Basic information about the Keio Inokashira Line

The Keio Inokashira Line is a 17-station line that connects Shibuya Station in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward with Kichijoji Station in Musashino City, and is popular as a highly convenient commuter route that smoothly connects the city center with the suburbs.

The line is dotted with easy-to-live-in areas such as Shimokitazawa, Eifukucho, and Hamadayama, and is attractive not only for its accessibility but also for its relaxing living environment and unique streetscapes. In addition, both express and local trains are available, making it easy to choose a station that suits your lifestyle and commuting style.

Here, we will explain in detail the points to consider when determining livability of a place, based on basic operating information for the Keio Inokashira Line.

Keio Inokashira Line route information

The Keio Inokashira Line is a short line that runs from Shibuya Station to Kichijoji Station, a distance of approximately 12.7 km, but it boasts exceptional convenience.

• Although it can get a little crowded during rush hour, trains run every 2-3 minutes during rush hour.
• It is appreciated for its convenience.
• First departure: 5:00 from Shibuya Station and 4:52 from Kichijoji Station, making it possible to travel from early in the morning.
• The last train leaves at Shibuya Station at 0:30 and Kichijoji Station at 0:40, so you can feel safe even if you are out late into the night.

Express and local trains run on the line, and major stations allow quick access to the city center. Overall, the number of trains and last train times are satisfactory, making it a very convenient line for those who want to enrich their work and private lives.

*For weekday schedules

Features of the Keio Inokashira Line

The Keio Inokashira Line is a convenient line that connects two of Tokyo's most popular areas, Shibuya and Kichijoji. Along the line, you'll find charming towns such as Shimokitazawa, with its many unique shops and cafes, the Inokashira Park area, where nature and culture coexist, and Eifukucho, famous for its livability.

It is popular with people who seek a fashionable and sophisticated lifestyle, and is home to a wide range of generations, from young people to families. Another big attraction is its easy access to the city center, making it convenient for commuting to work or school.

In this chapter, we will explain in detail from three perspectives why areas along the Keio Inokashira Line are considered to be easy to live in.

There are many fashionable areas along the Keio Inokashira Line

Along the Keio Inokashira Line, there are many fashionable towns that you'll want to stop by.

A typical example is Shimokitazawa, an area lined with unique vintage clothing stores, cafes, and general stores, bustling with fashionable young people and tourists. There are also many Instagram-worthy spots and live music venues, so you can enjoy entertainment and culture up close.

Inokashira Park, located right next to Kichijoji Station, is a place of relaxation where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons, and is also famous as a filming location for movies and TV dramas. It's perfect for a day off when you want to enjoy a walk around town, or when you just want to change your mood.

One of the great attractions of living along the Keio Inokashira Line is being able to experience the atmosphere of this fashionable town on a daily basis.

The Keio Inokashira Line provides convenient access to the city center

The Keio Inokashira Line is a highly convenient line that directly connects Shibuya Station in central Tokyo with Kichijoji Station, a popular residential area. If you use the express train, you can travel between Kichijoji and Shibuya in just about 17 minutes. In addition, at Shibuya Station, you can easily transfer to the JR Yamanote Line and various Tokyo Metro lines, and it also has good access to major areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omotesando.

The commute time to work or school is reduced, reducing morning stress and making it easier to enrich your private time. For those commuting to the city center from Kichijoji, the Inokashira Line is very attractive because it offers a good balance between time and cost. Although each station has its own unique characteristics, access to Shibuya is easy from every area, so you have a wide range of options for where to live.

There are many trains on the Keio Inokashira Line.

The Keio Inokashira Line is characterized by its high frequency of trains and short waiting times, even during morning and evening rush hours when congestion is expected. During peak times, trains run about every 2-3 minutes, so there is almost no waiting time at the platform, making for a comfortable journey.

In addition, the last train is late, departing Shibuya at 12:30am and Kichijoji at 12:40am, so you can flexibly accommodate overtime or late-night outings. This comprehensive schedule is a great benefit as it allows you to maintain your daily rhythm.

The highly reliable regular service and the fact that it is not easily affected by weather or congestion are also reasons that make daily commutes to work or school and outings smooth. This is the perfect route for those who value convenience.

Top 5 places to live on the Keio Inokashira Line

The Keio Inokashira Line has many attractive towns that combine good accessibility with ease of living, making it an extremely popular destination for people looking to relocate or move to.

Starting with major terminal stations such as Shibuya and Kichijoji, there are also quiet residential areas and stylish neighborhoods dotted among the stations along the way, making this a line that meets the needs of a wide range of people from single people to families. In addition, the convenience of express and local trains is also high, making it an attractive option for people to choose where to live according to their lifestyle.

Here we introduce the top 5 areas on the Keio Inokashira Line that are particularly popular as places to live. Find the area that best suits your ideal lifestyle by looking at the characteristics, living environment, and average rent for each area.

1st place: Setagaya Ward "Meidaimae"

"Meidaimae" is one of the most desirable areas to live in on the Keio Inokashira Line. Because it has a strong image of a student town, it is often thought of as a lively and noisy place, but in fact, if you go a little away from the station, you will find a quiet residential area where you can live a peaceful life.

There are many reasonably priced restaurants in the area, making it a great place for people who like to eat out. In addition, as it is a connecting station with the Keio Line, it has smooth access to Shinjuku and Hachioji, making it very convenient for commuting to work or school. It is located halfway between Kichijoji and Shibuya, making it an attractive and well-balanced location. For those who want a balance between convenience and living environment, Meidaimae is a highly recommended town.

2nd place: Meguro Ward "Komaba Toudaimae"

Coming in second is Komaba Toudaimae, located in Meguro Ward and boasting an excellent location just two stations from Shibuya. Although it is within walking distance to Shibuya, the entire town is enveloped in a calm atmosphere, and the area is attractive for its quiet and livable environment. Komaba Park and the Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo are nearby, and the area has an intellectual and calm atmosphere.

Although there are few prominent commercial facilities in front of the station, it is less noisy and is an ideal environment for those who want to live quietly. Komaba Toudaimae is an ideal area for those who want a calm lifestyle while still being close to the urban functions of Shibuya and Omotesando.

3rd place: Suginami Ward "Eifukucho"

Eifukucho, which is close to Shibuya and has good accessibility, ranked third. It is a convenient location, about 15 minutes by train from Shibuya Station, and is also a tranquil residential area.

The area around the station is conveniently located with all the facilities you need for daily life, such as supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. Furthermore, rent is relatively low compared to the city center, and you can find 1K and 1DK apartments for single people starting at around 70,000 yen.

This is a recommended area for those who want to balance cost with access to the city center and a quiet living environment. It is a very well-balanced choice for those who frequently commute to Shibuya.

4th place: Mitaka City "Mitakadai"

In fourth place is Mitakadai, a great choice for those who value cost-performance.

It is one of the most reasonably priced areas along the Keio Inokashira Line, with many properties for single people costing between 50,000 and 60,000 yen. The area around the station is a quiet residential area, allowing you to spend your days peacefully without being bothered by noise or crowds.

The area is also known for its good public safety, making it a safe place for women to live alone. It is a particularly recommended area for those who want to live quietly and affordably. Kichijoji and Shibuya are also just a train ride away, making it perfect for those who want to keep their rent low while still maintaining convenience.

No. 5: Takaido, Suginami Ward

Takaido, which is popular among families, ranked fifth. There are many elementary and junior high schools, nursery schools, and kindergartens in the surrounding area, making it a great place to raise children.

There are also many parks where you can relax with your family on holidays. The area is also highly safe and the local residents are very crime-conscious, making it a safe place to live.

It is also well-connected, with Shibuya Station only a 20-minute train ride away, making commuting a breeze. It is a very attractive residential area for families with children or those looking to start raising children.

Staff's pick! Top 5 recommended stations

Along the Keio Inokashira Line, there are many attractive stations that are not only easy to access and live in, but also each town has its own unique character. The Inokashira Line is characterized by its wide range of options to fit a variety of lifestyles, from vibrant areas in the city center to laid-back residential areas. For those who are particular about not only the convenience of commuting to work or school, but also about shopping, gourmet food, and how to spend their holidays, choosing a station is a major factor that determines the quality of life.

Here, our staff have personally walked around the Inokashira Line and selected five stations that they say are definitely great! We will explain in detail the reasons and appeal of each station.

No.1 Shibuya Station

Shibuya Station, the starting and ending station of the Keio Inokashira Line, is the undisputed number one.

Shibuya is a place where all kinds of cultures, including fashion, food, music, and art, intersect, making it a trendsetting area that represents Tokyo. There are many large commercial facilities and restaurants around the station, satisfying a wide range of needs, from shopping for daily necessities to entertainment.

Redevelopment is currently underway, and Shibuya is expected to become even more convenient and attractive in the future. There are many transfer lines, and it is easily accessible to anywhere in the Tokyo metropolitan area. For those who want to actively enjoy both work and play, Shibuya is an ideal base.

No. 2 Shimokitazawa Station

Shimokitazawa Station, known as the mecca of subculture, is a fashionable town that is overwhelmingly popular among young people. Its unique streetscape is a gathering place of diverse cultures, including general stores, second-hand clothing stores, cafes, live music venues, and theaters.

The selection is especially irresistible for vintage clothing lovers, and the area is bustling with people shopping and strolling around on weekdays and weekends. Redevelopment around the station has made the area more convenient, with plenty of commercial facilities and dining options. It also has good access to major cities such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, making it convenient for those commuting to the city center. This is the perfect area for those who want excitement and discovery in their lives.

No.3 Kichijoji Station

Kichijoji Station, a regular on the "Where people want to live" ranking, comes in third. In front of the station, there are large shopping malls, department stores, and restaurants, so everything from everyday shopping to leisure is within walking distance. There are also plenty of reasonably priced izakayas and cafes, so you can have fun at night too.

Furthermore, Inokashira Park is located right next to the station, so you can enjoy nature in an attractive environment. It is a town loved by a wide range of generations, from young people to families and the elderly, and is characterized by an excellent balance between convenience and living environment. It is the perfect place for those who want to live in a town that has everything.

#4 Inokashira Park Station

For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and live surrounded by nature, Inokashira Park Station is recommended.

Inokashira Park, from which the station is named, is a metropolitan park where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons, and you can enjoy walks, picnics, boating, etc. It is a tourist spot that many people visit on holidays, but the surrounding residential area has a calm atmosphere and allows you to live a quiet life.

It has good access to the city center, and is conveniently located just one station away from Kichijoji. It is an ideal location for those who want a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by nature.

No.5 Ikenoue Station

Ikenoue Station, a hidden gem on the Inokashira Line, is an adult town with a calm atmosphere and stylish cafes. It's the perfect area for those who want to enjoy cafe hopping or quiet reading time. Although it's close to the city center, the whole town has a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, and you can live away from noise and crowds.

In addition, it is conveniently located within walking distance of Shimokitazawa, so you can easily enjoy the hustle and bustle of the neighboring station. This station is recommended for those who want to combine the convenience of the city with a relaxed lifestyle.

Recommended properties along the Keio Inokashira Line

The Keio Inokashira Line has many areas that combine convenience with a good living environment, and has excellent access to the city center, making it popular with a wide range of people. In addition to the terminal stations of Shibuya and Kichijoji, each station has its own unique charm, such as Shimokitazawa, Meidaimae, and Eifukucho, making it easy to choose a home that suits your lifestyle.

Here we will introduce some recommended properties along the Inokashira Line that combine value for money with convenience.

TOKYO β Kichijoji (formerly SA-Cross Kichijoji 1)

TOKYO β Kichijoji (formerly SA-Cross Kichijoji 1) , located in Setagaya Ward, is a popular shared house property in the Kichijoji area, a regular in the "city rankings for places to live."

The rent is 51,500 yen. It is within a 15-minute walk from Kichijoji Station, where you can use the Inokashira Line and JR Chuo Line, and has smooth access to Shibuya and Shinjuku. In the surrounding area, there are Inokashira Park, commercial facilities, cafes, restaurants, general stores, etc., making it the perfect location for those who want to enrich both their work and private lives.

The property is fully furnished with furniture and appliances, making it a great choice for those who want to keep initial costs down and start a new life right away. It's a well-balanced shared style where you can enjoy interacting with other residents in the common areas while still maintaining privacy in your private room.

TOKYO β Eifukucho 3 (formerly SA-Cross Eifukucho 2)

" TOKYO β Eifukucho 3 (formerly SA-Cross Eifukucho 2) " is a property located in the "Eifukucho" area, which has excellent access to Shibuya and Kichijoji.

Although it is located in a quiet residential area, this popular share house is conveniently located just a 13-minute walk from Eifukucho Station. If you use the Inokashira Line, it is about 10 minutes to Shibuya and about 10 minutes to Kichijoji, making it an ideal location for commuting to work or school. The rent is 54,500 yen, and the apartment comes with furniture, appliances, and Wi-Fi, so you can start living comfortably right away with minimal initial costs.

There are supermarkets, restaurants, and drugstores in the neighborhood, so even first-timers living alone can feel at ease. This property is recommended for those who want to enjoy city life while keeping costs down in a calm residential environment.

TOKYO β Mitakadai 2 (formerly SA-Cross Mitakadai 1)

The share house " TOKYO β Mitakadai 2 " is in a great location, just a 7-minute walk from Mitakadai Station and an 18-minute walk from Inokashira Park Station. Although it is on the Keio Inokashira Line, it is located in a quiet residential area with good public safety, making it a safe neighborhood for families, students, and people living alone.

All 14 rooms in the property are private and equipped with furniture, appliances, and free Wi-Fi. The common area fee includes utility fees and consumables, so you can live without worrying about utility bills.

The rent is 54,500 yen. The area has excellent transport access, with a direct train to Kichijoji in just 4 minutes. Travel time to major areas including Shibuya and Shinjuku is within 20 minutes, making it convenient for work and play in the city center.

summary

The Keio Inokashira Line is a highly convenient line that connects the popular areas of Shibuya and Kichijoji, but also has unique and livable towns such as Shimokitazawa, Meidaimae, and Eifukucho scattered along the way. There are many express and local trains, making it extremely convenient for commuting to work or school.

There are also plenty of fashionable shops, cafes, and parks, and the cityscape adds color to your life. In addition, there are a wide variety of housing options, including affordable properties for those who want to keep rent low, and furnished shared houses.

The Inokashira Line is an area with an ideal living environment that balances accessibility, environment, and cost-effectiveness. From living alone for the first time to moving with your family, you're sure to find a town you'd like to live in that fits a wide range of lifestyles.