Tokyo Apartment Guide: Overview and Rental Prices in Shimokitazawa Area
Shimokitazawa is known for its unique charm within Tokyo. While popular as a hub for youth culture and a mecca for subculture, it also boasts a convenient location and a well-equipped living environment.
This article provides detailed information on Shimokitazawa's characteristics, accessibility, livability points, and average rent prices. Whether you're considering living in Shimokitazawa or simply interested in learning about one of Tokyo's fascinating neighborhoods, you'll find plenty of useful information here. Let's explore the diverse appeal of Shimokitazawa.
What kind of neighborhood is Shimokitazawa?
Shimokitazawa is particularly popular among young people in Tokyo, known as a neighborhood where art, music, and fashion culture thrive. The area around the station is dotted with small theaters, live music venues, vintage shops, and unique cafes, creating a distinctive creative atmosphere. This neighborhood, which attracts many artists and creators, is a place where culture and diversity coexist.
Shimokitazawa has also gained international attention. In 2022, it was once again rated as the coolest neighborhood in Tokyo by Time Out, an international media brand. Time Out is known for providing information on culture, lifestyle, and entertainment in cities worldwide, and for its ranking "The 51 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World," which evaluates trends and livability in each city. Shimokitazawa also ranked second in this list in 2019, establishing its position as a globally recognized neighborhood. This survey evaluates how attractive and livable a neighborhood is based on feedback from local residents and travelers.
Shimokitazawa Station is at the intersection of the Odakyu Line and the Keio Inokashira Line, offering convenient access to central Tokyo with train rides of about 10 minutes to Shinjuku or Shibuya. Moreover, the recent redevelopment project "Shimokita Senro-gai" has significantly changed the environment around the station, making it an even more livable area. Particularly around the station, spacious pedestrian-only areas and new commercial facilities have been developed, with an increase in cafes and shops, revitalizing the area for families and tourists alike.
Furthermore, Shimokitazawa boasts a wide variety of multinational restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy cuisines from around the world. From traditional Japanese izakayas to ethnic cuisines and vegetarian-friendly cafes, the area offers a diverse food culture that's attractive even to foreigners new to Japan. With the redevelopment, the neighborhood has become even more vibrant, creating an ideal place where creative energy and comfortable living environment blend.
Thus, Shimokitazawa is an attractive area for foreigners new to Japan, combining culture, convenience, and comfort brought by recent redevelopment.
Transportation Convenience in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa offers excellent access to major areas in Tokyo, with well-developed public transportation. You can comfortably travel to various destinations using both trains and buses.
Train Information for Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa Station is served by both the Odakyu Odawara Line and the Keio Inokashira Line, offering convenient access to major terminal stations like Shinjuku and Shibuya without transfers in a short time. There are also direct trains to the Kichijoji area, making it easy to access the Tama region. It's a convenient location not only for commuting and studying but also for shopping and leisure activities.
Additionally, the station is fully equipped with elevators and escalators, making it easily accessible for the elderly and those with children.
Access to Major Stations in Tokyo
Bus Information for Shimokitazawa
About a 3-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station on Chazawa Street, you can find the "Shimokitazawa Station" bus stop operated by Odakyu Bus. This bus route runs to Komazawa Bridge in Meguro Ward, with a stop at Sangenjaya along the way. This allows access to the Meguro area and the popular neighborhood of Sangenjaya, which are not directly accessible by train. Using the bus expands your transportation options around Shimokitazawa, making for a more convenient lifestyle.
7 Points of Livability in Shimokitazawa
The area around Shimokitazawa Station is a livable neighborhood with various attractions. From the development of new facilities through redevelopment to the bustle of traditional shopping streets, diverse elements are in harmony. Let's take a detailed look at the livability of Shimokitazawa through these 7 points.
1. Abundance of Mixed-Use Facilities Around the Station Due to Redevelopment
The area around Shimokitazawa Station has seen the opening of new mixed-use facilities one after another due to recent redevelopment. One of these, "Shimokita Senro-gai," is a new 1.7km long street created by utilizing former railway tracks. It houses 13 facilities including commercial facilities, daycare centers, and accommodations.
Another facility, "Mikan Shimokita," was born in the place where the Keio Inokashira Line's embankment used to be. It's lined with various shops including restaurants, apparel shops, offices, and beauty salons.
Other facilities have also emerged, making the area around Shimokitazawa Station a place where you can enjoy a full day with family, friends, or partners:
- "Shimokita Ekiue" spreading above Shimokitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line
- "NANSEI PLUS" directly connected to the southwest exit of Shimokitazawa Station
- "reload" located near the vacant lot of Shimokita Senro-gai
- "BONUS TRACK" located between Shimokitazawa Station and Setagaya-Daita Station
2. Popular Among Youth Who Love Subculture
Shimokitazawa is known as a mecca for subculture, attracting many people, especially young adults. The streets are dotted with numerous vintage clothing stores, bustling with people enjoying unique fashion.
Moreover, the area is rich in live music venues and small theaters, making Shimokitazawa a leader in the music and theater scenes. Famous venues like "Honda Gekijo" and "Shimokitazawa SHELTER" host up-and-coming artists and performers who daily create new culture.
This unique atmosphere of Shimokitazawa attracts creative young people, bringing vitality to the entire neighborhood.
3. Large Shopping Streets on Both North and South Sides of the Station
There are six shopping streets spread out on the north and south sides of Shimokitazawa Station:
- Shimokitazawa Azuma-dori Shopping Street
- Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Shopping Street
- Shimokita Shopping Street
- Shimokitazawa South Exit Shopping Street
- Daizawa-dori Kyoeikai
- Shin'ei Shotenkai
Each of the six shopping streets has a slightly different atmosphere. For example, "Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Shopping Street" has many long-established shops, maintaining a traditional atmosphere, while recently new cafes and restaurants have also opened.
The "Shimokita Shopping Street" on the north side of Shimokitazawa Station is a shopping street with many cafes, vintage clothing stores, and general stores. The "Shimokitazawa South Exit Shopping Street" is an area symbolic of Shimokitazawa as a youth town, with relatively large-scale popular stores. The "Shin'ei Shotenkai" holds a flea market every three months, which is always very popular.
The bustle of these shopping streets forms the attractive townscape of Shimokitazawa and enriches the daily lives of residents and visitors.
4. Supermarkets Scattered Around the Station
There are several supermarkets scattered around Shimokitazawa Station, convenient for daily shopping. Among them, "Ozeki" is very popular in Tokyo for its wide selection and low prices. In front of the station, there are supermarkets like "Peacock Store Shimokitazawa" and "Foodium Shimokitazawa" that are open until late at night, allowing for shopping even when returning home late.
Also, supermarkets like "Seijo Ishii Shimokitazawa West Exit Store" that sell carefully selected foods from Japan and around the world have entered the area, catering to diverse needs. Therefore, it's a comfortable place to live for everyone from single people to families.
Furthermore, there are multiple drugstores like "Welcia" and "Matsumoto Kiyoshi," so you won't have trouble shopping for daily necessities, cosmetics, and over-the-counter medicines.
5. Abundance of Restaurants Including Cafes and Izakayas
Shimokitazawa is also known as a fierce battleground for restaurants, with many unique cafes and izakayas scattered throughout. For example, "KITASANDO COFFEE" inside "( tefu ) lounge" directly connected to Shimokitazawa Station is a very popular stylish cafe. It offers various spaces including sofas, desks, shared tables, and booths, allowing users to freely spend time according to their mood and purpose.
At night, casual izakayas and bars become lively, bustling with office workers on their way home and local regulars.
Shimokitazawa is also famous as a fierce battleground for curry, with many unique curry shops gathered. One popular shop, "Curry Spice Gelateria KALPASI," is popular for its curry set that allows you to enjoy several flavors at once, as well as its spicy gelato.
With such a wide variety of restaurants available, you'll be able to enjoy delicious lunches and dinners when living in Shimokitazawa.
6. Quiet Residential Areas a Short Walk Away
While the area around Shimokitazawa Station is bustling with restaurants and vintage clothing stores, a short walk away you'll find quiet residential areas. The streets are a bit narrow, but there's little car traffic, creating a calm atmosphere. It's quiet even during the day, with time flowing leisurely.
The residential areas have low-rise apartments suitable for families, making it a popular area for those raising children. There's also plenty of greenery, with small parks and green spaces where you can enjoy seasonal flowers scattered around, providing an environment where you can feel close to nature.
7. Parks Within Walking Distance
There are several parks within walking distance of Shimokitazawa Station where you can enjoy nature:
- Meguro City Komaba Park
- The lawn garden of the former Maeda Marquis Residence
- Setagaya City Hanegi Park, etc.
Hanegi Park, in particular, is popular with families as it has tennis courts, a baseball field, and a children's playground. Every year from February to March, the "Setagaya Plum Festival" is held, with various events and stalls bustling on weekends during this period. The environment where you can feel close to nature while in the city is one of the important elements that enhance the livability of Shimokitazawa.
Average Rent for Apartments in Shimokitazawa
The average rent for apartments around Shimokitazawa Station is as follows:
As you can see, the average rent around Shimokitazawa Station is relatively cheaper compared to Yoyogi-Uehara Station, where the Odakyu Odawara Line express stops, and Shibuya Station, where the Keio Inokashira Line express stops. The rent in Shimokitazawa is relatively affordable among popular areas in Tokyo.
However, rent varies depending on the distance from the station, the age of the property, and its facilities, so it's best to check with a real estate company for actual rent prices. Properties closer to the station tend to have higher rents, but moving a bit further away can lower the rent, giving you more options depending on your budget. Also, choosing an older property can allow you to secure a larger layout at a more affordable rent.
Considering Shimokitazawa's attractive location and well-equipped living environment, this rent range can be considered relatively reasonable.
Oct 12, 2024