What is Soshigaya-Okura Station? Check out access, location, and surrounding area
Soshigaya-Okura Station is one of the stations on the Odakyu Line in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, and is located in a quiet residential area. It has good access to the city center, and is popular with families in particular as it has a local shopping district, parks, and a good environment for raising children.
In this chapter, we will explain the basic location and accessibility of Soshigaya-Okura Station, as well as information you should know before moving in, such as the surrounding facilities and the atmosphere of the town.
Access from Soshigaya-Okura Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line | How long does it take to get to Shinjuku and Shibuya?
Soshigaya-Okura Station is a station where only local trains on the Odakyu Odawara Line stop. Limited express and rapid trains do not stop, but for those who want a laid-back lifestyle, this is actually an attraction.
It takes about 25 minutes by train to Shinjuku, the nearest terminal station. You can also reach Shibuya via Shimokitazawa in about 30 minutes. Both lines can be accessed with just one transfer, so commuting to work or school is easy.
Although it can get a little crowded during rush hour, the Odakyu Line has many trains, so if you change your travel time you can travel relatively comfortably. Even within Setagaya Ward, this area is a good distance from the city center, and can be described as "not too suburban, not too urban."
There are also several bus routes around Soshigaya-Okura Station, providing good access to Chitose-Funabashi and Yoga. The multiple transportation options available are another hidden plus point.
The atmosphere around the station and the characteristics of the shopping street | What kind of place is Ultraman Shopping Street?
Soshigaya-Okura Station is famous for its Ultraman Shopping Street. The shopping street stretches north and south across the station and is lined with over 200 stores, and there is even an Ultraman monument in front of the station.
This shopping street has a wide range of stores, from traditional privately owned shops like greengrocers and fishmongers to stylish cafes, bakeries, and local restaurants, so you'll never have trouble with your daily shopping.Seasonal events (such as Ultra Hero shows and stamp rallies) are also held regularly, making it a great place to interact with local people.
However, there are few establishments that are open late at night, and with the exception of convenience stores, most stores close after 9 p.m., so it may be somewhat inconvenient for people who work late into the night or who have a nocturnal lifestyle.
What's the difference between the neighboring station, Seijo-Gakuenmae Station? Which one should you live in?
Right next to Soshigaya-Okura Station is Seijo-Gakuenmae Station, a famous high-end residential area. This is an express stop, allowing for quicker access to Shinjuku. Furthermore, there are movie theaters and shopping facilities around the station, so you'll have no shortage of shopping and entertainment options.
However, rents and prices are somewhat high, with even a one-room apartment costing over 80,000 yen and it is not uncommon for family properties to cost over 200,000 yen, making it a price range worthy of the name "luxury residential area."
On the other hand, Soshigaya-Okura is a well-balanced town that is neither too expensive nor too cheap, nor too busy nor too lonely. The surrounding environment with its shopping street is friendly, and the warm atmosphere where locals are close to each other is appealing. For those who value a quiet and calm place, Soshigaya-Okura Station would be a better choice than Seijo-Gakuenmae Station.
Why do people say they don't want to live in Soshigaya-Okura?
Soshigaya-Okura Station is known for its calm streets and friendly environment for raising children. It is a popular area for families within Setagaya Ward, but there are also voices online saying that people "wouldn't want to live there" or that it's a bit inconvenient.
Why do such opinions arise? In this chapter, we will explain in detail the points that you should be concerned about when actually living in Soshigaya-Okura, such as average rent, property conditions, public safety, shopping and entertainment facilities.
Is the average rent not cheap? Investigating the number and types of properties
Rent around Soshigaya-Okura Station is by no means cheap.
A one-room or one-room apartment for a single person costs around 70,000 to 80,000 yen, while for a family property with 2LDK or more, it is not uncommon to pay over 150,000 yen, and in some cases it can even be close to 200,000 yen.
This is mid to slightly higher than the average price for Setagaya Ward as a whole, and properties that are particularly new or close to stations tend to fill up quickly, so it doesn't necessarily mean that "just because the rent is cheap" means it's easy to live there.
There are few properties within a 10-minute walk from the station. Not suitable for people who prioritize accessibility.
If you want to live in a property within a five-minute walk of the station or want to reduce your commute time, the area around Soshigaya-Okura Station may not be quite enough.
When you actually search, you will find that there are very few properties within a 10-minute walk from Soshigaya-Okura Station. Because of the hilly terrain, even a 10-minute walk can feel far away.
In particular, the south side of the station (towards Soshigaya 3-chome and Kinuta) is a residential area, and some areas are mainly served by bus.
For those who prioritize good accessibility, stations such as Seijo Gakuenmae Station, where express trains stop, or Kyodo Station, where semi-express trains stop, may be more suitable.
Despite its popularity, some people are concerned about safety at night.
During the day, the area around Soshigaya-Okura Station has a calm atmosphere, and there are convenient school routes and a good environment for raising children, making it a safe place to live. However, at night, some reviews say that there are few people around and it can be a bit unsettling.
In particular, if you go into residential areas or back streets away from the station, there are often few streetlights and dark areas. The main streets around the station are relatively bright, but women living alone or families with small children may feel unsafe at night. By checking the atmosphere at night as well as during the day, you can make a more convincing decision.
Are there few shopping facilities? The reality of stores and facilities necessary for daily life
If you're wondering, "Is everything available in front of the station?", unfortunately the answer is no.
There are supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores, bakeries, and other stores near Soshigaya-Okura Station, but there are hardly any large commercial facilities or shopping malls in the area.
This may be a little inconvenient for people who want to stock up on supplies on the weekend or who want to get everything they need in one place. In particular, families living with their children often say, "I wish there was a shopping center nearby that I could easily go to with my children."
There are not enough places to have fun? There are also concerns about the lack of entertainment and dining options.
For those who want to have fun nearby on the weekends or go out with their children, the lack of entertainment facilities around Soshigaya-Okura Station may be a problem.
There are a fair number of cafes, restaurants and other stores around the station, but there are no cinemas, karaoke or bowling alleys nearby, so your options for entertainment are limited.
There are also not many chain restaurants, and most of the shops are privately owned and have a relaxed atmosphere.
If you're looking for a place to have fun on the weekends, you'll need to travel to Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji, or even Shinjuku.
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Average rent in Setagaya-ku, Soshigaya-Okura
When considering living around Soshigaya-Okura Station, the most important thing to consider is the average rent and the characteristics of the property. Setagaya Ward is a highly popular residential area within Tokyo, and as such, there is a wide variety in rents and living environments.
In this chapter, we will provide a detailed explanation of the average rent for different types of apartments for those who are considering living alone in the Soshigaya-Okura area or those who are considering moving with their family.
Average rent for a one-room/1K apartment for single people
The average rent for properties for single people around Soshigaya-Okura Station is as follows:
- Studio: Approximately 65,000 to 75,000 yen
- 1K: Approximately 70,000 to 85,000 yen
This is a slightly higher to mid-range price compared to other stations along the Odakyu Line (such as Kyodo Station and Chitose-Funabashi Station).
However, considering the good access to Shinjuku and Shibuya, many people feel that the value for money is not bad. In particular, there are only a limited number of newly built properties near stations, so good quality properties tend to fill up quickly.
Additionally, the area around Soshigaya-Okura Station is characterized by a quiet and peaceful neighborhood, making it a safe and comfortable place to live even for single people. It is a quiet area with few establishments that are open late at night, making it a highly recommended place for those who value quietness at night.
On the other hand, older properties can be found in cheaper price ranges, such as in the low 60,000 yen range, so if you're looking to keep your budget down, you might want to search for properties outside walking distance of the station or that are slightly older.
Rent and property trends for 2LDK and 3LDK apartments for families
The average rent for family properties around Soshigaya-Okura Station is as follows:
- 2LDK: Approximately 130,000 to 160,000 yen
- 3LDK: Approximately 160,000 to 200,000 yen or more
It is especially popular among families, and the following are some of the property trends:
- Many of the apartments are newly built and have well-equipped interiors and facilities.
- Many of the properties have been renovated and have excellent layouts and designs.
- If you go a little further from the station, you can find cheap detached houses and maisonette-type apartments.
The property information in this area can be said to have a good balance between price and living environment. Even within Setagaya Ward as a whole, Soshigaya-Okura has a reputation as a quiet residential area, with many parks, daycare centers, and schools, making it a very livable area for families with children.
Another advantage is that rent is slightly lower than at Seijo Gakuenmae Station, meaning that even if the apartment has the same size and facilities, it is cheaper to live in Soshigaya-Okura.
About a 10-15 minute walk from the station, there are also slightly larger detached rental houses and family properties with parking spaces, making them popular with car owners.
A cost-effective option to live at Cross House
Recently, rental properties with furniture and appliances included have also been attracting attention, meeting the needs of those who want to keep initial costs down or who don't want to buy furniture and appliances.
Among them, Cross House is popular as a reasonably priced place to live in Tokyo.
Cross House offers shared houses and private rooms for rent that are ready to move in immediately and come with furniture and appliances, with no deposit, key money or brokerage fees required, making it perfect for single people looking to keep costs down.
There are also multiple properties in the Soshigaya-Okura area and along the Odakyu Line, and you can easily search for properties and reserve viewings online, so it is recommended for those who want to move in immediately or who need to move suddenly.
Opinions that contradict "I don't want to live here": Why Soshigaya-Okura is so popular
There are some online comments such as "it's hard to live around Soshigaya-Okura Station" and "it's inconvenient," but these are only some of the opinions. In reality, there are also many positive reviews such as "I like the quiet and calm town" and "It's perfect for raising children," and the satisfaction rate among those who continue to live there is very high.
In this chapter, we will delve into the reasons why Soshigaya-Okura is so popular and what people actually find good about living there.
Friendly environment for families with children | Plenty of parks and educational facilities
The area around Soshigaya-Okura Station is an excellent environment for raising children. There are several spacious parks, such as Kinuta Park and Okura Sports Park, which are rich in nature and have plenty of play equipment and greenery, making them popular with local families as places where children can play safely.
There are also many educational facilities such as nursery schools, kindergartens, and elementary schools, and Setagaya Ward provides generous administrative support, making it an ideal area to raise children.
In addition, there are pediatric clinics and community-based clinics in the area, so you can feel reassured about medical care.
A calm townscape and the atmosphere of the residents
One of the charms of Soshigaya-Okura is the town's balance of quietness and warmth. It's not as noisy as a busy downtown area, but it's not lonely either, and this just-right atmosphere is highly praised by many residents.
The household composition is dominated by families and elderly households, and there is hardly any noisy atmosphere where too many young people gather.
Another reason for its popularity is the abundance of greenery around the station and in residential areas, which creates a peaceful atmosphere just by walking around. The cherry blossom trees in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall allow you to experience the changing seasons on a daily basis, which is another reason why Soshigaya-Okura Station has been loved for so long.
The lively local shopping district and events | The charm of a warm town
When visiting Soshigaya-Okura Station, you can't miss the Ultraman Shopping Street. This famous shopping street along the Odakyu Line is lined with about 200 stores, including independent shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and general stores.
The greatest appeal of this shopping street is the sense of connection between people. For example, seasonal events (summer festivals, Ultra Hero photo sessions, Halloween, etc.) are held regularly, and these are community-based events that can be participated in by people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
These efforts are helping to form local communities, making the area not just a place to live, but a place you want to return to.
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Characteristics of people who are suitable and unsuitable for Soshigaya-Okura
Soshigaya-Okura Station is a popular area in Setagaya Ward, offering a well-balanced living environment, but it's not the "perfect place" for everyone.
For example, it may be an ideal area for those seeking a quiet and peaceful lifestyle, but it may feel a little lacking for those who require a wide range of shopping and entertainment options.
In this chapter, we will provide you with hints to help you determine whether Soshigaya-Okura is right for you, while listing specific characteristics of people who are suited to it and those who are not.
Who is this place recommended for? | Popular with people looking for a quiet life
For those seeking the following lifestyle, Soshigaya-Okura Station is a highly recommended living environment.
People who want to live a quiet and peaceful life
Soshigaya-Okura is not as noisy as a busy downtown area, with only a few small shops and supermarkets lined up in front of the station. There are also few restaurants open until late at night or noisy izakayas, so it is quiet and safe to spend the night.
It's an ideal town for people who want to relax in a quiet place after work. There are relatively few noise problems, so it's perfect for people who want to live a comfortable life.
[People who like local shopping streets]
The Ultraman Shopping Street is very appealing to people who prefer to shop at familiar stores rather than chain stores. There are also many local events, making it an environment where residents can naturally interact with each other.
If you enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this shopping street, then life in Soshigaya-Okura is sure to suit you.
[People looking for a residential area with easy access to the city center]
If you use the Odakyu Odawara Line, you can get to Shinjuku in about 25 minutes. If you transfer at Shimokitazawa, you can get to Shibuya in under 30 minutes. In other words, it's the perfect place for people who want to commute to work or school in the city by train on weekdays, but want to live in a quiet area.
In addition, there are a variety of facilities necessary for daily life around the station, such as small supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, banks, and post offices, making it possible to live a life that is both convenient and peaceful.
This might not be suitable for you? | Be careful if you prioritize convenience and entertainment
On the other hand, people with the following values may find life in Soshigaya-Okura disappointing.
[People who frequently use late-night stores and entertainment facilities]
Although there are 24-hour convenience stores around Soshigaya-Okura Station, there are very few restaurants and entertainment facilities (karaoke, bars, game centers, etc.) that are open late into the night.
Therefore, there will be times when this is inconvenient for people who are often active late at night or who have a lifestyle where they want to go out to eat or have drinks after the last train.
[People who want to spend the weekend in the city center or downtown]
If you're the type of person who wants to enjoy shopping and eating out in Omotesando, Shibuya, or Shinjuku on the weekends, or who wants to live in a town that's always filled with new excitement, Soshigaya-Okura may be too quiet for you.
While Shinjuku is within easy reach of the station by train, some people may find the travel time and cost to be inconvenient. In that sense, other areas with large commercial and entertainment facilities around the station (such as Shimokitazawa or Sangenjaya) are more suitable.
Things to know before searching for a property in Soshigaya-Okura
Even if you've started searching for properties because you want to live near Soshigaya-Okura Station, you should stop and think for a moment about whether the location really suits your lifestyle.
If you decide based solely on the average rent, floor plan, and walking time to the station, you may end up regretting it after you actually move in. In particular, things like the safety, the atmosphere at night in the area, and the convenience of the area are difficult to understand from numbers and photos alone.
In this chapter, we will introduce specific checkpoints to help you avoid making mistakes when choosing a property around Soshigaya-Okura Station.
How to check the safety and nightlife in advance
Soshigaya-Okura Station has an image of being a quiet and calm town, but there are areas where there are fewer people around at night, and many people feel uneasy about this.
If possible, we recommend visiting the property at night (7pm-10pm) before deciding on it. The actual street lighting, foot traffic, and surrounding atmosphere will be very different from daytime.
Factors such as a dark walk home from the station, few people around, and a complicated residential area are important criteria, especially for women living alone.
There are also crime prevention maps for Setagaya Ward available online. By using these, you can find out in advance what types of crimes are common in the area, which can help you feel more at ease.
Good public safety is directly linked to the ease of living in an area. Families with small children and those living alone for the first time should check this carefully.
Information to look for when choosing a property: not just "X minutes walk from the station"
Property search sites often display "X minutes walk from the station" as a general guideline, but that alone does not measure the actual ease of access.
In particular, the area around Soshigaya-Okura Station is full of narrow, dark streets and slightly undulating slopes. Even if the walking time from the station is listed as "7 minutes," walking up the hill every day can be physically demanding.
Other points you'll want to check include whether the road is heavily pedestrianized during school or work hours, and whether there are good streetlights at night.
Inconveniences such as "Even if it's close to the station, the supermarket is far away," "There are no convenience stores," and "I can't find a place to eat at night" are often only realized after moving in.
It is a good idea to check in advance using Google Maps or similar to see if the following facilities are available around the property.
- Convenience stores and supermarkets
- Drugstores and clinics
- Banks and post offices
- Restaurants and cafes
- Parks and nurseries (for families with children)
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Summary | What I want to say to people who are wondering whether to live in Soshigaya-Okura
The area around Soshigaya-Okura Station is a great place for those seeking a quiet and peaceful lifestyle, as it's neither too urban nor too rural. It's easy to get to Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Odakyu Line, and is surrounded by parks, shopping streets, and educational facilities, making it especially popular with families with children and those looking to live long-term.
On the other hand, there are few late-night stores and entertainment facilities, so it may not be suitable for people who value liveliness and convenience. That's why the decision of whether to live or not is important based on compatibility with your lifestyle.
When choosing a property, don't just base your decision on information online or "a certain number of minutes' walk from the station," but actually walk around the area and check things like the safety, surrounding facilities, and street brightness. Finding a property that is "easy to live in" for you, without being limited by average rent prices or search criteria, is the first step to finding a property you won't regret.
