Oyama/Tobu Nerima (Tobu Tojo Line)

Oyama and Tobu Nerima are two down-to-earth nightlife districts along the Tobu Tojo Line. Both areas have shopping streets spreading from the station, bustling with shoppers during the day, but at night, neon lights flicker on, and snack bars and girls bars come to life, filled with local office workers and regulars.

Oyama is located in Itabashi Ward, with drinking streets spreading from the north and south exits of the station. Tobu Nerima is in Nerima Ward, with restaurants and night spots scattered beyond the station's shopping street. Both areas are compact and walkable.

The nightlife scene centers on snack bars and girls bars, with a few hostess bars (kyabakura) as well. Snack bars have a homey atmosphere where the mama and regulars enjoy karaoke, with prices around 2,000–4,000 yen per hour. Girls bars are staffed by young women, often offering all-you-can-drink plans for 3,000–5,000 yen per hour. Hostess bars are slightly pricier at 5,000–8,000 yen for a set, but there are few high-end places, making them easy to enter.

The charm of this area is experiencing a real, non-touristy side of Tokyo nightlife. Few places have English menus, but even without Japanese, you can enjoy the atmosphere with smiles and gestures. Snack bars, in particular, are great for interacting with locals through karaoke.

Access is convenient: from Ikebukuro, it's about 10 minutes to Oyama and 15 minutes to Tobu Nerima on the Tobu Tojo Line. Last trains run around 11:30 PM to midnight, so watch your drinking time. Weekends are busy, but weekdays are quieter, allowing you to chat with the mama or staff.

If you're visiting for the first time, stroll through the drinking streets near the station and try opening the door of a snack bar or girls bar that catches your eye. Always check the price before entering. Enjoy the unpretentious nightlife loved by local regulars.