Machiya Station is one of the main transportation hubs in Arakawa City and is served by the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Keisei Main Line, and Toden Arakawa Line, also known as the Tokyo Sakura Tram.
Residents can travel directly to central business and commercial districts such as Otemachi, Akasaka, and Omotesando. The station also provides convenient access to Nippori, Narita Airport, Oji, and Waseda.
Supermarkets, shops, restaurants, drugstores, and medical facilities are concentrated around the station, while quiet residential streets spread out just beyond the main roads.
With its traditional shopping streets, streetcar scenery, friendly downtown atmosphere, convenient transportation, and relatively affordable housing, Machiya is an attractive choice for people seeking a practical and comfortable place to live in Tokyo.
🏛 1. Basic Information and Area Overview
Location: Arakawa 7-chome, Arakawa City, Tokyo
Train and Tram Lines:
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, C-17
Keisei Main Line
Toden Arakawa Line, Tokyo Sakura Tram
Opening Dates:
Keisei Main Line: December 19, 1931
Toden Arakawa Line: April 1, 1913
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line: December 20, 1969
Key Features of the Machiya Area
Three transportation systems: subway, private railway, and streetcar
Convenient access to central Tokyo, Nippori, and Narita Airport
Traditional shopping streets and affordable local restaurants
A convenient station area surrounded by quiet residential neighborhoods
Generally lower housing costs than central Tokyo
Suitable for singles, dual-income couples, and families
🕰 2. History and Background of Machiya
The Machiya area developed during the Edo period as a farming and crafts district alongside nearby Nippori and Mikawashima.
Industrial development accelerated during the Meiji period, and the area gradually became a traditional working-class neighborhood where small factories and residential properties existed side by side.
After World War II, further residential development helped create the practical and community-oriented neighborhood seen today.
The Toden Arakawa Line still runs through the area, while independent shops and long-established restaurants preserve the atmosphere of old Tokyo.
Although newer condominiums and modern facilities have appeared around the station, the side streets and shopping districts retain a nostalgic and welcoming character.
🌟 3. Advantages of Living Near Machiya Station
✅ ① Three Rail Lines Provide Excellent Transportation
Machiya Station is served by the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Keisei Main Line, and Toden Arakawa Line.
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
The Chiyoda Line offers direct access to:
Nishi-Nippori
Otemachi
Kasumigaseki
Kokkai-gijidomae
Akasaka
Omotesando
Meiji-jingumae
Yoyogi-uehara
It is especially convenient for people commuting to central Tokyo’s major business districts.
Keisei Main Line
The Keisei Main Line provides access toward Nippori, Keisei-Ueno, Aoto, Funabashi, and Narita Airport.
At Nippori Station, passengers can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line, making it easy to reach many other areas of Tokyo.
Toden Arakawa Line
The Toden Arakawa Line connects Machiya with Oji, Otsuka, Zoshigaya, and Waseda.
The streetcar offers a slower, more relaxed way to travel while enjoying traditional neighborhood scenery.
✅ ② Daily Facilities Are Concentrated Around the Station
The station area contains supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, clinics, banks, and other essential facilities.
Major shopping options include:
Akafudado
Gourmet City
My Basket
Shinsen Ichiba
Gyomu Super
Drugstores
Convenience stores
Residents can easily shop after work, and there are many options for dining out or purchasing takeaway meals.
✅ ③ Traditional Shopping Streets and Local Restaurants
Machiya has many traditional greengrocers, butcher shops, delicatessens, Japanese confectionery shops, izakayas, ramen shops, and local Chinese restaurants.
In addition to chain stores, many independent businesses have served local residents for decades.
The area is known more for affordability, generous portions, and a friendly atmosphere than for luxury dining.
It is well suited to people who enjoy casual restaurants and everyday local food.
✅ ④ Lower Rent Than Many Central Tokyo Areas
Despite being located on the Chiyoda Line, Machiya generally offers lower rent than areas in Bunkyo, Chiyoda, or Minato City.
With the same budget, residents may be able to find:
A larger room
A property closer to the station
A separate bathroom and toilet
An independent washbasin
A family-sized floor plan
Machiya offers a strong balance between transportation convenience and housing costs.
✅ ⑤ Quiet Residential Streets Beyond the Station Area
The immediate station area is lively and convenient, but quieter residential neighborhoods begin once you move away from Otakebashi-dori and Meiji-dori.
Detached houses and low-rise apartment buildings are common.
Because there is no major nightlife district, noise late at night is generally limited.
Residents can therefore enjoy station-area convenience while choosing a relatively peaceful home environment.
✅ ⑥ Parks and Riverside Areas Are Nearby
Machiya has several parks and outdoor spaces suitable for children, walking, jogging, and exercise.
Popular nearby locations include:
Arakawa Nature Park
Ogunohara Park
Arakawa Park
The Sumida River
The Arakawa Riverbank
Using a bicycle makes it easy to reach more parks and recreational areas.
⚠️ 4. Disadvantages of Living Near Machiya Station
❌ ① Limited Trendy or Sophisticated Atmosphere
Machiya is a friendly and practical downtown residential district.
It does not offer the fashionable streets, luxury boutiques, design shops, or large stylish commercial facilities found in areas such as Omotesando, Ebisu, or Nakameguro.
People who want high-end restaurants or fashionable shopping within walking distance may find the area somewhat limited.
However, it is well suited to residents who prefer an unpretentious and practical lifestyle.
❌ ② Transfers Between the Three Lines Can Be Confusing
Although three lines are available, the Tokyo Metro, Keisei, and streetcar platforms are not completely integrated into one station building.
First-time users may find the exits and transfer routes slightly confusing.
People with heavy luggage, strollers, or wheelchairs should check the locations of elevators and accessible routes in advance.
❌ ③ Many Buildings Are Relatively Old
Machiya has many older condominiums, apartments, and wooden residential buildings.
Even when the rent is attractive, tenants should check:
Earthquake resistance standards
Sound insulation
Thermal insulation
Condensation and moisture
Plumbing
Maintenance of common areas
Autolock systems and security cameras
Older properties can still provide comfortable living when the interior has been renovated and the building is properly maintained.
❌ ④ Some Roads and Sidewalks Are Narrow
Traditional residential districts contain many narrow roads and streets without separate sidewalks.
Bicycle traffic is also common.
Families with young children or older residents should inspect the route between the station and the property.
Car owners should also check road width, parking access, and one-way traffic restrictions.
❌ ⑤ Flood Risk Must Be Checked
Many parts of Arakawa City are located on low-lying land near the Arakawa and Sumida rivers.
Some areas may face flooding risks during heavy rain or river overflow.
Whether renting or purchasing, residents should check the official hazard map for the exact address.
This is particularly important for ground-floor apartments and buildings with underground spaces.
Flood zones, evacuation shelters, and the building’s disaster-prevention features should all be reviewed.
🧺 5. Daily Convenience Around Machiya Station
Transportation: Three lines are available—the Chiyoda Line, Keisei Main Line, and Toden Arakawa Line
Shopping: Supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores, and traditional shopping streets are plentiful
Restaurants: Many affordable ramen shops, soba restaurants, local Chinese restaurants, izakayas, and coffee shops
Healthcare: Internal medicine clinics, dental offices, pediatric clinics, and other medical facilities are located near the station
Education: Several public nurseries, kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools are available
Nature: Arakawa Nature Park, Ogunohara Park, and the Sumida River are nearby
Safety: The station area has steady pedestrian traffic, while the surrounding residential neighborhoods are relatively calm
👨👩👧👦 6. Childcare and Family Living
Machiya is popular with families because it is easier to secure a larger home at a relatively reasonable cost.
The surrounding area includes nurseries, kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools, parks, and children’s facilities.
Arakawa Nature Park and Ogunohara Park provide spaces where children can play outdoors.
The Chiyoda and Keisei lines also expand commuting and school options for parents and children.
However, some roads are narrow and bicycle traffic can be heavy.
Families should walk their intended nursery and school routes before choosing a home.
Flood hazard zones and evacuation locations should also be checked in advance.
🔐 7. Safety Around Machiya Station
Restaurants and izakayas around the station keep the area moderately active at night, but Machiya does not have a large entertainment or nightlife district.
Residential areas away from the station are relatively quiet and are home to a broad range of households, from singles to families.
Some side streets become less busy after dark.
When choosing a property, it is advisable to check:
Street lighting between the station and the property
Pedestrian traffic at night
The route from the main road to the building
Autolock systems
Video intercoms
Security cameras
Nearby police boxes and convenience stores
🏠 8. Real Estate Around Machiya Station
💴 Estimated Monthly Rent
Studio and 1K: ¥70,000 to ¥95,000
1LDK: ¥110,000 to ¥150,000
2LDK: ¥150,000 to ¥210,000
3LDK and larger: From approximately ¥190,000
Actual rent varies depending on distance from the station, building age, floor area, facilities, and management condition.
🏘 Typical Housing Characteristics
Many older condominiums and apartments
A large selection of wooden and low-rise residential buildings
Renovated units are relatively easy to find
Larger floor plans are more affordable than in central Tokyo
Options are available for both singles and families
Some newer condominiums are located close to the station
Detached houses and small apartment buildings are common
Even when the exterior or facilities are older, some properties have fully renovated interiors.
Rent should be compared alongside earthquake resistance, soundproofing, maintenance, and surrounding road conditions.
📈 Purchase Market and Asset Value
Machiya offers the transportation advantages of the Chiyoda Line while maintaining more realistic purchase prices than many central Tokyo districts.
Buyers may be able to purchase a larger condominium or detached house within the same budget.
Properties with the following conditions are often highly valued:
Within a 10-minute walk of Machiya Station
Convenient access to both the Chiyoda and Keisei lines
Condominium buildings constructed after 2000
Compliance with modern earthquake resistance standards
Good building management
Upper-floor units or buildings with flood-control measures
Proximity to supermarkets, schools, and parks
Good sunlight and ventilation
When purchasing an older property or detached house, buyers should carefully review earthquake resistance, road access, rebuilding eligibility, and flood risk.
📊 9. Overall Evaluation of Machiya Station
Transportation Access: ★★★★☆
The Chiyoda Line, Keisei Main Line, and Toden Arakawa Line provide convenient access to central Tokyo, Ueno, and Narita Airport.
Daily Convenience: ★★★★☆
Supermarkets, shops, and restaurants make it easy to complete most daily errands around the station.
Neighborhood Atmosphere: ★★★★☆
Machiya offers a friendly and unpretentious traditional downtown atmosphere.
Safety: ★★★★☆
There is no major nightlife district, and residential areas are generally calm.
Family Environment: ★★★★☆
Schools, parks, and childcare facilities are available, and larger homes are relatively affordable.
Real Estate Affordability: ★★★★☆
Housing remains comparatively affordable for a station on the Chiyoda Line, especially for residents prioritizing space and convenience.
🎯 10. Who Is Machiya Station Best Suited For?
Machiya is particularly recommended for:
People who want to reduce rent while commuting to central Tokyo
People searching for a home along the Chiyoda Line
Residents who need convenient access to Nippori or Narita Airport
People who enjoy the traditional atmosphere of old Tokyo
Residents who regularly use local shopping streets and affordable restaurants
Singles and dual-income couples seeking a quiet residential neighborhood
Families prioritizing both space and reasonable housing costs
People who value convenience and affordability more than luxury
Buyers seeking a realistically priced condominium or detached house
📌 11. Summary
Machiya Station offers an excellent balance of transportation, daily convenience, and relatively affordable housing.
The Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line provides direct access to Otemachi, Akasaka, and Omotesando. The Keisei Main Line offers convenient connections toward Nippori and Narita Airport, while the Toden Arakawa Line provides access to Oji, Otsuka, and Waseda.
Supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, and medical facilities are concentrated around the station, making everyday life convenient.
Machiya may not suit people seeking fashionable streets or large-scale redevelopment, but it is highly attractive to those who value a warm downtown atmosphere, useful transportation links, and manageable housing costs.
Flood risks and the condition of older buildings should be checked carefully for each property. However, for people seeking convenient access to central Tokyo without placing excessive pressure on their housing budget, Machiya is a strong residential option.