What kind of town is Komagome? Basic information and surrounding area explained
Komagome is a tranquil town located in the northern part of Tokyo's 23 wards, spanning Bunkyo and Toshima wards. Its attractive features include good transport access via two lines, the Yamanote Line and the Namboku Line, a quiet residential area, and a natural environment blessed with Rikugien Garden and the former Furukawa Garden.
In recent years, in addition to families with children and the elderly, the area has become increasingly popular among single people and dual-income couples who want to live in a quiet, safe area with easy access to the city center.
Here, we will introduce in detail basic information about the area around Komagome Station and the surrounding environment, including the perspective of property hunting.
Location and access of Komagome Station and Honkomagome Station
Komagome Station is a terminal station where the JR Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro Namboku Line intersect, offering direct access to various parts of Tokyo. The area around the station is a quiet residential area with plenty of greenery, and is known as a town where many people have lived for many years.
On the other hand, Hon-Komagome Station is located about an 8-10 minute walk from Komagome Station and is only served by the Namboku Line. Since both stations are within walking distance, it is common for people to compare both the Komagome Station area and the Hon-Komagome area when searching for rental properties.
Even if the layout is the same, rent and market prices can vary greatly depending on the distance to the station and the surrounding environment, so it's important to check things like "ease of living," "brightness of the streets at night," and "availability of shops" in advance.
The appeal of a location with easy access to the Yamanote Line and Namboku Line
One of the biggest attractions of Komagome Station is that it is served by two lines: the Yamanote Line and the Namboku Line.
The Yamanote Line is a major line that circles around Tokyo, and you can get to major terminals in the city center such as Ikebukuro Station, Tokyo Station, and Shibuya Station in one train, making it very convenient for commuting to work or school, and for shopping on the weekends.
On the other hand, the Namboku Line offers easy access to Meguro, Nagatacho, and Iidabashi, and allows for smooth transfers to other areas within Tokyo. Furthermore, the line has many trains, making it a stress-free commute during morning and evening rush hours.
This ease of access is one of the reasons why Komagome ranks highly in the "City with the Most Convenient Transportation" rankings, and many people feel that "even if the rent is a little high, it's worth living here."
Convenient for commuting to work or school? Transfer times to major stations
The main commute routes from Komagome Station and estimated travel times are as follows:
- To Ikebukuro Station: Approximately 10 minutes on the Yamanote Line
- To Shibuya Station: Yamanote Line + Ebisu Line transfer → Saikyo Line or Hibiya Line, etc., approximately 25 minutes
- To Tokyo Station: Approximately 20-25 minutes by changing onto the Namboku Line and Marunouchi Line
Being able to reach these major stations within 30 minutes makes this an extremely convenient location even within Tokyo's 23 wards.
Komagome is a particularly attractive option for those who commute by train and want to shorten their daily commute time, or who want to keep their children's commute time to a minimum.
Additionally, the commuter pass covers large terminals such as Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Ueno, so it also has the benefit of saving on transportation costs.
Five reasons why people say they don't want to live in Komagome
Komagome Station is attractive for its convenient location, with access to two lines, the Yamanote Line and the Namboku Line, and for its natural surroundings, including Rikugien Garden and the former Furukawa Garden.However, some people say that it is difficult to live there or that they do not want to live there.
There are a few points you should know in advance, such as the inconveniences you may experience when actually living there, and the safety and shopping situation you will only find out once you have started living there.
In this chapter, we will thoroughly explain the reasons often cited for people not wanting to live around Komagome Station, based on actual reviews and information from real estate websites.
①There are many slopes, making it inconvenient for bicycles and strollers
The terrain around Komagome is hilly, and the Honkomagome area in particular is characterized by many narrow roads and steep slopes. This makes it somewhat unsuitable for traveling by bicycle or pushing a stroller, and families with children and elderly people often complain that it is "difficult to live in."
In particular, if there is a slope between the supermarket or shopping facility in front of the station and the residential area, it can be difficult to carry your luggage home. When choosing a property, be sure to check in advance whether the road from the station is flat.
②There are few restaurants and entertainment facilities for young people
Around Komagome Station, there are many restaurants (soba restaurants, set meal restaurants, coffee shops, etc.) that cater to families and the elderly, but there are very few trendy cafes or large chain izakaya restaurants.
As a result, many young people feel that there are no fashionable stores and that the area is boring, and some choose to go out and spend their weekends in other areas.
Additionally, there are very few entertainment facilities (movie theaters, karaoke, game centers, etc.), so some people say they don't see any benefit in spending their days off in Komagome.
If you are looking for a city for young people, you may be more satisfied with a place closer to Ikebukuro Station or Shibuya Station.
3) There are few people around at night, so is it unsafe for women living alone?
Komagome has a calm and peaceful impression during the day, but at night the streets around the station become deserted, and reviews have been found, especially in residential areas, saying things like "there are many dark roads" and "it's a bit scary when going home."
Women living alone, in particular, may feel anxious if they face a combination of conditions such as "there are no convenience stores on the way from the station to your home," "the streets are narrow," and "there are few security lights."
However, the area on the Bunkyo side is said to have relatively good public safety, and some people say, "As long as you choose a place where you can live safely, you'll be fine."
④Noise issues along railway tracks and prefectural roads
Komagome Station is on the Yamanote Line, so if you live near the tracks or a platform, you may be bothered by the noise of trains running and announcements. Some people find it difficult to sleep or the noise echoes around them, especially late at night or early in the morning, when there are frequent trains arriving and departing.
Also, properties located along prefectural roads or major roads may frequently have the sound of passing cars and sirens from ambulances and fire engines, so they may not be suitable for people who value a quiet life.
When searching for a property, using real estate sites such as SUUMO and specifying conditions such as "not near train tracks" or "away from the street" can make a big difference in how easy it is to live there.
⑤Some people feel that the area in front of the station is small and there are few shopping options.
There are supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores in front of Komagome Station, but there are no large facilities like shopping malls, so it may not be enough for people who want to do all their shopping in one place.
Some reviews have said things like, "The real estate agency introduced it as a convenient area in front of the station, but in reality there are only a few stores," and "The area in front of the station is not very lively," and this may feel strange to people who are used to shopping malls in regional cities.
However, it is easily accessible by train, taking just around 10 minutes to reach large commercial facilities such as Ikebukuro Station and Ueno Station, so you can cover your expenses by using Komagome for everyday shopping and the city center for bulk shopping on the weekends.
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Is Komagome really unsafe? Actual data and opinions of residents
Komagome Station is an area that is often chosen by people who want to live in a quiet town or choose a place with good security.
On the other hand, there are also concerns such as, "Even though it's along the Yamanote Line, there are few people on the streets at night," and "The area in front of the station is small and I feel uneasy," so it is essential to understand the surrounding environment before actually moving in.
Here, we will explain the public safety situation around Komagome Station, which straddles Bunkyo Ward and Toshima Ward, based on official data and reviews. If you are looking for a quiet and safe place to live, please use this as a reference for your property search.
Comparing the security situations in Bunkyo and Toshima Wards
Komagome Station is administratively divided into Bunkyo Ward on the east side of the station (towards Honkomagome) and Toshima Ward on the west side (towards Komagome West Exit). The public safety situation in each area differs, as can be seen in the numbers.
Bunkyo Ward is one of the 23 wards in Tokyo with a low crime rate, and the incidence of violent crimes and burglaries in particular tends to be low.
On the other hand, Toshima Ward has a higher number of cases overall than Bunkyo Ward due to the bustling Ikebukuro area, but the area around Komagome Station is mainly residential, so the actual security situation is stable.
Also, since it is along the Yamanote Line, the police and police stations patrol the area relatively regularly, so there are no problems that would make it a "bad area."
Even if you feel uneasy walking alone at night, you can live safely by checking the number of streetlights and pedestrian traffic in advance.
A sense of security in a quiet residential area
The Komagome area is home to many residential areas lined with low-rise apartment buildings and detached houses, and some areas also have greenways and small parks. In particular, the Honkomagome area, home to Rikugien Garden, and the Nakazato/Komagome 1-chome area are known as quiet residential areas.
This type of surrounding environment provides a sense of security for families with children and the elderly, allowing them to live a quiet life free from noise and poor security.
In recent years, there has also been an increase in properties such as 2LDK and 3LDK apartments aimed at families, making it a good choice for those looking for a home where they intend to live for a long time.
The reason why there are so many reviews saying that it is "quiet and easy to live in"
In reviews from people who actually live in Komagome and on real estate sites such as Suumo, you can often see comments such as, "It has a quiet and calm atmosphere," "When I actually lived there, I felt safe and secure," and "There are supermarkets and drugstores, so you won't have any trouble shopping."
People who prioritize quality of life say, "It's not flashy, but it's definitely a good town," and some feel they are willing to pay the high rent to live there. The lack of noise and the quietness at night are "big advantages."
Check the average rent and property conditions around Komagome Station
Many people have questions such as, "What is the average rent for living around Komagome Station?" and "How much can I rent a 2LDK property for?"
The Komagome area is popular for its calm living environment and convenient transportation, but it also has relatively low rents within Tokyo's 23 wards, with many good value-for-money rental properties.
Here we will introduce in detail the average rent for different types of apartments, such as 1R, 1K, and 2LDK, trends in search criteria on real estate sites such as Suumo, and recommended areas around Honkomagome and Komagome Station.
Average rent by type (1R, 1K, 2LDK, etc.)
The average rent around Komagome Station is slightly cheaper than in central Tokyo, making it a particularly attractive area for single people and dual-income couples.
1R/1K: Approximately 80,000 to 120,000 yen
Studio and 1K apartments are relatively cheap for areas along the Yamanote Line. Prices tend to be on the higher end if the apartment is within a 5-minute walk of the station or other convenient locations.
2LDK: Approximately 150,000 to 200,000 yen
There are some cheaper properties in the Honkomagome area, but properties over 200,000 yen are mostly newly built, close to the station, and family-type.
As such, there is a wide range of prices depending on the floor plan, age of the building, and distance from the station, but there is a strong demand for people who want to live in a calm environment close to the station, and popular properties may fill up quickly even if they are more expensive than the market price.
What are the popular conditions on real estate sites like Suumo?
Looking at the search criteria on real estate information sites (e.g., Suumo, Holmes, at home, etc.), you can see the needs of the Komagome area.
The following conditions are particularly popular:
- 2LDK or larger apartments with less than one transfer to Tokyo Station or Ikebukuro Station
- Within 10 minutes' walk from a station along the Namboku Line
- Supermarket and drugstore nearby
- Located in a quiet residential area with good security
Properties that meet these conditions tend to attract a lot of inquiries from a wide range of people, including families, dual-income couples, and women living alone.
Additionally, elderly people and those who work from home appreciate the fact that the facility offers a "low noise environment where they can work in peace."
Introducing the recommended areas around Honkomagome and Komagome Station
When searching for a property around Komagome Station, it's important to know the differences between the Komagome Station side and the Hon-Komagome side. The characteristics of each side are compared below.
Honkomagome area (Bunkyo Ward side)
- Features: Many quiet residential areas and good public safety. Rikugien Garden is nearby and there is plenty of greenery.
- Rent: Tends to be relatively cheap, and even 2LDK properties can be found for around 150,000 yen.
- Things to note: There are some areas with few supermarkets and restaurants, making shopping and eating out a little inconvenient.
Komagome Station West Exit Area (Toshima Ward side)
- Features: Supermarkets, drugstores, local shopping streets, and restaurants are all located in front of the station, making it convenient for shopping.
- Rent: Apartments near stations or newly built properties tend to be a little higher, but are reasonable considering the accessibility and convenience.
- Please note: The road in front of the station is a bit crowded, so it may not be suitable for those who value quietness.
Both areas have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's best to choose one that suits your lifestyle and commuting conditions.
Mid-rise apartments on the Honkomagome side are especially popular among people who want to commute on the Yamanote Line and live in a quiet environment.
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How is Komagome Station Accessed? Transfers and Commuting Information
One of Komagome Station's greatest attractions is its excellent access to major stations.
The area is accessible via two lines, the Yamanote Line and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, and allows you to reach major areas in Tokyo, such as Ikebukuro Station, Tokyo Station, and Shibuya Station, in a short time, even with transfers. This area offers convenience for a variety of situations, including commuting to work or school, shopping, and going out on the weekends.
Here we will explain in detail the traffic conditions at Komagome Station, including transfer times, the number of trains, and even how crowded it is during rush hour.
Access times to major stations such as Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Shibuya
As shown below, travel times from Komagome Station to major terminal stations in Tokyo are very short, which is a great advantage for commuting to work or school.
It takes about 10 minutes to get to Ikebukuro Station on the Yamanote Line, about 20-25 minutes to get to Tokyo Station on the Namboku Line and Marunouchi Line, and about 25 minutes to get to Shibuya Station on the Yamanote Line.
These stations often require no more than one transfer, making travel less stressful.
Convenience and frequency of the Namboku and Yamanote lines
Komagome Station is served by two lines: the JR Yamanote Line and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.
The Yamanote Line runs every 4 to 5 minutes in the mornings and evenings, and is a major line that connects Tokyo in a circular fashion, making it convenient for getting to anywhere.
The Namboku Line runs every five minutes during the day, with even more frequent trains during rush hour. It cuts through central Tokyo and offers direct access to Nagatacho, Yotsuya, and Meguro, allowing you to access multiple areas without having to transfer.
Furthermore, even if one line is stopped due to some kind of trouble, it is easy to recover on the other line, and the system is highly rated in terms of transportation stability.
How crowded is it during rush hour?
The Yamanote Line is extremely crowded during the morning rush hour, especially on the trains heading towards Ikebukuro Station.
However, the platform at Komagome Station is designed to be relatively spacious, and some people say that it is "better than other Yamanote Line stations."
Additionally, if you are heading towards central Tokyo (Iidabashi, Yotsuya, Nagatacho) using the Namboku Line, you can move smoothly from above ground to underground, and some say that the Namboku Line route is more comfortable for those who want to avoid the crowds.
For those who prioritize a comfortable commute and want to live near a station with access to multiple train lines, Komagome is a station with ideal transportation access.
Is life in Komagome convenient? Shopping, restaurants, and facility information
For those who think, "Even if transportation access is good, it would be a problem if it made daily life inconvenient," nearby facilities and shopping environments are extremely important.
Here we will introduce the supermarkets, shopping districts, and restaurants around Komagome Station. Check the "ease of living" and "local specialties" to find a home that suits you.
Supermarkets, drug stores, and other infrastructure
The area around Komagome Station is compactly packed with facilities that support daily life. There are multiple supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores, etc. within walking distance of the station, making it convenient for shopping before and after work.
However, the number of stores in front of the station is somewhat fewer than in cities with large commercial facilities, and some people feel that their shopping options are limited.
In addition, in some residential areas, it can take more than five minutes to walk to a supermarket, so it is important to check the distance and opening hours in advance.
The appeal of cheap shops and local shopping streets
Towards the north exit of Komagome Station, there are old-fashioned shopping streets such as Somei Ginza Shopping Street and Azalea Dori Shopping Street. There are many locally-owned shops, such as greengrocers, butchers, and delicatessens, and many reviews say that "you can buy fresh food at low prices" and "there is a warmth that comes from being privately run."
Also, because there are few chain stores, it is recommended as an easy city to live in for those who prefer a quiet and calm atmosphere.
Restaurant genres and reviews
Restaurants around Komagome Station include Japanese set meal restaurants, ramen shops, cafes, Chinese restaurants, as well as privately run izakayas, retro Showa-era coffee shops, and Western restaurants.
On review sites, you can often see comments such as "The owner is kind," "The food is delicious and reasonably priced," and "It's quiet and relaxing."
On the other hand, some people feel that there are "few fashionable restaurants for young people" and "it's not a hotbed of gourmet food," so those looking for flashiness and a large number of new restaurants may find it lacking.
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Reasons why people feel "glad to live in Komagome"
While there are reasons why people don't want to live there, there are also many positive comments from people who actually live in Komagome, such as "I'm glad I live here" and "I can live a calm life."
Property information sites and review sites highly praise the quietness of the town and the good living environment, and many people feel that it is easier to live here than other areas along the Yamanote Line.
Here, we will introduce the voices of residents who have experienced the good things about Komagome and the main reasons why they feel glad to live here.
Calm streets and a quiet living environment
Komagome is an area where the convenience of the area around the station coexists with quiet residential areas that are just a short walk away. In particular, the Honkomagome side and the areas around Rikugien and Kyu-Furukawa Gardens are filled with lush greenery and historic buildings, creating a calm atmosphere.
Although it is close to the station, the noise level is significantly reduced just one street away from the train tracks and main roads, so many people say that it is a quiet and comfortable place to live.
There are also many small parks and tree-lined streets, and people have commented that "I can relax by taking a walk around the neighborhood on the weekends" and "There are places where I can get away from the hustle and bustle."
This is the perfect city for those who seek both convenience and tranquility.
Creating a safe city for children and the elderly
Komagome, especially the area on the Bunkyo Ward side, is known for its safe and peaceful environment, making it popular with families with children and the elderly. It's packed with daycare centers, parks, children's centers, facilities for the elderly, and community centers, and many reviews have cited "a sense of security in daily life" and "many easy-to-walk streets."
In addition, the area around the station has well-maintained sidewalks and there isn't much traffic, making it safe to travel with small children. In fact, many families and elderly people live here, making it increasingly attractive as a place where people can live peacefully for a long time.
How to spend your holidays | Famous spots such as Rikugien Garden and the Former Furukawa Garden
Just a few minutes' walk from Komagome Station are two of Tokyo's leading Japanese gardens, Rikugien Garden and Kyu-Furukawa Garden, where you can feel close to nature. These spots are especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season, making them popular places to spend your holidays enjoying the four seasons.
Furthermore, after your walk, you can do some shopping at the supermarket in front of the station or enjoy lunch at a local cafe or restaurant, allowing you to spend a quiet and fulfilling holiday.
Many residents feel that they can refresh themselves in their neighborhood without having to travel far, which is one of the reasons for the high level of life satisfaction.
Komagome is suitable for these people | Reference for housing search
For those who want to avoid noisy cities but don't want to compromise on convenience, the area around Komagome Station is a well-balanced area.
Here we have summarized in an easy-to-understand manner what kind of people Komagome is suitable for. If you are looking for a property or considering moving, please compare it with your needs.
People who want to live a calm life in a quiet residential area
The residential area of Komagome is ideal for those who want to live in a calm environment.
Just a short distance from the station you will find a quiet area with little noise, allowing you to live a life that is relaxing both physically and mentally.
Another key point is that the area, especially the Bunkyo Ward side, has good public safety and a peaceful atmosphere. Those looking for a "good residential area" may be able to find the perfect home.
People who don't want to compromise on access to major stations
Komagome Station is also recommended for those who prefer a quiet town but also value convenient transportation.
It's about 10 minutes to Ikebukuro Station, and 20-25 minutes to Tokyo Station and Shibuya Station, so access to major stations is excellent. The advantage of being able to use multiple lines is that you won't have trouble finding a place to go out on the weekends, as well as commuting to work or school.
Even if the rent is a little high, many people feel that it is good value for money considering the convenient transportation.
People who want to live in Tokyo's 23 wards at reasonable rent
Komagome's average rent is relatively low for one of Tokyo's 23 wards. Real estate websites also rate it as having "many properties that meet your requirements at stable prices," making it highly recommended for those looking for a good balance between rent and location.
This is the perfect area for those who want to keep costs as low as possible but don't want to compromise on the environment.
Check before you move in! Important points to remember when viewing a property
If you are actually considering living in Komagome, it is important to check the following points when viewing the property. You need to carefully assess the surrounding environment and property conditions so that you don't regret your decision after moving in.
Here are some things you should check when searching for a property.
Surrounding environment and facility conditions that should be checked in advance
The points to check when viewing the property are as follows:
- Is it close to train tracks or a major road? Is there noise?
- Supermarket and drugstore locations and opening hours
- Are the streets dark at night? Are there any concerns about public safety?
- Building age and facilities (auto-lock, bathroom dryer, etc.)
- 2LDK and 1LDK floor plans and storage space
- Commuting time to university or work
It is also a good idea to find out in advance about the property management company and how quickly repairs are handled, if possible.
If you want to live in Komagome and keep your initial costs down, we recommend "Cross House"
Cross House's rental service is also recommended for those who want to move within Komagome Station or the Honkomagome area at the lowest possible cost, or for those looking for a property that comes with furniture and appliances and is ready to move in immediately.
There are many properties with no deposit or key money, no brokerage fee, and low initial costs, and the rent is relatively low even within Tokyo's 23 wards, making it an attractive option.
Furthermore, since the apartments come with furniture and appliances, moving preparations are minimal, making them popular with people who don't want to spend time or effort on moving, and those living alone for the first time.
There are options to suit the lifestyle and conditions of the resident, from one-room private rooms to reasonable shared houses, so we can flexibly accommodate requests such as "I want to move in immediately with furniture" or "I want cheap rent but good access."
There are also several Cross House properties in the Komagome Station and Honkomagome area, all of which are within walking distance of the station and are located in quiet, peaceful residential areas and convenient areas for daily life.
Summary | Things to check when deciding whether to live in Komagome
Komagome Station is an area that combines "quiet and calm town" with "good transportation access," but it also has disadvantages such as "few facilities for young people," "inconveniently located due to many slopes," and "few commercial facilities in front of the station." While rent and market prices are relatively low among Tokyo's 23 wards, there are concerns about noise and safety depending on the property, so it is essential to check in advance.
However, many people feel that it is a good place to live, and word of mouth and actual testimonials convey the good points of the area, such as that it is quiet and safe, has convenient access to the city center, and has a good shopping environment.
If you are unsure whether to live near Komagome Station, it is best to compare multiple properties based on your lifestyle (commute time, quietness, shopping area, security at night, etc.) and check them out by viewing them.
If this city is suitable for you, it should be a very good choice if you meet the following criteria: "I value a quiet and peaceful life," "I want access to the city center," and "I want to keep rent low."