Tama Area: Tokyo’s Amazing Western Suburbs!

Tokyo might be famous for its glowing neon streets, but head west and you’ll stumble upon a new vibe—welcome to Tama. Located between the mountains and the buzz of the city, this area has a charm all its own.

Tama is packed with history, creativity, and neighborhoods full of life. Each spot feels different, with its own character and little secrets waiting to be found. It’s a place loved by locals, students, and curious explorers alike. So, let’s dive in and check out some of Tama’s coolest neighborhoods.

Tama’s history

The Tama area covers the sprawling western portion of Tokyo Metropolis, the suburbs stretching beyond Shinjuku and Shibuya. It’s much greener and hillier than central Tokyo, touched by rivers, woodland, and expansive parks. Tama’s name comes from the Tama River (Tamagawa), which flows along its southern border. It was once a natural resource and lifeline for villages and farmers.

For centuries, Tama stayed rural. It was a patchwork of small communities and rice fields. The area supplied Edo, the old Tokyo, with produce and timber. Shrines and temples over a thousand years old dotted the land. Tama was farmland, wildwood, and a countryside retreat for people from the city.

Things began to change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Railroads reached Tama, connecting it to Tokyo’s urban core. After World War II, Tama’s quiet landscape transformed.

New residential neighborhoods and university campuses were built, rural towns expanded, and Tama became a thriving zone where nature and city blended. Today, Tama is famous for family-friendly living, creative culture, and easy access to downtown Tokyo and natural escapes.

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Kichijoji

If there’s one Tama neighborhood everyone loves, it’s Kichijoji. Locals regularly vote Kichijoji as the “most desirable place to live”; it is the ultimate blend of cool, cozy, and convenient. Stroll down Sun Road shopping street or cut through Harmonica Yokocho’s quirky alleys with izakaya, vintage shops, and sweet-smelling bakeries.

But the real highlight of Kichijoji is Inokashira Park, a spacious green oasis perfect for picnics, rowboats, spring cherry blossoms, and strolls beneath rowdy flocks of birds. You can follow walking paths to the Ghibli Museum, where fans of Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro get lost in animation wonder.

Kichijoji is also a magnet for music and the arts, live houses (tiny concert venues), and art galleries fill local calendars with events. Kichijoji feels like Tokyo’s living room: chill, creative, and endlessly surprising.

Mitaka

Just next door is Mitaka, an area as peaceful as a bedtime story. Mitaka grew up in a residential suburb, but it kept its friendly, welcoming feeling. The town is famous worldwide thanks to the Ghibli Museum, a dreamy building where magical worlds from Studio Ghibli come to life in intricate exhibits and cozy nooks.

Aside from Ghibli, Mitaka’s leafy streets and cafes invite wandering. The area has hidden gardens, lovely walkways following the Tamagawa Josui canal, and welcoming public spaces. Mitaka is also home to universities and scientific institutes, so you’ll often see students milling around.

Don’t miss the climber-friendly Mitaka Observatory if you’re in the mood for stargazing or learning about astronomy. Mitaka’s suburban calm and fairy-tale touches make it one of the most quietly charming spots in the Tama region.

Tama City

Tama City blends modern residential life and rich history. Known for Tama New Town, one of Japan’s largest planned communities, the city offers spacious green areas and a family-friendly atmosphere. It also holds ancient sites like the Jomon-era remains, reflecting its long heritage.

A standout attraction in Tama City is Sanrio Puroland, an indoor theme park celebrating beloved characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi! Drawing millions of visitors annually, Puroland features colorful shows, rides, and themed cafes, creating a magical experience for families and fans of kawaii culture. The park and its surroundings add a playful charm to Tama’s suburban calm.

Are there other famous places in Tama?

While places like Kichijoji and Mitaka steal the spotlight, Tama has dozens of other gems. In Tachikawa, you’ll find Showa Kinen Park, an enormous expanse famous for tulips, ginkgo trees, playgrounds, and fireworks shows. Fuchu is home to the historic Okunitama Shrine and a lively horse racing scene.

Meanwhile, nature lovers head for the Tama hills around Hachioji and the mountain towns along the Chuo Line, where hiking trails and river adventures await. Old shopping streets, neighborhood matsuri (festivals), and local cafes all add layers of community spirit.

Why should I visit Tama? 

Its balance sets Tama apart: urban comfort meets suburban calm, international flair meets old-school neighborhood charm. It’s a place where you can spend a lazy afternoon boating in a park, sip hand-dripped coffee in a manga-themed café, spot artists painting murals on alleys, or hop a train to the wild Tama hills, all in the space of a single day.

Families, students, artists, and Tokyo commuters all find their place in Tama’s welcoming neighborhoods. It’s Tokyo with extra breathing room, creative energy, and that just-right blend of new and old. Have you strolled through Kichijoji’s parks, slurped ramen in Ogikubo, or found a hidden gem in the suburbs of Tama? If you had all day to explore, where would you go first? Tell us your favorite Tama memory or dream day in the comments!

Cited Sources

• Visit Tokyo. “Tama – say hello to Kitty and the Emperor Meiji“.
• Metropolis Japan. “Discovering the Tama Area in Tokyo“.
• Japan Travel. “Tokyo Prefecture*: Western Tama“.

*Editor’s Note: Please note that “Tokyo-to” in English is usually translated as “Tokyo Metropolis”, rather than “Tokyo Prefecture”.