Characteristics of a livable Kichijoji
Kichijoji is a popular area that consistently ranks high in "most desirable places to live" surveys. The reasons for this include its safety, calm atmosphere, and well-balanced living environment where abundant nature coexists with commercial facilities on 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 residents to families.
Safety and atmosphere of the town
The Kichijoji area stands out for its safety and pleasant atmosphere among its residents. Crime rate data released by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department shows that the crime rate around Kichijoji Station is lower than that of other major stations in Tokyo. In particular, the area is well-lit and has many people around, even at night, making it a safe place for women living alone.
Furthermore, patrols by local residents and crime prevention measures by the local government are actively carried out, creating a sense of unity throughout the town where "residents cooperate to protect their community."
Furthermore, Kichijoji is home to a wide range of people, from students to families with children and the elderly, creating an attractive townscape where a calm atmosphere and vibrancy coexist.
A living environment where nature and urban functions are integrated.
One of the main reasons Kichijoji stands out from other areas in Tokyo is that it has a rich natural environment, exemplified by Inokashira Park, within walking distance.
Located just a few minutes from the station, this vast park is a beloved recreational spot for many residents, offering a chance to enjoy nature throughout the seasons. With opportunities for jogging, picnics, and boating, Kichijoji offers a unique privilege of living in the heart of the city while still being close to nature.
On the other hand, the area around the station is well-equipped with medical facilities, educational institutions, and administrative services, ensuring that urban functions are fully available. Because the healing power of nature and the convenience of the city coexist, it is a living environment that offers a very high level of satisfaction in daily life.
Commercial facilities and high level of convenience for shopping
The area around Kichijoji Station has plenty of commercial facilities, so you'll never have trouble finding places to shop or eat out.
From large commercial buildings directly connected to the station, such as "Atre Kichijoji" and "Kirarina Keio Kichijoji," to local spots like "Tokyu Department Store" and the old-fashioned "Harmonica Alley," there is a shopping environment that can meet a variety of needs.
Furthermore, there are plenty of supermarkets, drugstores, and general merchandise stores, making it easy to find everyday necessities. In addition, there are many cafes and restaurants, making it a popular spot for foodies. The convenience of being able to enjoy meals out after work or go shopping on weekends all around the station will enrich your life in Kichijoji.
Information on how to get to Kichijoji
Kichijoji is popular for its excellent access from central Tokyo, making it very convenient for commuting to work or school. With access to the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line, major areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya are easily accessible.
This section provides detailed information on train lines available in Kichijoji, including first and last train times, and travel times to major stations.
Available routes
At Kichijoji Station, you can primarily use two lines: the JR Chuo Line and the Keio Inokashira Line.
The JR Chuo Line (Rapid) offers speedy access to Shinjuku and Tokyo, making it an extremely convenient line for commuting to work or school. Rapid trains take approximately 15 minutes to Shinjuku and about 30 minutes to Tokyo Station, making travel to the city center very comfortable. It also connects to the Chuo-Sobu Line local service, providing direct access to areas like Sendagaya and Suidobashi.
The Keio Inokashira Line offers a direct route to Shibuya Station, taking approximately 16 minutes by express train, making it a very smooth journey. It also passes through popular areas such as Shimokitazawa and Meidaimae, making it convenient for shopping and leisure activities on weekends. By utilizing both lines, you can easily travel to various parts of Tokyo, and you'll likely experience little to no dissatisfaction regarding accessibility.
First and last trains *Weekday schedule
Kichijoji Station is convenient for those who want to head to the city center early in the morning or return home on the last train, thanks to its accessibility as the first train of the day.
JR Chuo Line (Rapid)
- Towards Tokyo: First train departs at 4:42 AM, last train at 11:58 PM.
- Towards Takao: First train departs at 5:09, last train at 0:35
JR Chuo Line (each stop)
- Chiba/Tokyo area: First train departs at 4:37 AM, last train departs at 12:37 AM.
- Towards Mitaka: First train departs at 4:53 AM, last train at 12:54 AM
It's convenient for early morning commutes and airport access. The last train from Shinjuku departs around 12:30 AM, so you can work late without worry.
Keio Inokashira Line
- Towards Shibuya: First train departs at 4:52 AM, last train departs at 12:40 AM.
This location also offers extremely high convenience. Furthermore, although Kichijoji Station is not a station where trains originate, there are occasional instances of trains originating from there on the Chuo Line heading towards Tokyo, making it highly likely that you can commute while seated, which is another attractive feature. For people whose work or school starts early, or those who stay active until close to the last train, Kichijoji's convenient transportation is a major advantage.
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Rent market price
The Kichijoji area is very popular and highly livable, so rent prices are somewhat higher than in other parts of Tokyo. However, considering access, living environment, and safety, it offers excellent value for money.
Here, we will specifically introduce estimated rents for both single-person and family-sized apartments.
Guidelines for rental properties suitable for single occupancy
If you're starting to live alone in Kichijoji, the average monthly rent for a 1R (studio apartment) or 1K (one-room apartment) is around 70,000 to 100,000 yen.
Properties within a 10-minute walk of the station, especially newer buildings with excellent amenities, can have rents exceeding 100,000 yen. On the other hand, older properties or those located more than a 15-minute walk from the station can be found for around 65,000 yen.
Kichijoji is popular with students and young professionals, so there are many renovated properties with compact yet beautiful interiors, as well as properties that come furnished with appliances, making it a popular choice for people who want to move while keeping initial costs down.
Additionally, there are plenty of shared housing options available, with some properties starting from around 50,000 yen per month, making them worth considering for those looking to keep rent costs down.
Guidelines for family-friendly rental properties
For family-friendly 2LDK to 3LDK rental properties in the Kichijoji area, the going rate is around 150,000 to 250,000 yen per month.
Apartments and maisonette-type properties, especially those close to train stations and relatively new, often command high prices exceeding 200,000 yen per month, reflecting their popularity. However, by compromising on locations more than 15 minutes' walk from the station or the age of the building, properties in the 120,000 to 130,000 yen per month range can be found.
Furthermore, Kichijoji is highly regarded as an educational area, boasting an abundance of kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools, making it an attractive environment for families with children. With numerous supermarkets, hospitals, and parks nearby, it offers high levels of convenience, making it a popular choice even with slightly higher rents.
It's also suitable for those looking to rent with future relocation or purchase in mind.
Information around the station
The area around Kichijoji Station boasts a concentration of essential facilities for daily life, creating a convenient and livable environment. In addition to supermarkets and drugstores, there are plenty of unique restaurants and leisure spots where you can relax and enjoy entertainment.
Below, we will provide detailed information about the main facilities around the station.
Supermarket information
The area around Kichijoji Station has plenty of supermarkets that are convenient for daily shopping.
Typical examples are
- Seijo Ishii Atre Kichijoji Store
- Kitchen Court Kichijoji Store
Seijo Ishii offers a wide selection of high-quality imported foods and prepared meals, making it popular even among discerning customers.
Additionally, there are stores such as "Seiyu Kichijoji Store" and "Life Kichijoji Ekimae Store" that offer products at reasonable prices, so you can choose the store that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Furthermore, a short distance from the station, there are many well-stocked, locally-rooted supermarkets such as "Miuraya" and "OK Kichijoji Store," making the shopping environment very convenient. Some stores are open until late at night, which is a great advantage for those who need to shop on their way home from work or for last-minute shopping.
Restaurant information
Kichijoji is also known as a gourmet town, and the area around the station is packed with a wide variety of restaurants. You can enjoy a wide range of cuisine, from casual cafes and ramen shops to long-established Japanese restaurants and Michelin-starred restaurants. In particular, Harmonica Alley is home to many unique small restaurants that cater to diverse needs, from lunch to a casual drink in the evening.
Furthermore, there are many famous restaurants that have been featured in the media, such as "Café de Lièvre Usagikan," "Iseya Sohonten," and "Kichijoji Café & Books Bibliotheque." Many of these establishments offer takeout and delivery, making it easy for even those living alone to enjoy dining out. It's rare to find a town with so many dining options so close to a train station, making it an irresistible environment for food lovers.
Amusement & Leisure Information
Kichijoji is not only a great place to live, but also a very attractive place to have fun.
A typical leisure spot is Inokashira Park, which is a 5-minute walk from the station.
Surrounded by vast greenery, this park offers opportunities for boating, strolling, and picnics, making it perfect for refreshing yourself on your days off. It also houses the Inokashira Park Zoo, making it a popular spot for families with children.
Furthermore, the station buildings "Kirarina Keio Kichijoji" and "Coppice Kichijoji" house movie theaters and general merchandise stores, making it attractive for those who want to enjoy shopping and entertainment at the same time. There are also plenty of karaoke and game centers, making it ideal for active people. There are few areas in Tokyo where such a wide variety of leisure facilities are located around a station, which is one of the reasons why Kichijoji continues to be chosen as a desirable place to live.
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History of Kichijoji
Kichijoji is a historic town with a history dating back to the Edo period. The name of the area originates from a temple called "Kichijoji" that was originally located in Bunkyo Ward. When settlers who were displaced by the Great Fire of Meireki built a new settlement in the area around present-day Musashino City, they adopted the temple's name as the place name.
Since then, Kichijoji has developed as a post town, commercial center, and cultural hub, and today it is a prime example of a desirable place to live, where nature and urban functions blend seamlessly. Understanding the town's history from the past to the present will allow you to appreciate Kichijoji's charm more deeply.
Recommended properties in Kichijoji
Here, we've carefully selected three recommended properties in the Kichijoji area that offer an excellent balance of livability, cost-effectiveness, and location, perfect for those looking for rental properties. Our diverse lineup includes everything from share houses to furnished apartments, allowing you to choose according to your lifestyle and budget.
If you're planning to start a new life in Kichijoji, please use this as a reference.
TOKYO β Kichijoji (formerly: SA-Cross Kichijoji 1)
" TOKYO β Kichijoji (formerly SA-Cross Kichijoji 1) " is a furnished share 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 down. The rooms have a clean and simple interior, and all rooms are private. The common areas are equipped with a kitchen, laundry room, living room, and other facilities, so you can start your new life right away after moving in.
There are many supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores nearby, so you won't have any trouble with daily shopping. This property is especially popular with students and young professionals moving to Tokyo from other regions, as well as foreigners on short-term stays. It's the perfect place to live for those who want to live in Kichijoji safely and easily.
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 for single occupancy, it offers ample space.
With supermarkets, restaurants, and parks scattered throughout the surrounding area, this property is especially recommended for those who want to live in a quiet environment. It's a popular choice for those living alone for the first time, or those seeking affordable rent while still having good amenities in the Kichijoji area. It's ideal for those who want to enjoy both the convenience of city life and the tranquility of a residential neighborhood.
Imperial Kugayama 402
" Imperial Kugayama 402 " is a furnished apartment located a 7-minute walk from Kugayama Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, just one stop from Kichijoji Station. It also boasts excellent access to Kichijoji Station, which is less than a 5-minute train ride away. The apartment is a 1R type with a monthly rent of 70,000 yen.
Cross House offers a campaign that reduces initial costs by 20,000 yen, and also features zero deposit, key money, and brokerage fees. This property is included in the campaign, so if you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible.
Furthermore, the building boasts an impressive, substantial exterior, and the interior features hardwood flooring, ample storage, and a south-facing orientation for plenty of sunlight. With supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores nearby, it's an ideal environment for single living. This property is highly recommended for anyone considering living alone while keeping initial costs down.
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summary
Kichijoji is a very well-balanced town in terms of livability, boasting good safety, a pleasant natural environment, abundant commercial facilities, and excellent accessibility. It caters to a wide range of needs, from single people to families, and the rent is reasonable considering its location and convenience.
The area around the station boasts a wide array of supermarkets, restaurants, and leisure facilities, making it an ideal area for those seeking a higher quality of life. When considering a new life in Kichijoji, please refer to the property information introduced here.
