Den-en-chōfu


Den-en-chōfu is a residential neighborhood located in western Ōta in southern Tokyo, Japan. It is known as one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Tokyo.

History

Den-en-chōfu was built based on the "Garden City" idea originally developed by the British city planner Ebenezer Howard.
Den-en-chōfu was planned as a garden suburb of Tokyo. In the early 1900s, financier Eiichi Shibusawa bought, named, and developed the area by emulating the garden suburbs that were growing in metropolitan areas around the world, particularly those in Greater London. Originally, Den-en-chōfu was developed by the Garden City Company.
Although the area was developing at an adequate pace, it was the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923 that guaranteed his success. Central Tokyo was leveled in the earthquake, but Den-en-chōfu was virtually untouched; in the aftermath, there was an exodus of people from the central city to the suburbs.

Modern times

Den-en-chōfu is one of Tokyo's most famous and exclusive neighborhoods, where many business executives and celebrities reside. The residences are very expensive and fairly large by Tokyo standards, and the district is often compared to Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.Image:Denenchofu 1c.jpg|thumb|right|Cherry blossom season in Den-en-chōfu Being 10 km away from the city center, the area is home to several natural parks. Den-en-chōfu has its own regulations for construction, in order to preserve the area's small-town atmosphere.
Den-en-chōfu's success has influenced neighboring areas along Tōkyū railway lines in western Meguro, including the Yakumo, Kakinokizaka, Nakane, Okusawa and Jiyūgaoka neighbourhoods.

Education

Ward operates the public elementary and junior high schools in Den-en-chōfu.
Most of Den-en-chōfu is zoned to Den-en-chōfu Elementary School and Den-en-chōfu Junior High School, while parts of 1-chome are zoned to Chōfu Ōtsuka Elementary School and Ishikawadai Junior High School.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education operates Den-en-chōfu High School.

Residents

Well-known residents of the area include: