Characteristics of Kichijoji's livability
Kichijoji is a popular area that consistently ranks highly in "city rankings for places to live." The reason for this is its good public safety, calm atmosphere, and well-balanced living environment, where abundant nature coexists with commercial facilities on a par with those in the city center.
Below, we will explain from three perspectives why Kichijoji is popular with a wide range of people, from single people to families.
Good security and city atmosphere
The Kichijoji area stands out for its good public safety and friendly atmosphere among its residents. According to crime rate data published by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the number of crimes around Kichijoji Station tends to be lower than other major stations in Tokyo. The area is especially busy at night, with many well-lit streets, making it a safe place for women living alone.
Furthermore, local residents actively patrol the area and the local government actively implements crime prevention measures, creating a sense of unity throughout the town, with residents working together to protect the town.
Kichijoji is also home to a wide range of people, from students to those raising children and the elderly, creating an attractive neighborhood where a calm atmosphere coexists with vitality.
A living environment that combines nature and urban functions
A major reason why Kichijoji stands out from other areas in Tokyo is that it is within walking distance of a rich natural environment, such as Inokashira Park.
Just a few minutes from the station, this vast park is a popular place for residents to relax and enjoy the changing seasons. Jogging, picnics, boating, and more are also available. Being able to enjoy a life surrounded by nature while still being in the heart of the city is a privilege unique to Kichijoji.
Meanwhile, the area around the station is home to medical institutions, educational facilities, and government services, and is fully equipped with urban functions. The coexistence of the healing power of nature and the convenience of the city makes it a living environment with a high level of satisfaction in daily life.
High convenience of commercial facilities and shopping
The area around Kichijoji Station is packed with commercial facilities, so you'll never be short of options for shopping or eating out.
The area offers a shopping environment that can meet a variety of needs, from large commercial buildings directly connected to the station such as Atre Kichijoji and Kirarina Keio Kichijoji, to local spots such as Tokyu Department Store and the long-standing Harmonica Yokocho.
There are also plenty of supermarkets, drugstores, and general stores, making it easy to find all the necessities you need. There are also many cafes and restaurants, making it a famous gourmet spot. Whether you're looking to eat out after work or go shopping on the weekends, the convenience of being able to do it all within the area of the station will make your life in Kichijoji that much more fulfilling.
Access information for Kichijoji
Kichijoji is popular for its excellent accessibility from the city center, making it convenient for commuting to work or school. The JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line are both accessible, allowing for smooth access to major areas such as Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Here we will provide detailed information on the lines available at Kichijoji, the first and last trains, and the travel time to major stations.
Usable routes
Kichijoji Station is served by two main lines: the JR Chuo Line and the Keio Inokashira Line.
The JR Chuo Line (Rapid) offers speedy access to Shinjuku and Tokyo, making it a very convenient line for commuting to work or school. The rapid train takes you to Shinjuku in about 15 minutes and to Tokyo Station in about 30 minutes, making it a comfortable way to travel to the city center. It also serves the Chuo and Sobu lines, which stop at every station, allowing you to access Sendagaya and Suidobashi in one go.
The Keio Inokashira Line is a line that allows you to get to Shibuya Station without changing trains, and the express takes just 16 minutes, making it a very smooth journey. It also passes through popular areas such as Shimokitazawa and Meidaimae, making it convenient for shopping and leisure on the weekends. By using these two lines, you can easily travel to various parts of Tokyo, and you will have little to no complaints about accessibility.
First and last trains ※Weekday schedule
Kichijoji Station is conveniently located for catching the first train, making it an easy station to use for those heading to the city center early in the morning or those wanting to catch the last train home.
JR Chuo Line (Rapid)
- Tokyo direction: First train departs at 4:42, last train departs at 23:58
- Towards Takao: First train leaves at 5:09, last train leaves at 0:35
JR Chuo Line (each stop)
- Chiba/Tokyo direction: First train departs at 4:37, last train departs at 0:37
- Towards Mitaka: First train leaves at 4:53, last train leaves at 0:54
It is also suitable for early morning commutes and airport access. The last train departs from Shinjuku and runs until around 12:30am, so you can work late without worry.
Keio Inokashira Line
- To Shibuya: First train leaves at 4:52, last train leaves at 0:40
This station is also very convenient. Furthermore, although Kichijoji Station is not the station where the first train leaves, the first train on the Chuo Line (towards Tokyo) is sometimes scheduled there, meaning there is a high chance you'll be able to commute seated. For those who have early work or school hours, or who are active until the last train, Kichijoji's convenient transportation is a big advantage.
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Average rent
The Kichijoji area is not only easy to live in but also extremely popular, so the average rent is somewhat higher than in other parts of Tokyo. However, considering the accessibility, living environment, and safety, the cost performance is excellent.
Here we will introduce specific rent guidelines for single people and families.
Guidelines for rental properties for single people
If you are starting to live alone in Kichijoji, the average rent for a 1R (one-room) or 1K apartment is roughly 70,000 to 100,000 yen per month.
For properties within a 10-minute walk from the station, newer properties with excellent facilities can have rents exceeding 100,000 yen. On the other hand, for older properties or those located more than 15 minutes on foot, rents can start from the upper 60,000 yen range.
Kichijoji is popular with students and young working people, and there are many compact yet beautifully renovated properties, as well as properties with furniture and appliances, making it a popular choice for people who want to move while keeping initial costs down.
There are also plenty of shared house options, with some properties available for as little as 50,000 yen per month, making them worth considering for those looking to keep rent down.
Guidelines for family rentals
For 2LDK to 3LDK rental properties for families, the average price in the Kichijoji area is around 150,000 to 250,000 yen per month.
In particular, recently built apartments and maisonette-type properties near stations often command high prices of over 200,000 yen, reflecting their popularity. However, by compromising on the location (more than 15 minutes' walk from the station) and the age of the building, you can also find properties in the 120,000 to 130,000 yen per month range.
Kichijoji is also highly regarded as an educational area, with a wide range of educational facilities, including nurseries, elementary schools, and junior high schools, making it an attractive environment for families with children. There are also many supermarkets, hospitals, and parks in the surrounding area, making it a highly convenient area for daily life, so it continues to be chosen even if the rent is a little higher.
It is also a good choice for those choosing to rent with an eye toward moving or purchasing in the future.
Information about the area around the station
The area around Kichijoji Station is home to many facilities essential for daily life, providing a convenient environment that makes it easy to live in. In addition to shopping facilities such as supermarkets and drugstores, there are also plenty of unique restaurants and leisure spots where you can relax and enjoy entertainment.
Below is a detailed introduction to the main facilities around the station.
Supermarket Information
There are plenty of supermarkets around Kichijoji Station that are convenient for everyday shopping.
A typical example is
- "Seijo Ishii Atre Kichijoji Store"
- "Kitchen Court Kichijoji Store"
Seijo Ishii offers a wide selection of high-quality imported foods and prepared dishes, making it popular with discerning customers.
Additionally, there are stores such as Seiyu Kichijoji and Life Kichijoji Ekimae that offer products at reasonable prices, so you can choose the store that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Furthermore, if you go a little further from the station, you will find many locally rooted supermarkets with a wide selection of products, such as "Miuraya" and "OK Kichijoji Store," making for a great shopping environment. Some stores are open until late at night, making it easy to go shopping after work or for a quick run.
Restaurant information
Kichijoji is also known as a gourmet town, with a wide variety of restaurants crammed into the area around the station. From casual cafes and ramen shops to long-established Japanese restaurants and Michelin-starred restaurants, you can enjoy a wide range of gourmet cuisine. Harmonica Yokocho in particular is home to a collection of unique small restaurants, catering to a variety of needs, from lunch to a quick drink in the evening.
There are also many famous restaurants that have been featured in the media, such as Cafe de Lièvre Usagikan, Iseya Main Branch, and Kichijoji Cafe & Books Bibliothèque. Many restaurants offer takeout and delivery, so even those living alone can easily enjoy eating out. It is rare to find a town with so many dining options near a station, making it an irresistible environment for food lovers.
Amusement & Leisure Information
Kichijoji is a very attractive place to live, but also a place to have fun.
A typical leisure spot is Inokashira Park, which is a five-minute walk from the station.
Surrounded by vast greenery, this park is perfect for relaxing on your days off, offering activities like boating, walking, and picnics. The park also contains the Inokashira Park Zoo, making it a popular spot for families with children.
Furthermore, the station buildings "Kirarina Keio Kichijoji" and "Coppice Kichijoji" have movie theaters and general stores attached, making it an appealing place to enjoy shopping and entertainment at the same time. There are also plenty of karaoke and game centers, making it perfect for active people. There are few areas in Tokyo that have such a wide variety of leisure facilities around the station, and this is one of the reasons why Kichijoji continues to be chosen as a "city where people want to live."
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The history of Kichijoji
Kichijoji is a historic town that dates back to the Edo period. The origin of the name of the town is rooted in a temple called "Kichijoji" that was originally located in Bunkyo Ward, and when immigrants following the Great Fire of Meireki established a new settlement in the area surrounding present-day Musashino City, they inherited the name of the temple as the town name.
Since then, Kichijoji has developed as a post town, commercial district, and cultural hub, and is now a prime example of a "city you want to live in" that blends nature and urban functions. By learning about the history of the city from the past to the present, you can gain a deeper understanding of Kichijoji's appeal.
Recommended properties in Kichijoji
Here, we introduce three carefully selected recommended properties for those looking for rental properties in the Kichijoji area that offer an excellent balance of livability, cost-effectiveness, and location. From shared houses to fully furnished apartments, we have a diverse lineup to choose from to suit your lifestyle and budget.
If you are thinking of starting a new life in Kichijoji, please refer to this article.
TOKYO β Kichijoji (formerly SA-Cross Kichijoji 1)
" TOKYO β Kichijoji (formerly SA-Cross Kichijoji 1) " is a fully furnished shared house located a 15-minute walk from Kichijoji Station.
The monthly rent is 51,500 yen, and includes utilities and Wi-Fi, making it ideal for those who want to keep initial costs and monthly fixed expenses low. The rooms have a clean, simple interior and are all private. The shared areas are equipped with facilities such as a kitchen, laundry, and living room, so you can start your new life immediately after moving in.
There are many supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores in the neighborhood, so you won't have any trouble with everyday shopping. This property is especially popular with students moving to Tokyo from the countryside, new graduates, and foreigners on short-term stays. This is the perfect place to live for those who want to live safely and easily in Kichijoji.
Shuttle Heim III 103
" Shuttle Heim III 103 " is a furnished 1K apartment located in a quiet residential area, within easy reach of Kichijoji Station by bus or bicycle. The nearest stations are Tsutsujigaoka Station and Sengawa Station on the Keio Line, both a 15-minute walk away.
The rent is 68,000 yen, and it features a convenient layout with a unit bath, air conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchen. Even if you live alone, you can have plenty of space.
The area is dotted with supermarkets, restaurants, and parks, making it especially recommended for those looking for a quiet environment. This property is popular with those living alone for the first time, or those looking for affordable rent in the Kichijoji area while still enjoying solid facilities. It is ideal for those who want to combine the convenience of the city with the tranquility of a residential area.
Imperial Kugayama 402
Imperial Kugayama 402 is a fully furnished apartment located a 7-minute walk from Kugayama Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, one stop from Kichijoji Station. It's easily accessible by train, just under 5 minutes. It's a studio apartment with a rent of 70,000 yen.
Cross House also offers a 20,000 yen discount on initial costs and no security deposit or brokerage fee. This property is eligible for the campaign, so if you're interested, please contact us as soon as possible.
The building also has an attractive, stately exterior, and the interior features flooring and ample storage space. It faces south and gets plenty of sunlight. There are supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores nearby, making it an ideal environment for living alone. This property is recommended for those considering living alone while keeping initial costs down.
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summary
Kichijoji is a town that offers a good balance of safety, a natural environment, abundant commercial facilities, and easy access, making it a very livable area. It caters to a wide range of needs, from single people to families, and the average rent is at a reasonable level considering the location and convenience.
There are plenty of supermarkets, restaurants, and leisure facilities around the station, making it an ideal area for those looking to improve their quality of life. If you're considering starting a new life in Kichijoji, be sure to check out the property information introduced here.