Itabashi has sister-city relations with Burlington, Ontario, in Canada; Shijingshan District of Beijing in the People's Republic of China; and Bologna in Italy.

Notes: a – (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) b – (formerly part of Shimura Nishidai area) c – (1 & 9) The name of the ward means "plank bridge" and derives from the wooden span over the Shakujii River that dates from the Heian period.

Itabashi was one of the Four Edo Post Towns, and travellers first lodged there after leaving the shogunal capital.

On October 1, 1932, nine towns and villages of Kita-Toshima District were merged and became part of Tokyo City as Itabashi Ward.

Public elementary and junior high schools are operated by the Itabashi City Board of Education (板橋区教育委員会).