Welcome to Otakanomori Pedia!
Otakanomori Pedia: A local blog sharing the charm of Nagareyama-Otakanomori
Otakanomori Pedia” is a warm, community-driven blog that brings the Nagareyama-Otakanomori area of Chiba to life — all through the charming voice of our local concierge, Kotaka.
Nagareyama-Otakanomori is one of Japan’s most exciting rising neighborhoods, recently topping the charts with the fastest population growth in the country and becoming a rapidly growing favorite on “best places to live” rankings.
Here on the blog, we share fun, fresh, and easy-to-enjoy updates on everything happening around town — from delicious local eats and seasonal events to transportation tips, neighborhood living, and guides to must-visit facilities.
It’s your cheerful gateway to discovering what makes Nagareyama-Otakanomori such a delightful place to explore and call home.
Kotakas Selbstvorstellung
Kotaka, the concierge of Nagareyama-Otakanomori
Hello! I’m Kotaka, the creator of Otakanomori Pedia.
I moved to “Ichinoya no Mori,” about a 10-minute walk from Nagareyama-Otakanomori Station, back in 2010. Before I knew it, more than 15 years had passed—years in which I’ve watched this town grow and transform right before my eyes.
By day, I’m a company employee working in the design industry. I commute to Tokyo every day via the Tsukuba Express, living the classic salaryman life: leaving early in the morning and often returning on the last train. Still, I began to feel that “life shouldn’t be only about work!”
That feeling inspired me to start this blog, Otakanomori Pedia, in 2022 and begin my weekend activities as a local concierge.
Because I’ve lived here since the days when all we had around the station was the Nagareyama Otakanomori Shopping Center and a few scattered apartment buildings, I can share a unique, real perspective on how the town has evolved—its charm, local food spots, and fun events.
And for anyone considering a move here, I also provide practical, firsthand lifestyle information based on my own experiences.
I’ll continue sharing the appeal of Nagareyama-Otakanomori—now a regular top contender in Japan’s “Most Livable Cities” rankings—with people across the country and around the world.
Thanks always for your support!
Kotaka’s Dream
My dream is to share the charm of Nagareyama with as many people as possible—and to become a cool, world-famous concierge!
Someday, I secretly hope to become an official local mascot of Nagareyama City. And I must admit… I feel a tiny bit competitive toward Ootaka, the town’s symbolic hawk.
Kotaka’s Home
Address: Camphor Tree No. 3, Ichinoya Forest, Otakanomori West, Nagareyama City, Chiba, Japan
Otakanomori Pedia Logo Design
This is the original logo design for Otakanomori Pedia.
The design concept is “The Tree of Happiness.”
Inspired by the rich natural environment where hawks live within walking distance of the station, the logo incorporates a tree motif filled with elements that represent the town — including the large shopping mall, numerous restaurants, movie theater, hotel, concert hall, natural hot-spring spa, city hall, and many other facilities located around the station.
Weekly Weather Forecast for Nagareyama City
| 火 | 水 | 木 | 金 | 土 | 日 |
| +25° | +23° | +29° | +31° | +31° | +26° |
| +20° | +19° | +21° | +23° | +24° | +23° |
Nagareyama-Otakanomori News
The Ryūtetsu Train Market will be held on Saturday, November 29th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM!
The Otakanomori Illuminations 2025 have begun!
SUUMO “Most Desirable Cities to Live in 2025” Rankings Are Out!
Where Did Nagareyama-Otakanomori Place!?
Source: SUUMO “Most Desirable Cities to Live in 2025” Rankings – Provided by Recruit Holdings
The Concept of This Website
In 2022, Nagareyama City achieved the No.1 population growth rate in Japan for the sixth consecutive year.
That same year, in the SUUMO “Most Desirable Cities to Live in” rankings, it jumped from 39th to 16th place, and it also took 1st place in the “Most Improved Cities (Stations)” ranking.
Additionally, in the ARUHI Best Places to Live 2023 Awards, the area made a dramatic leap from unranked to 2nd place.
So, what exactly is behind the incredible rise in popularity of Nagareyama-Otakanomori?
This blog is packed with information to answer that very question, offering insights and highlights for anyone curious about the area.
As a local resident, Kotaka explores and uncovers the many attractions of Nagareyama-Otakanomori and its neighboring areas—from history and culture to nature, facilities, gourmet spots, and shopping—bringing you a wide variety of perspectives on what makes this town so special.
◆Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) Population Growth Rate
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
◆SUUMO “Most Improved Cities (Stations)” Rankings
ARUHI “Best Places to Live” Awards
Source: ARUHI
“Best Places to Live 2023 – Kanto Rankings” | ARUHI Corporation (aruhi-corp.co.jp)
Saitama Prefecture Dominates the “Most Desirable Places to Live” Rankings —
The Fastest-Rising No.1 Spot Goes to Nagareyama-Otakanomori in Chiba
The Closest Forest Town to Central Tokyo
Nagareyama City’s catchphrase is “The closest forest town to central Tokyo.”
In addition to its excellent access—about 20 minutes by train to downtown Tokyo—the area features a large shopping mall and many stylish shops right by the station.
Yet, just a short walk away, you’ll also find Ichinoya Forest, a natural habitat where goshawks still live.
Ichinoya Forest (Nagareyama-Otakanomori)
Ichinoya Forest is a mixed woodland of about 25 hectares located in Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture, just a 10-minute walk from Tsukuba Express’s Nagareyama-Otakanomori Station.
The forest is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and is especially known for the wild birds that inhabit the area, including the Northern Goshawk.
Otakanomori South Exit Park (Nishi-Hatsuishi Neighborhood Park)
The photo below shows Otakanomori South Exit Park (Nishi-Hatsuishi Neighborhood Park), located just a 4-minute walk from Nagareyama-Otakanomori Station.
On weekends, it’s always filled with lots of children having fun.
Kotaka’s Tiny Tweets
Let me introduce you to Kotaka’s friends!
こたかToday, Kotaka’s friend Totoro, who lives in a forest in Sayama City, Saitama, came to visit Nagareyama-Otakanomori riding on the Catbus!
We’re meeting up next to Otakanomori Elementary School, and from here, we’re going to take a fun walk together through Ichinoya Forest.
TV Drama Filming at “Mori no Machi Plaza” in Nagareyama-Otakanomori
こたかThey were filming a drama at Mori no Machi Plaza in Nagareyama-Otakanomori!
I even asked one of the staff members what the drama was called—but they told me it’s a secret.
Now I’m really curious… I can’t wait to see it!
Nagareyama-Otakanomori Cityscape Photo Gallery
Expanded Map of the Otakanomori Area
Source: Created using modified data from GSI Maps Vector (Geospatial Information Authority of Japan) with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
Attractive Facilities in Nagareyama-Otakanomori
Nagareyama-Otakanomori Station
South Exit Area
This area has primarily developed as a commercial district and is home to the Nagareyama-Otakanomori Shopping Center.
The area features the Nagareyama-Otakanomori Shopping Center (S.C.), offering a wide range of shopping and entertainment options. Many of the residences are newly built condominiums equipped with modern facilities.
With plenty of relaxing spaces such as Mori no Machi Plaza and Otakanomori South Exit Park, this district is one of the signature areas that represents Nagareyama-Otakanomori.
Attractive Facilities in the South Exit Area
Nagareyama-Otakanomori Station
West Exit Area
This area features a mix of commercial facilities and residential buildings, offering a high level of everyday convenience. Many properties have already been completed, and new developments are also progressing.
There are many properties in this area, providing a wide range of rental apartment options. It also offers easy access to the Nagareyama-Otakanomori Shopping Center, making shopping and dining very convenient.
Nagareyama-Otakanomori Station
North Exit Area
Funktionen
This area is rich in nature and currently undergoing development. It has a calm atmosphere and offers a refined residential environment.
What Makes This Area Appealing
With many nursery schools, the area is well-suited for families. Although rental prices tend to be slightly higher than in other areas, the environment offers a comfortable and pleasant living experience.
Attractive Facilities in the North Exit Area
Nagareyama-Otakanomori Station
East Exit Area
Funktionen
The Sakura Promenade offers beautiful cherry blossom views in spring. As the area was developed early, it has many condominiums and rental apartments.
What Makes This Area Appealing
With educational institutions nearby and convenient access to Edogawa University, the area also offers smaller rental units such as studio apartments for students. It provides a comfortable living environment suitable for both families and single residents.
Attractive Facilities in the East Exit Area
Key links on the site
◆BLOG of "kotaka"
◆Transportation information
◆Nagareyama Select Shop
◆Gourmet Information
◆Kotaka's Travel Information
Please support "Kotaka" in the blog ranking if you like!
◆Link to top of home page
◆Traffic information of Nagareyama Otakanomori
◆Link to BLOG Top
◆"Kotaka"'s Nagareyama Select Shop
Concept of this site
Nagareyama City ranked first in the nation in population growth rate in 2022 for the sixth consecutive year, and furthermore, it ranked first in the ranking of cities (stations) that jumped up from 39th to 16th in the SUUMO Best Places to Live ranking 2022.What is the secret of this town's popularity? To answer your questions, this blog introduces the charms of Nagareyama Otakanomori in abundance.Kotaka, a resident of Otakanomori, will explore Nagareyama Otakanomori and the surrounding area from various angles, including the history and culture of this town, nature and facilities, dining and shopping. The program is presented in a picture book style for your enjoyment.
Self-introduction of "kotaka"
I am a company employee working in the design industry. I commute to Tokyo by Tsukuba Express every day and have lived in Ichinoya no Mori, a 10-minute walk from Otakanomori Station, since 2010.When "Kotaka" first moved here, there was only the Otakanomori Shopping Center in front of the station, but now many wonderful facilities stand side by side and the area is crowded with many people.We have started concierge activities on our BLOG in order to convey the charm of this wonderful city to even more people.
Source: Geographical Survey Institute map Vector (GSI), processed and created in Adobe Illustrator.
Otakanomori Pedia Logo Design
This will be the original logo design for Otakanomori Pedia. The design concept is "Tree of Happiness".In addition to a rich natural environment with goshawks living within walking distance from the station, there is a large shopping mall, many gourmet restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, concert halls, natural hot spring spas, city hall, and many other facilities in front of the station.
The above logo was created in Adobe Illustrator.
Dream of "kotaka"
I want more people to know about Nagareyama, a wonderful town! Her dream is to "become a world-renowned concierge. Eventually, she secretly hopes to become an official local character of Nagareyama City.
The composite photo above was created using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
The "Kotaka" house
Address：3rd Kusunoki, Otakanomori Nishi Ichinoya no Mori, Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture
The above illustrations were created using Adobe Illustrator.
Please support "Kotaka" in the blog ranking if you like!
◆Link to BLOG Top
◆Link to top of home page
