Marunouchi Line Basic Information
The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is a major subway line that crosses central Tokyo from east to west, connecting Ikebukuro Station to Ogikubo Station. It passes through some of the city's leading business and commercial areas, such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Ginza, and is conveniently located for commuting to work or school.
In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of line information, convenience, and comfort that will be helpful when choosing a "livable station" along the Marunouchi Line.
Marunouchi Line route information
The Marunouchi Line is an extremely convenient subway line that includes not only the main line from Ikebukuro Station to Ogikubo Station, but also a branch line that branches off at Nakano-sakaue Station and heads towards Nakano-Shinbashi and Honancho.
During the weekday morning rush hour, trains run every two minutes at Ikebukuro Station and every three to four minutes at Ogikubo Station, making travel in the city center smooth. Although the trains are a little crowded, this is made up for by the frequency of trains and the convenience of each station.
- First departure: Ikebukuro Station starts at 5:00, Ogikubo Station at 5:01, with services starting early in the morning.
- Last train: Runs until quite late, at 0:20 from Ikebukuro Station and 0:11 from Ogikubo Station.
It is also suitable for people who have to get to work early, and you can feel safe returning home after working overtime or going out at night. The Marunouchi Line, which passes through major terminal stations, is an excellent choice in terms of transportation convenience and a major factor in making it easy to live there. For those who frequently travel to the city center for work or school, this line offers a good balance between travel time and comfort.
*For weekday schedules
Features of the Marunouchi Line
The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is a well-balanced line that covers a wide range of major stations in the city center while also including many areas with excellent living environments.
In addition to the main line that connects Ogikubo to Ikebukuro, it has a branch line that branches off from Nakano-sakaue, covering a total of 28 stations. It is characterized by its high convenience, passing through large terminals such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo.
On the other hand, there are also quiet residential areas and areas with relatively low rents along the line, making it possible to enjoy both access to the city center and ease of living. Furthermore, since 2019, new vehicles that prioritize comfort have been introduced, making travel time stress-free.
Here we will introduce in detail the appeal of the Marunouchi Line in terms of convenience, living environment, and facilities.
The Marunouchi Line covers all major stations in Tokyo.
The Marunouchi Line is an impressive red line operated by Tokyo Metro, covering a total of 28 stations, including the main line from Ogikubo Station to Ikebukuro Station and a branch line to Honancho.
What makes it unique is that it connects major stations with many users in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Ikebukuro, which are the centers of commuting and tourism. This makes it convenient for accessing business and school, as well as shopping and entertainment, and it boasts high convenience on weekdays and weekends. There are also many transfer stations, and it is easy to connect to other lines, making travel within Tokyo very smooth.
For those who frequently travel within Tokyo for work or daily life, living along the Marunouchi Line will be a great advantage.
There are many livable areas along the Marunouchi Line
The Marunouchi Line tends to be noted for its convenience, but there are also many areas along the line with peaceful living environments, and many towns that are easy to live in.
For example, Nakano-sakaue and Ogikubo have good access to the city center, but if you go a little further from the station you will find quiet residential areas that are popular with families with children and single people. Higashi-Koenji and Minami-Asagaya are also located in the city center, but the average rent is relatively reasonable, making them ideal for people moving or living alone for the first time.
There are many supermarkets and restaurants around the station, making it an ideal place to live for those who want a peaceful lifestyle while working in the city.
New trains introduced on the Marunouchi Line
The Marunouchi Line has been gradually introducing the new "2000 Series" trains since February 2019, with all trains to be replaced by 2023. The new trains have wider seats than the previous models, and are designed to be comfortable even when crowded. The air conditioning performance has also been improved, creating an interior environment that can withstand the heat of summer and the cold of winter. In addition, all trains are equipped with power outlets and free Wi-Fi, making it easy to charge your smartphone or use data communications during your commute. From fiscal year 2025, demonstration tests of autonomous driving are scheduled to begin on the Marunouchi Line.
Barrier-free design has also been advanced, making the carriages friendly for those raising children and the elderly. These upgrades to the facilities have made the daily commute to work or school more comfortable. Living along the line and being able to enjoy these benefits on a daily basis is a big attraction.
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Top 5 places to live on the Marunouchi Line
The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is a highly convenient subway line that connects central Tokyo areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo. While it has excellent access to the city center, there are also many comfortable residential areas and towns with a calm atmosphere along the line, making it popular with a wide range of people, from single people to families.
In this chapter, we will introduce a ranking of the most popular stations based on transportation convenience, public safety, living environment, average rent, etc. from the perspective of "Marunouchi Line Stations that are Easy to Live in." If you are considering moving along the line, please use this as a reference.
No. 1 Nakano Ward "Nakano Sakaue"
Nakano-sakaue has been attracting attention as a city that combines convenience with a comfortable living environment through redevelopment.
There are many office buildings around the station, giving it the impression of a business district, but once you step into the alleys, you will find a calm residential area, with a quiet and safe living environment. Shinjuku is only a 5-minute train ride away, and Ikebukuro is 15 minutes away, making it an attractive area for commuting to work or school. In addition, the area has very good public safety, boasting one of the lowest crime rates along the Marunouchi Line.
Nakano-sakaue is an ideal choice for those who want to be close to the city center and be active, but also want a quiet environment when they get home.
2nd place: Suginami Ward "Higashi Koenji"
Higashi-Koenji is an area that has a laid-back atmosphere that still retains the feel of the downtown area. In front of the station is a shopping street with a Showa-era feel, lined with local retail stores and restaurants. There are not many entertainment facilities, but the area has very good public safety, and it is quiet at night, making it a safe and secure place to live.
It is especially recommended for women living alone or for those living in Tokyo for the first time. In terms of daily life, there are supermarkets and drugstores around the station, so you won't have any trouble with everyday shopping. Although it is not well known, the average rent is relatively low among the Marunouchi Line areas, making it a great value-for-money, hidden gem.
3rd place: Ogikubo, Suginami Ward
Ogikubo is the starting point of the Marunouchi Line, and is popular for its convenience, allowing you to sit down while commuting to work or school even during rush hour. In addition, you can use the JR Chuo Line, so access to Shinjuku and Tokyo is also good.
The area around the station is full of commercial facilities and restaurants, including many famous restaurants such as Ogikubo Ramen. There are also many reasonably priced restaurants, making it a great environment for people living alone who often eat out. In addition, the residential area has a calm atmosphere, making it a well-balanced area suitable for families.
With excellent transportation, lifestyle and safety, this area truly embodies livability.
No. 4: Minamiasagaya, Suginami Ward
Minami-Asagaya is a comfortable area to live in, where the bustle of the shopping district and the tranquility of a residential area coexist. There are many locally-owned shops and restaurants around the station, so you will have no trouble finding what you need for daily shopping or eating out.
On the other hand, if you go a little further from the station, you will find a quiet residential area where you can live a relaxed life. There are many parks and greenways in the neighborhood, so you can live while feeling nature. The area is also safe and secure, so both single people and families can live here with peace of mind.
Although there are no noticeable disadvantages, this is the reason why it is rated as "overall well-balanced and easy to live in."
No. 5: Bunkyo Ward "Shin-Otsuka"
Shin-Otsuka is a station with excellent access located next to Ikebukuro.
It's a very convenient location, only 3 minutes by train and 30 minutes by bicycle to Ikebukuro, yet the average rent is cheaper than the surrounding area, making it a great value for money area. The area around the station has a calm atmosphere, and there are supermarkets, hospitals, restaurants and other facilities you need for daily life, so you won't have any inconveniences in your daily life.
For those who commute to Ikebukuro for work or school, this is an ideal place to live, as it is both easy to get to and comfortable to live in. It is not flashy, but it is a recommended town for those who want a solid lifestyle.
Staff's pick! Top 5 recommended stations
Along the Marunouchi Line, there are stations dotted with attractions that are not only convenient as transportation hubs, but also have a variety of attractions such as shopping, sightseeing, and gourmet food. The Marunouchi Line, which covers the central Tokyo area in particular, is convenient not only for daily commuting to work or school, but also as a base for weekend outings and trips.
Among the stations on the Marunouchi Line, our staff has carefully selected and ranked the ones that meet the three criteria of being "fun to visit," "convenient to live in," and "good access." If you are looking for a station that is excellent both as a base for life and a place to play, be sure to check this out.
No.1 Tokyo
Tokyo Station is one of the largest terminal stations in Japan, with access to all parts of the country, and is very popular among Marunouchi Line users.
The Tokaido, Tohoku, Sanyo, and other Shinkansen lines depart and arrive here, making it an ideal base for business trips and travel. The beautiful red brick Marunouchi Station building is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a popular tourist spot. Inside the station and in the underground mall, there are many famous restaurants and sweets shops, so you won't have any trouble finding lunch or souvenirs.
Although the area is bustling with people all day long, a short walk from the station will take you to the Imperial Palace and Marunouchi Nakadori, a quiet neighborhood. This station is perfect for business, sightseeing, and gourmet dining, making it the perfect place to be in the heart of Tokyo.
No. 2 Shinjuku
Shinjuku Station is a huge terminal with the highest number of passengers in Japan, where multiple lines including JR, Tokyo Metro, and private railways intersect.
It is also accessible from the Marunouchi Line, making it a convenient central location for traveling anywhere in Tokyo. Large commercial facilities such as Lumine Shinjuku and Odakyu Department Store are directly connected to the station, where you can enjoy a full range of shopping and dining. Each area has a completely different atmosphere, with cafes and shops that attract young people on the east side, an office district on the west side, and lively Kabukicho on the north side.
Shinjuku is a place where you can have fun day or night without getting bored, and is recommended for those who are looking for an exciting lifestyle as well as easy access.
No.3 Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro Station is a terminal station with a versatility that combines culture and entertainment.
In addition to the Marunouchi Line, JR, Tobu, and Seibu lines also run through the station, making it convenient for accessing not only Tokyo but also Saitama. The west exit of the station has a calm, cultural atmosphere with the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Rikkyo University, while the east exit has a lively shopping district with Sunshine City and large electronics retailers.
There is a wide variety of restaurants, making it an area that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from families to young people. Not only is it easily accessible, but it is also a town that has a good balance between living and tourism, in that you can enjoy playing, learning, and eating.
No.4 Ginza
When you hear the name Ginza, many may have the impression that it is an upscale town lined with luxury brands, but in fact, there are also plenty of casual restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
In addition to large commercial facilities such as GINZA SIX and Tokyu Plaza Ginza, the area is also dotted with long-established coffee shops and privately owned restaurants, allowing you to enjoy shopping and dining in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.
It's a popular tourist destination, and many people from both Japan and overseas visit the area, but just one street away you'll find a quiet business district, with a surprising sense of everyday life. This is a station that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from casual strolls to special shopping.
No.5 Ochanomizu
Ochanomizu Station is known as a student town, with many universities and vocational schools located there.
The Marunouchi Line and Chuo Line intersect here, making it a convenient location with easy access to Akihabara and Suidobashi. There are plenty of stores around the station catering to students and hobbyists, such as bookstores, music stores, and sporting goods stores. There are also many reasonably priced restaurants, so you can enjoy a great value lunch.
It is a town with a good balance of quiet and activity, and it is easy to visit historical tourist sites such as Kanda Shrine and Nikolai Cathedral on weekends. Ochanomizu, where learning, culture, and life coexist, is a perfect station for both daily use and going out.
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Recommended properties along the Marunouchi Line
Along the Marunouchi Line, there are many rental properties that are not only convenient for commuting to work or school, but also offer excellent cost performance. As it is directly connected to major terminal stations such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Ikebukuro, it is also ideal for those who value transportation convenience.
Here we will introduce some noteworthy properties that are recommended for those living alone or those moving to Tokyo for the first time. We have selected properties with an emphasis on ease of living, including rent, location, and surrounding environment.
TOKYO β Ogikubo 5 (formerly SA-Cross Ogikubo 8)
" TOKYO β Ogikubo 5 (formerly SA-Cross Ogikubo 8) " is a 12-person private room share house located within a 14-minute walk from Ogikubo Station, the starting station of the Marunouchi Line. As it is the starting station, the fact that you can sit down even during the morning rush hour is a major attraction. Ogikubo is a transportation hub where you can also use the Chuo Line, and has good access to the city center.
The rent is 55,500 yen. Ogikubo Station is on three lines: JR Chuo Line, JR Sobu Line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, making it a very convenient location. There are supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, and other convenient facilities around the property, so you will have no trouble with your daily life.
The shared areas are fully furnished with furniture and appliances, making it a great choice for those who want to keep initial moving costs down. This is the perfect room for those looking for a safe, comfortable, and convenient living environment.
TOKYO β Shinkoenji 2 (formerly SA-Cross Shinkoenji 1)
" TOKYO β Shinkoenji 2 (formerly SA-Cross Shinkoenji 1) " is a shared house property located a 10-minute walk from Shinkoenji Station on the Marunouchi Line.
The rent is 54,000 yen, and it is a private room type property with a capacity of 11 people, so it is popular with students and working people who are living alone for the first time or who are on a budget. Although the property is a shared type, the rooms are designed to ensure privacy and come with furniture and appliances. There are supermarkets, cafes, and shopping streets around the station, so it is extremely convenient in terms of daily life.
In addition, it is very easily accessible, about 10 minutes to Shinjuku, 15 minutes to Kichijoji, and 20 minutes to Shibuya, making it suitable for those who want to live an active life in Tokyo. If you are looking for a good balance between a comfortable environment and rent, this is a property worth considering.
summary
The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is a very well-balanced line that covers all the major stations in the city center, while also dotted with towns that are ideal for living as residential areas.
While it has good access to convenient areas such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Ikebukuro, there are also many stations where you can live a more relaxed life, such as Nakano-sakaue, Higashi-Koenji, and Ogikubo, meeting a wide range of needs from single people to families.
In addition, the Marunouchi Line has introduced new train cars and has a wide selection of comfortable properties, making it an area that offers high satisfaction in terms of both transportation and living. Looking for a home along the Marunouchi Line is highly recommended for those who want to combine the comfort and security of city life.
