What is Kichijoji Like?
When you hear the name "Kichijoji," many people likely think of a place that consistently ranks at the top of the list of neighborhoods where people want to live.
Although Kichijoji is located in Musashino City, just outside the 23 wards of Tokyo, it sits at the eastern edge of the city, bordering Suginami and Nerima wards.
It offers a stylish and convenient environment where department stores and large commercial facilities are connected by arcades. At the same time, the area cherishes "Harmonica Yokocho," a mysterious space with roots in post-war black markets. Historically known as a student town due to the many nearby universities, it is also a hub for subculture, home to many writers, manga artists, animation studios, and game developers.
- Kichijoji: A Highly Convenient Hub with Easy Access to Shibuya and Shinjuku
- A Vibrant Area with a Diverse Range of Share Houses
- The Perfect Blend of Ultimate Convenience and Stylish Living
- Experience Warmth and Community in a Neighborhood with the Perfect Vibe
Kichijoji: A Highly Convenient Hub with Easy Access to Shibuya and Shinjuku
Kichijoji is a large-scale commercial area located at the easternmost edge of the Tokyo municipal area.
Kichijoji Station is served by the JR Chuo Line (Rapid), the Chuo-Sobu Line, the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (via the Chuo-Sobu Line), and the Keio Inokashira Line, which terminates here. Its proximity to major hubs is a huge draw: it takes about 15 minutes to reach Shinjuku via the Chuo Line and about 17 minutes to reach Shibuya via the Inokashira Line.
The area also boasts an extensive bus network. From the north exit rotary, buses connect to the Seibu Shinjuku and Seibu Ikebukuro lines. The park exit (south) offers routes to Eifukucho and Chofu, while the central exit provides direct airport limousine buses to Narita and Haneda. The "Mubus," a pioneer of community bus services in Japan, also runs frequently, covering areas not served by major bus lines.
Whether you are commuting to work, school, or heading out for fun, the accessibility here is truly unbeatable.
A Vibrant Area with a Diverse Range of Share Houses
Kichijoji is located in Musashino City, bordering Suginami Ward to the east, Nerima Ward to the north, and Mitaka City to the south.
Share houses in the Kichijoji area vary widely, from small-scale properties with 2–3 rooms in renovated houses or apartments to larger-scale facilities converted from dormitories or mansions. Renovated homes often feature unique interior designs that highlight the building's character, while newer, purpose-built share houses are also available. With such a high volume of properties, you are sure to find a room that suits your preferences.
Locations range from right near the station to the vicinity of Inokashira Park or the popular "Tokyu-ura" area. Even if you live a bit further from the station, the walk is filled with stylish shops that keep things interesting. Plus, with the extensive bus network and the affordable community "Mubus," your options for finding the perfect home are even broader.
The Perfect Blend of Ultimate Convenience and Stylish Living
Located at the eastern edge of Musashino City, Kichijoji is a perennial favorite in "most desirable places to live" rankings.
As a commercial district, it is one of the largest in Tokyo. Large commercial facilities surround the station, followed by shopping streets and residential areas. The area is packed with unique restaurants, brand shops, cafes, boutiques, and independent dessert and coffee shops that draw constant crowds, including many tourists. You will never struggle to find anything you need for daily life, which is a key secret to its popularity.
The shopping streets extending from the north exit are covered by large arcades, allowing you to move between facilities without needing an umbrella on rainy days. However, because it is such a convenient and popular area, it can be quite crowded even on weekdays, so it may not be the best choice for those seeking absolute quiet.
While popular neighborhoods often come with high rents, you don't have to worry about that with a share house.
Why not discover the secrets behind Kichijoji's popularity by living in a share house here?
Experience Warmth and Community in a Neighborhood with the Perfect Vibe
Kichijoji is a popular neighborhood that everyone has heard of at least once.
It is a well-known fact that there is no temple actually named "Kichijoji" here. The name comes from people who moved here after the Great Fire of Meireki in the Edo period, when the original Kichijoji temple near Suidobashi was destroyed. The population surged again after the Great Kanto Earthquake, and the relocation of Seikei University from Ikebukuro helped transform the area from farmland into a residential and commercial hub.
Kichijoji is also known as a town of theater, jazz, and live music, with a welcoming atmosphere for street performers.
Despite being a commercial center, the area is rich in nature. Just a five-minute walk from the south exit lies the famous Inokashira Park, which includes a small zoo. It is hard to believe such lush greenery exists right next to a bustling commercial district. Many of the local shops are independently owned, creating a sense of warmth and community that is likely the secret to its enduring popularity.
We highly recommend starting your journey by living in a Kichijoji share house and exploring its charm for yourself.
Share houses in Kichijoji