Tokyo Apartment Guide: Overview and Rental Prices in Kichijoji Area
Kichijoji, located in Musashino City, Tokyo, is a charming neighborhood that consistently ranks high in Japan's "Most Desirable Places to Live" surveys. This area perfectly balances easy access to central Tokyo with abundant natural surroundings. Despite its proximity to major hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya, Kichijoji maintains a tranquil atmosphere. Its appeal lies in the coexistence of urban convenience and lush green spaces, featuring trendy shops and the expansive Inokashira Park.
The area around Kichijoji Station is dotted with shopping streets and commercial facilities, making it an enjoyable place to explore. This article will delve into Kichijoji's appeal, livability, and average apartment rental prices.
What Kind of Neighborhood is Kichijoji?
Kichijoji is a major transportation hub where the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line intersect, offering excellent access to Shinjuku and Shibuya. The neighborhood is known for its unique ambiance that masterfully blends urban convenience with natural beauty. The area surrounding the station is bustling with large commercial facilities and distinctive shopping streets, attracting crowds for shopping and dining. A notable spot is "Harmonica Yokocho," a popular area where retro atmosphere coexists with modern shops.
Within walking distance from the station lies the verdant Inokashira Park, providing a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Kichijoji's appeal lies in its diversity. The area is peppered with stylish cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and live music venues, making it popular among a wide range of age groups. Its trendy atmosphere also makes it a frequent choice for TV drama and movie locations.
Kichijoji's international flair makes it attractive to both Japanese and foreign residents. Its blend of convenience and cultural richness makes it an appealing choice for expatriates starting a new life in Japan. Moreover, Musashino City, where Kichijoji is located, is known for its solid ground, making it relatively resistant to earthquakes - an important consideration in Japan.
Transportation Convenience in Kichijoji
Kichijoji Station is served by three lines: JR Chuo Line, JR Sobu Line, and Keio Inokashira Line, offering excellent access to central Tokyo. The JR Chuo Line's rapid and commuter rapid services make for quick trips to Shinjuku.
Another advantage of Kichijoji is its comprehensive bus network. In addition to regular public buses, Musashino City operates Japan's first community bus service, "Mubus." This service covers areas with limited public transportation, designed for easy use by elderly residents and families with children. The flat fare is 100 yen, with children under school age riding for free.
Airport limousine buses also operate to Haneda and Narita airports. As of September 2024, the fare from Kichijoji Station to Haneda Airport is 1,300 yen one-way, while the service to Narita Airport is currently suspended.
Kichijoji's Livability: 5 Recommended Points
Kichijoji's popularity as a residential area stems from its well-developed commercial facilities, convenient lifestyle, and pleasant atmosphere. Let's explore five key points that make Kichijoji an attractive place to live.
1. A Large Park Enjoyable for All Ages
Inokashira Park, about a 10-minute walk from Kichijoji Station, is a beloved spot for people of all ages. Spanning Musashino and Mitaka cities, the park features a large pond, a zoo, cafes, and the Ghibli Museum. The park's central island houses the Benzaiten shrine, believed to bring good fortune in various aspects of life.
The entrance to the shrine features a drum bridge, which is popular as a power spot for matchmaking. Many popular coffee shops are located around and within the park, making it enjoyable to stroll through the park with a coffee in hand.
2. Abundant Shopping Options Near the Station
The area around Kichijoji Station is a shopper's paradise. It boasts large commercial facilities like Atré Kichijoji and Kirarina Keio Kichijoji, as well as department stores like Tokyu and Parco. These facilities house apparel shops, restaurants, and supermarkets. Additionally, there are large electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera and Yamada Denki, and a discount store Don Quijote. You can find almost anything you need in front of Kichijoji Station.
There are also several supermarkets in the area. For example, OK Store Kichijoji and Seiyu Kichijoji are popular large chain supermarkets that offer affordable prices for daily necessities. Seiyu Kichijoji not only has a supermarket but also houses Muji, a shoe outlet, and a play area for children, making it popular among families with kids.
Kichijoji is also home to Rogers, a discount supermarket with the motto "Everyday Same Price." Their handmade bento boxes are priced at around 200 yen, which is incredibly cheap. There are three Rogers stores in Kichijoji, with the first store selling groceries, the second selling clothing, and the third selling snacks.
3. Diverse and Popular Dining Options
The area around Kichijoji Station is home to many popular restaurants where you can enjoy meals with friends or family. One such place is "Liberté Patisserie Boulangerie," a stylish bakery originating from Paris, located about a 6-minute walk from the station. The Kichijoji store is the first in Japan, with a cafe on the second floor, and is very popular.
Kichijoji is also home to the "Meat Dress Seafood Bowl Kichijoji Store," which went viral on social media. The meat dress seafood bowl features A5 rank beef, sea urchin, and salmon roe layered like a dress, with tuna and pickled radish inside, allowing you to enjoy multiple flavors in one dish.
There are many other popular restaurants around the station, so it's worth exploring the area to find interesting places to eat.
4. Quiet Residential Areas Away from the Station
As mentioned earlier, the area around the station is highly convenient with everything you need, but if you walk about 10 minutes from the station, you'll find quiet residential areas. Along Kichijoji Street, one of the main streets in Kichijoji, you'll see mid to high-rise apartments alongside restaurants and other establishments. However, moving slightly away from this area, you'll find low-rise apartments and single-family homes. Although it's a bit far from the station, buses are frequent, and there are convenience stores and post offices, so daily life shouldn't be inconvenient.
There's also an area between Kichijoji and Nishi-Ogikubo where many private junior high and high schools are concentrated, making it popular among families. The plots for individual houses are larger, making it a recommended area for those who want to live in a spacious environment.
5. Support Facilities for Foreign Residents
Another reason to recommend Kichijoji to those moving to Japan from overseas is its proximity to the Musashino International Association (MIA). MIA is located at Musashi-Sakai Station, two stops away from Kichijoji Station by train. It's an organization aimed at supporting and facilitating exchange for foreign residents in Japan, offering consultation services for issues related to daily life and child-rearing. They provide support in various languages including Japanese, English, Chinese, and Spanish.
They also offer Japanese language courses, which could be helpful for those who are concerned about their Japanese language skills as they start their life in Japan. Participation with children is also possible.
Average Rental Prices Around Kichijoji Station
Here's a comparison of average rental prices in Kichijoji and neighboring areas like Mitaka Station and Nishi-Ogikubo Station. Comparing the minimum rental prices in the table below, you can see that Kichijoji has the highest minimum rent for studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments. This indicates that while Kichijoji is a popular area, it tends to have higher rents compared to surrounding areas.
However, please note that these rental prices are just averages, and actual rents can vary greatly depending on the apartment's amenities, age, and other factors. If you're interested in living in Kichijoji, it's best to start by searching for property information and checking actual rental prices.
Kichijoji: A Livable Area with a Good Balance of Urban and Natural Elements
Kichijoji is likely to be an ideal choice for foreigners considering a new life in Tokyo. This neighborhood beautifully balances the convenience of a big city with the tranquility of a suburb.
Its excellent access to the city center is convenient for work and sightseeing. On the other hand, the rich natural environment, including Inokashira Park, is perfect for daily stress relief and weekend relaxation.
The diverse range of restaurants and commercial facilities allows you to experience Japanese culture while enjoying an international atmosphere. The quiet residential areas provide a safe and comfortable living environment.
Furthermore, the presence of the Musashino International Association (MIA) offers language support and cultural exchange opportunities, helping you smoothly start your new life in Japan.
Kichijoji is more than just a place to live. It's an ideal stage to begin a new chapter of your life in Japan. With its perfect balance of urban bustle and natural tranquility, Japanese culture and international atmosphere, why not start your new life in Japan in Kichijoji?
Sep 16, 2024