo, why did you choose to live along the Seibu Line?

First, it’s the convenience of being close to Ikebukuro. Also, I particularly love how the small streets from the station to my home have this authentic Japanese neighborhood feel.  Houses and apartments are built along the varying elevations, and there are lots of plants in gardens and along the streets, creating a warm and inviting landscape.

Additionally, the Seibu Line provides easy access to nature-rich areas like Chichibu, which makes it convenient for sightseeing.

Here’s what makes the Seibu Line special!
High convenience for commuting × Family-friendly × Disaster-resilient

How do you find living in the Higashi-Nagasaki area?

It’s very convenient for daily life, with everything you need – convenience stores, drugstores, supermarkets, flower shops, cafes, and gyms. I can easily pick up everything I need on my way back from class. This convenience was one of the reasons I chose this area, and I’m really happy with my decision.

Do you have any favorite places or spots you’d recommend in Higashi-Nagasaki?

My favorite spot is “Hana Yururi,” the flower shop at the north exit of Higashi-Nagasaki Station. They always have lovely flowers displayed outside, and it brightens my day every time I pass by.
I also love going to Shiinamachi Station, which is right next to Higashi-Nagasaki Station. At night, it has this amazing cyberpunk city atmosphere, and I often go there to take photos.

Have you had any memorable encounters or connections since moving here?

I met this handsome Turkish man who, coincidentally, attended the same Japanese language school as me! Since we lived near the same station, we started seeing each other daily, and our conversations naturally grew into friendship. Getting to know him has made my life in Japan more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Do you have any special memories of this neighborhood?

One of the unique charms of this area is that I can see the sunrise during my morning commute and the sunset on my way home. The sunset view from the station gates is particularly beautiful – I’ve made it a daily ritual to pause and admire it when I return from school. Another fond memory is taking the Seibu Line to go sightseeing in Chichibu.

[About Higashi-Nagasaki Station]
Higashi-Nagasaki Station is located on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, with excellent access to central Tokyo – just about 5 minutes to Ikebukuro Station! The station area has plenty of shopping facilities and restaurants, making it very convenient for daily shopping and dining. The “Nagasaki Ginza Shopping Street” is popular among locals for its reasonable prices compared to central Tokyo, and you can feel the warmth of the local community here.
The surrounding area retains its historic townscape, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The neighborhood strikes a perfect balance between urban convenience and a peaceful environment, making it an attractive area that offers both livability and comfort.

Message to Future International Residents in Japan

Do you have any advice for foreigners who are planning to live in Japan?

For those thinking about starting a life in Japan, I highly recommend considering areas along the Seibu Line. Areas like Shiinamachi, Higashi-Nagasaki, and Ekoda have charming neighborhoods where you can experience authentic Japanese daily life. These areas are also close to Ikebukuro, which is convenient when you’re craving Chinese food. I think these neighborhoods offer the perfect combination of livability and traditional Japanese atmosphere.

“Japan Life with Seibu” will continue to share the best of the local area through the eyes of foreign residents living along the Seibu Line.

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