What kind of town is Honancho? | Basic information about Honancho Station, a popular area in Suginami Ward

Honancho, located on the eastern edge of Suginami Ward, is a residential area that spreads out around Honancho Station, the terminus of the Honan Branch Line of the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. There are shopping streets, supermarkets, and restaurants around the station, and a quiet residential area spreads out a little further away from the station.

Originally a local town with a downtown atmosphere, the start of direct service on the Marunouchi Line and redevelopment have made it an area that has attracted the attention of many people, including single people and families.

Access from Honancho Station, the starting station on the Marunouchi Line

Honancho Station is the terminus of the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line's Honan Branch Line, and as the starting point, it is conveniently located for commuting to work or school. It takes about 15 minutes to Shinjuku Station without transfers, and you can also access Ikebukuro and Tokyo in a single train. The ability to commute while sitting is a major benefit, especially during the morning rush hour, making it a very attractive station for Marunouchi Line users.

In 2019, direct service between the Honan Branch Line and the main line began, eliminating the need to transfer at Nakano-sakaue Station, which previously required a transfer. This has greatly improved convenience, and it is said that properties and rental properties around the station have become increasingly popular.

The contrast between the bustle along Honan Street and the quiet residential area

In front of Honancho Station is the busy Honan-dori Street, stretching east to west, with many commercial facilities lined along the street, including supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores, and chain restaurants. There is also a local shopping street in front of the station, so you'll have no trouble finding what you need for your daily shopping.

On the other hand, once you turn off Honan-dori Street, you will find yourself in a quiet residential area lined with detached houses and low-rise apartments and condominiums. It is relatively quiet at night, making it an ideal environment for those who want to live in a calm atmosphere.

What makes Honancho so popular? Introducing the town's atmosphere

The appeal of Honancho is the balance between convenience and livability. It has all the amenities you need for daily life, such as supermarkets, restaurants, and drugstores, but the townscape is not too noisy. It also has good access to the city center, but is located in the quiet residential area of Suginami Ward, making it popular with families with children and single women living alone.

Efforts are being made in the area to dispel concerns about public safety, and there is active interaction between residents. The area is supported by many as an "open town" where long-time residents and newcomers coexist.

Is Honancho unsafe? Real opinions and statistical data from residents

When you search for Honancho, you may come across negative information such as "bad public safety" and "dangerous." But what is the reality?

In this chapter, we will provide specific explanations about the voices of residents and the public safety situation in Honan Town.

Commentary based on security data such as crime numbers and suspicious person information

Suginami Ward, where Honancho is located, is considered to have relatively good public safety among Tokyo's 23 wards. In fact, according to the crime rate in Suginami Ward as a whole, the number of crimes in Suginami Ward has been decreasing year by year, with violent crimes (assault, injury, etc.) and burglary remaining at low levels.

Even just looking at the area around Honancho Station, there have been almost no reports of serious crimes such as snatch thefts or car break-ins, and the main concerns are "insecurity related to everyday life issues" such as reports of suspicious people and noise problems.

These issues are handled by the police, local patrol teams, neighborhood associations, and others working together, and many people who actually live there say that the security situation is "average to even good."

Why is it called "dangerous"? Internet rumors and reality

The reason Honancho is said to be "dangerous" seems to be related to some incidents that have occurred around the station in the past and the fact that there are places where young people tend to gather at night. In fact, there are reviews on social media and message boards saying things like, "The young people hanging out in front of the convenience store in front of the station are noisy."

However, this information is biased towards certain times and limited areas, and does not accurately reflect the public safety situation in Honancho as a whole. During the day, the area has a strong atmosphere of a quiet residential area, and many families and elderly people can be seen.

Additionally, since the 2020s, community-wide efforts have been underway to improve public safety, creating an environment where local residents can live in peace.

Crime prevention measures for women and families and local initiatives

Honancho has introduced a variety of safety measures to ensure that women living alone and families can live in peace of mind. There is a police box around the station, and police patrol frequently. For people who come home late at night, the area is also being installed with streetlights and security cameras.

Suginami Ward as a whole is actively engaged in local crime prevention activities such as "Watch Squads" and "Children's 110 Houses," and another source of reassurance is the fact that volunteers watch over children going to and from school around elementary schools and daycare centers.

Thanks to these efforts, contrary to the image it has on the internet, the city is actually being reevaluated as a safe and easy place to live.

Average rent and rental property information around Honancho Station | 1LDK and family-friendly apartments

When it comes to living in Honancho, the main concerns are the average rent and ease of finding a property. While Honancho has the advantage of being the starting station for the Marunouchi Line, the average rent around Honancho Station is said to be more reasonable than in central Tokyo.

Here we will introduce in detail the estimated rent for each floor plan, tips for finding a property, and a comparison of rent prices with other areas in Suginami Ward.

Rental market prices for 1K, 1LDK, 2LDK, etc.

The average rent for the area around Honancho Station is average for Suginami Ward, but slightly lower than in central Tokyo. Below we will introduce the average rent for different floor plans.

• 1K/One-room apartment: Approximately 75,000 to 92,000 yen
• 1LDK: Approximately 120,000 to 145,000 yen
• 2LDK: Approximately 150,000 to 195,000 yen
• 3LDK or larger: Approximately 200,000 yen or more (few properties available)

There are many 1K and studio apartments for single people, and you can even find rooms for under 100,000 yen within a 5-minute walk from the station. On the other hand, there are more recently built and family-oriented apartments with 1LDK or larger apartments, and the rent varies greatly depending on the facilities and location.

Tips for finding real estate companies and properties around Honancho Station

When searching for a property in Honancho, we recommend using a local real estate agency located in front of the station. They are knowledgeable about the area and have experience with the latest properties in Suginami Ward.

In particular, properties on Honan-dori Street or within walking distance of the station are highly sought after, so speedy viewing is important. Also, even older properties often have been renovated, and there can be a discrepancy between the exterior and interior, so it's important to actually see the property before making a decision.

There are many properties with low initial costs, such as no security deposit or key money, and no brokerage fees, so if you compare the total cost, not just the low rent, you will have a better chance of finding a property with good value for money.

Check out the facilities and shopping environment necessary for living in Honancho

When choosing a city that is easy to live in, it's important to consider not only rent and accessibility, but also the "daily living environment." Honancho is highly rated for its livability, with supermarkets, drugstores, medical institutions, educational facilities, and restaurants all compactly located.

Here we will introduce the infrastructure that will be useful when actually living here, as well as information on facilities that will be useful for families with children.

Supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores and other infrastructure

The area around Honancho Station is full of convenient facilities for daily shopping, with supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores scattered from the front of the station along Honan-dori Street.

The main supermarket, Summit Store, located right next to the station, is open until midnight and is popular for its convenience of being able to do your shopping after work. There are also several My Basket and Gyomu Supermarkets within walking distance.

There are also many convenience stores and drugstores, so you won't have any trouble finding daily necessities or medicines to buy even late at night.

Information on family facilities such as hospitals, nurseries, and schools

Honancho has a relatively high family population and has well-equipped facilities for families with children. There are private clinics scattered throughout the town, including internal medicine, pediatrics, otolaryngology, and dentistry, and in emergencies, Kahoku General Hospital (near Asagaya) is also available.

There are plenty of options for childcare facilities, both public and private. Measures are being implemented to address the issue of children on waiting lists, and Suginami as a whole is proactive in supporting child-rearing.

In terms of educational facilities, there are public schools such as Suginami Ward Honan Elementary School and Sennan Junior High School, both within easy commuting distance. There are also several private kindergartens and cram schools, making for a well-developed educational environment.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes! Recommended places in Honancho

Honancho is home to many independently owned restaurants and cafes, making it a great area for those who love to eat out. Near the station, there are a wide variety of restaurants, including set meal restaurants, ramen shops, Italian restaurants, and izakayas, so you have plenty of food options.

The number of restaurants offering takeout and delivery services is on the rise, making it easy for even busy people to use. Stylish cafes and new stores are appearing one after another, making this a town with exciting future developments to look forward to.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Honancho | Is it easy to live there?

Based on the opinions of people who actually live in Honancho, we will explain the characteristics of this town from both the perspective of "livability" and "difficulty of living." Check out the real livability of the town, which cannot be determined by rent and safety alone.

"Advantages" of access and living environment

• Comfortable commute to work or school from the first station: Honancho Station, the first station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, offers excellent access to Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. A major benefit is being able to sit down even during the morning rush hour.
• Excellent infrastructure for daily life: Supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, hospitals, etc. are concentrated near the station, and all the facilities necessary for daily life are within walking distance.
• A quiet residential area: A little distance from the station is a quiet residential area that is relatively quiet at night. This is an ideal environment for families and women living alone.
• Creating a child-friendly city: Suginami Ward has comprehensive support for raising children, with a wide range of daycare centers and public schools. The area is also safe and has active community watch programs.

Concerns about noise and traffic

• The area around Honan Street is a bit noisy: There is a lot of traffic around the station and along Honan Street, and some people complain about noise and exhaust fumes late at night. If you are looking for a quieter environment, it is best to choose a property on the residential side.
• Few commercial facilities: There are no large shopping malls, and shopping is centered around small stores. Those who want to enjoy shopping on the weekends will have to go to Shinjuku or Nakano.
• Marunouchi Line Crowding: Even though it's the first station, it can get crowded during rush hour from the intermediate stations, so it can be stressful depending on the time of day. However, it's more convenient for those who work early in the morning or have flexible working hours.

Honancho is recommended for these people! Characteristics of people who are suitable

• People commuting to Shinjuku or downtown
• People who want to live in a quiet and peaceful residential area
• Women considering living alone for the first time
• Families looking for an environment that is easy to raise children in
• People who want convenience while keeping rent low

Honancho is a well-balanced area that combines urban convenience with a relaxed lifestyle. It's easy to see why it's popular with a wide range of people, given its safe environment, accessibility, and well-maintained living environment.

Comparing Honancho with other areas: Which areas along the Marunouchi Line are the best to live in?

Honancho is the starting station on a branch line of the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, and is conveniently located for access to the city center. However, there are many other areas along the Marunouchi Line that are popular for their livability, so it's important to compare Honancho with other areas to find the town that's right for you.

Here we will explain in detail the differences between Nakano Fujimicho and Higashi-Koenji, which are often compared, as well as the convenience of the Marunouchi Line as a whole.

Honancho vs Nakano Fujimicho | Differences in rent and atmosphere

Nakano Fujimicho is the next station over from Honancho and is also a popular residential area.

Average rent is slightly higher in Nakano Fujimicho, with 1K apartments costing around 82,000 yen and 1LDK apartments costing around 130,000 yen.

In terms of atmosphere, Honancho has a somewhat down-to-earth and common feel, while Nakano Fujimicho gives the impression of a quiet, calm, and upscale residential area.

Honancho has more shopping facilities, with many supermarkets and convenience stores for everyday use concentrated in front of the station.

Considering the balance between convenience and rent, Honancho offers good value for money and gives off a more down-to-earth, friendly impression.

Honancho vs Higashi-Koenji | Family-friendly facilities comparison

Higashi-Koenji is close to Nakano Station and is an area in Suginami Ward with a cultural atmosphere.

There are plenty of nurseries and educational facilities, but Higashi-Koenji is also dotted with parks and cultural facilities, making it highly regarded for its educational and child-rearing environment.

The security situation at both stations is relatively good, but some say that Honancho has more people walking around at night, and is brighter and safer to walk around.

The average rent in Higashi-Koenji is slightly higher, at around 85,000 to 95,000 yen for a 1K apartment and 130,000 to 150,000 yen for a 1LDK apartment.

Higashi-Koenji is suitable for people who want to live while enjoying culture and the arts, but Honancho is an advantage for people who prioritize cost-effectiveness and easy access to work.

What are the benefits for Marunouchi Line users? Transfers explained

The Marunouchi Line is one of Tokyo's most convenient subway lines, covering major business districts such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Tokyo. Honancho is located at the starting station of a branch line, which offers the following advantages:

• You can commute while sitting
• Smooth transfer at Nakano-Sakaue
• Route selection to avoid congestion

Another attractive feature is that it is well connected to other Tokyo Metro lines (such as the Oedo Line and Tozai Line), making it easy to create flexible commuter routes.

The best choice for which area along the line to choose will depend on rent, lifestyle, and commute location, so comparing and considering multiple cities is the key to success.

Points to note when looking for a rental property in Honancho

Honancho is popular due to its easy access and livability, and there are plenty of properties available. However, to avoid regretting your move after you've moved in, it's important to keep a few things in mind. This chapter will introduce specific information that will be useful when searching for a property.

Which is better for you: near the station or in a residential area?

Centered around Honancho Station, the area is roughly divided into the "near station area" and the "residential area."

• The area near the station (along Honan Street, within a 5-minute walk from the station) has plenty of supermarkets and restaurants, and is bright and safe even late at night. It is convenient for commuting, but there is a lot of traffic and noise can be a concern.
• Residential areas (7-15 minutes walk from the station) are known for their quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Rent tends to be slightly cheaper than areas near the station, but you may find it a little inconvenient to go shopping or get to the station.

Clarify your lifestyle and priorities (convenience, quietness, rent, etc.) before narrowing down your area.

Points to check when choosing a real estate company and viewing a property

In the Honancho area, there are many local real estate companies as well as national chains. They are knowledgeable about the local area and may be able to introduce you to some great properties.

Points to check when viewing a property

• The route from the station to the property (lighting and safety at night)
• Surrounding noise (traffic, presence or absence of nearby facilities)
• Building management status (common areas, mailboxes, garbage areas, etc.)
• Window orientation, sunlight, and ventilation
• Actual internet speed and mobile phone signal conditions

It is also important to be sure to check not only the rent but also other initial costs such as management fees, renewal fees, key money/deposit, and fire insurance premiums.

We also recommend Cross House for smart rental choices with reduced initial costs.

When searching for a property in the Honancho area, Cross House is one option, offering furniture and appliances, reducing initial costs. There are no security deposits, key money, or brokerage fees, and monthly costs are clear. The appeal is the flexibility to choose your lifestyle, from short-term to medium- to long-term.

We have many properties within Tokyo's 23 wards, perfect for those who want to start living immediately after moving in or those who want to live alone for the first time. You may be able to find Cross House properties in Honancho and the surrounding area.

If you want to start living smoothly in a property with furniture and appliances included, be sure to check out the properties at Cross House.

Things you should know about the surrounding area and commuting conditions before moving in

Honancho is an easy town to live in, with easy bicycle access and many supermarkets, convenience stores, and hospitals within walking distance. However, when it comes to commuting, the crowded Marunouchi Line and the need to transfer at Nakano-Sakaue can be an issue.

• Check your commute route in advance: Use Google Maps in the morning to check the travel time and ease of transfers.
• Check nearby facilities: Checking the facilities you frequently use (post office, supermarket, restaurants, cafes, hospitals, etc.) on a map will help reduce stress once you start living there.

Summary | Is Honancho a dangerous town? Or a hidden gem that's easy to live in?

Some people say that Honancho is dangerous, but in reality, it's a safe and easy place to live, with easy commuting access from the first station. There are many supermarkets and restaurants in front of the station, making it popular with both single people and families.

Although there are some drawbacks (noise along the street, lack of large commercial facilities), the benefits outweigh these drawbacks. It can be described as a hidden gem of an area that strikes a good balance between convenience and tranquility.

When choosing a town to live in, it's a good idea to walk around and get a feel for the area. Honancho should definitely be on your list.