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About a 12-minute ride on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station is Nishi-Ogikubo. The area around the station, including the tavern street at the south exit and the shopping streets along the old roads, is home to many shops that showcase the tastes and personalities of their owners, such as unique grocery stores, secondhand bookstores, and antique shops. Casual strolls can lead to unexpected discoveries, making it a region full of surprises.
At the north exit of Nishi-Ogikubo Station is "Sakaue Keyaki Park," symbolized by a large zelkova tree known as the "Totoro Tree," which is familiar to the locals. Nearby, surrounded by lush greenery, is "Zenpukuji Park," which is perfect for enjoying the pleasure of walking.
*Totoro is a character from the animated film "My Neighbor Totoro" produced by Studio Ghibli.
The area gained attention due to the "TROLL Forest Art Exhibition," an international outdoor art event that began in 2002. Every November for three weeks, various exciting artworks are displayed from "Zenpukuji Park" to Nishi-Ogikubo and the shopping streets, along with a variety of rich activities that attract numerous art enthusiasts from both Japan and abroad.
