Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station is a popular residential area in Koto City served by the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and the Toei Oedo Line.
Residents can travel directly to Otemachi, Omotesando, and Shibuya, as well as Roppongi, Shiodome, and Shinjuku, making the area highly convenient for commuting and studying in central Tokyo.
At the same time, the neighborhood offers easy access to Kiyosumi Gardens, Kiba Park, the Sumida River waterfront, and several peaceful walking routes.
In recent years, renovated warehouses and former industrial buildings have attracted cafés, coffee roasters, galleries, bakeries, and lifestyle shops. As a result, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa has become widely known as one of Tokyo’s leading café and art districts.
The area combines the traditional atmosphere of Fukagawa with modern creative culture, making it suitable for singles, dual-income couples, creative professionals, and families.
🏛 1. Basic Information and Area Overview
Location: Shirakawa 1-chome, Koto City, Tokyo
Train Lines:
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Z-11
Toei Oedo Line, E-14
Opening Dates:
Toei Oedo Line: December 12, 2000
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line: March 19, 2003
Adjacent Stations:
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line:
Suitengumae Station
Sumiyoshi Station
Toei Oedo Line:
Morishita Station
Monzen-nakacho Station
Key Features of the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Area
Two train lines are available
Direct access to Otemachi, Omotesando, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Shinjuku
Many cafés, galleries, bakeries, and independent shops
Kiyosumi Gardens, Kiba Park, and the Sumida River are nearby
Traditional Fukagawa streets and modern creative culture coexist
Quiet and calm residential neighborhoods
Popular with singles, creators, dual-income couples, and families
🕰 2. History and Background of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa developed as part of the Fukagawa district during the Edo period.
Its waterways supported timber, storage, transport, and craft industries, while temples, homes, workshops, and merchants formed the surrounding neighborhood.
Traditional shops, temples, warehouses, and small factories can still be found throughout the area.
Transportation improved significantly after the opening of the Toei Oedo Line in 2000 and the extension of the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line in 2003.
This made Kiyosumi-Shirakawa much more convenient for central Tokyo commuters and increased its popularity as a residential district.
The area’s large warehouses and former industrial buildings later attracted coffee roasters, cafés, galleries, and design-focused businesses.
In 2015, the opening of an internationally known coffee company’s first Japanese location helped establish Kiyosumi-Shirakawa’s reputation as Tokyo’s coffee district.
Today, traditional residential streets, local businesses, modern cafés, and creative spaces coexist naturally.
🌟 3. Advantages of Living Near Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
✅ ① Direct Access to Central Tokyo on Two Lines
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station is served by the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and the Toei Oedo Line.
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
Direct access is available to:
Suitengumae
Otemachi
Jimbocho
Nagatacho
Aoyama-itchome
Omotesando
Shibuya
Sumiyoshi
Kinshicho
Oshiage
The line is especially convenient for commuters working near Otemachi, Nagatacho, Omotesando, and Shibuya.
Some trains also begin service at Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, which may provide a better chance of getting a seat depending on the time and timetable.
Toei Oedo Line
Direct access is available to:
Morishita
Monzen-nakacho
Tsukishima
Shiodome
Daimon
Roppongi
Aoyama-itchome
Shinjuku
Iidabashi
The line is useful for commuters traveling to Roppongi, Shiodome, Shinjuku, and other major business districts.
Having two lines also provides greater flexibility during service disruptions or delays.
✅ ② Strong Café and Coffee Culture
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is one of Tokyo’s best-known coffee neighborhoods.
Many cafés and coffee roasters occupy renovated warehouses and former industrial buildings, creating spacious interiors and distinctive designs.
Residents can find:
Coffee roasteries
Independent cafés
Bakeries
Pastry shops
Traditional house cafés
Dessert stores
Independent restaurants
Takeaway coffee shops
The area is well suited to people who enjoy café hopping, remote work, reading, or spending weekends in relaxed creative spaces.
✅ ③ Art and Culture Are Part of Everyday Life
The neighborhood contains galleries, art spaces, museums, studios, and design shops.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo is one of the area’s best-known cultural facilities.
Exhibitions and events are regularly held in and around the neighborhood, allowing residents to experience modern art and design as part of everyday life.
This creative atmosphere is particularly attractive to photographers, designers, architects, artists, and other creative professionals.
✅ ④ Abundant Parks and Green Spaces
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa offers excellent access to nature despite its central location.
Popular outdoor destinations include:
Kiyosumi Gardens
Kiba Park
Sumida River Terrace
Sendai-bori River Park
Fukagawa Park
Onagi River
Kiyosumi Gardens provides a peaceful traditional Japanese landscape.
Kiba Park offers open lawns, playgrounds, jogging routes, and sports facilities.
The Sumida River Terrace and nearby river paths are suitable for walking, running, and cycling.
✅ ⑤ Quiet and Calm Residential Environment
The area has few major nightlife districts or late-night entertainment venues.
The station area has regular pedestrian traffic, but quieter low-rise residential streets begin a short distance away.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is suitable for people who want to live near central Tokyo without the noise of a major commercial district.
It is popular with women living alone, remote workers, dual-income couples, and families with young children.
✅ ⑥ Traditional Downtown Character and Modern Culture Coexist
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is not only about stylish cafés and galleries.
Traditional sweet shops, soba restaurants, local stores, temples, and older homes remain part of the neighborhood.
The combination of long-established local businesses and newer creative shops creates a distinctive atmosphere that cannot be easily found in fully redeveloped districts.
✅ ⑦ Cycling Expands the Living Area
The neighborhood is relatively flat and easy to navigate by bicycle.
Residents can cycle to:
Monzen-nakacho
Morishita
Sumiyoshi
Kiba
Nihombashi
Ryogoku
Kinshicho
Tsukishima
Cycling greatly expands access to shopping, restaurants, parks, offices, and nearby neighborhoods.
⚠️ 4. Disadvantages of Living Near Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
❌ ① Few Large Commercial Facilities
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa has many distinctive independent businesses but few major shopping malls or department stores.
Daily groceries and essentials are available, but residents often travel elsewhere for:
Electronics
Large furniture purchases
Fashion shopping
Cinemas
Large bookstores
Children’s goods
Bulk shopping
Kinshicho, Monzen-nakacho, Toyosu, and Nihombashi are commonly used for larger shopping trips.
❌ ② Many Cafés, but Fewer Practical Everyday Restaurants in Some Areas
The neighborhood has many cafés, bakeries, and dessert shops.
However, family restaurants, inexpensive set-meal restaurants, and late-night dining options may be limited depending on the location.
Some cafés and restaurants mainly serve visitors and may charge higher prices than ordinary neighborhood businesses.
People who want inexpensive daily meals or late-night dining may find the area less convenient.
❌ ③ The Station Platforms Are Deep Underground
Both the Hanzomon and Oedo line platforms are located deep underground.
Travel between street level, ticket gates, and platforms can take longer than expected.
This may be inconvenient when:
Commuting during rush hour
Carrying large luggage
Using a stroller
Traveling with older residents
Walking with limited mobility
Rushing to make a train
The time required inside the station should be considered in addition to the advertised walking time from a property.
❌ ④ Rent Has Increased with the Area’s Popularity
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa has become increasingly popular because of its transportation, cafés, art, and calm atmosphere.
The following properties tend to be more expensive:
Within five minutes of the station
Recently built apartments
Designer properties
Renovated units
Spacious 1LDK and larger homes
Properties near Kiyosumi Gardens or Kiba Park
Condominium-grade rental units
People expecting inexpensive traditional downtown rent may find prices higher than anticipated.
❌ ⑤ Large Differences Between Older and Newer Properties
The area includes recently built apartments, designer buildings, older homes, warehouses, rental apartments, and traditional shops.
When considering an older property, residents should check:
Earthquake resistance standards
Sound insulation
Thermal insulation
Plumbing
Moisture and condensation
Maintenance of common areas
Autolock systems and security cameras
Interior renovation condition
Some older buildings have fully renovated interiors and can still offer comfortable living.
❌ ⑥ Flood Risk Should Be Checked
Koto City contains many low-lying areas surrounded by rivers and canals.
Some parts of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa may be exposed to river flooding or internal drainage flooding.
Whether renting or buying, residents should check the official hazard map for the exact address.
For ground-floor units and detached houses, important points include:
Estimated flood depth
Evacuation shelters
Evacuation routes
Building flood-control measures
Location of electrical equipment
Emergency power availability
Condominium disaster-prevention procedures
🧺 5. Daily Convenience Around Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
Transportation: The Hanzomon and Toei Oedo lines provide direct access to Otemachi, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Shinjuku
Shopping: Mainly medium and small supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores, and local shops
Restaurants: Many cafés, bakeries, dessert shops, and independent restaurants
Healthcare: Internal medicine, dental, and pediatric clinics are available, with larger hospitals accessible in surrounding areas
Education: Nurseries, kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools, libraries, and cultural facilities are nearby
Nature: Kiyosumi Gardens, Kiba Park, and the Sumida River Terrace provide excellent access to nature
Safety: The area is generally calm, but nighttime routes should still be checked
👨👩👧👦 6. Childcare and Family Living
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa offers a strong balance of nature, education, culture, and transportation, making it attractive to families.
The area includes nurseries, kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools, libraries, and children’s facilities.
Kiba Park provides open spaces and playgrounds where children can play freely.
Kiyosumi Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo also allow families to experience nature and culture close to home.
The Hanzomon and Oedo lines expand commuting and school options for both parents and children.
However, bicycle traffic can be heavy, and some sidewalks are narrow.
Families should check:
Nursery and school routes
Sidewalk width
Bicycle traffic
Street lighting
Routes to parks
Medical facilities
Flood hazard information
🔐 7. Safety Around Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is generally a calm residential neighborhood with few major nightlife or entertainment districts.
Cafés and galleries create a bright atmosphere during the day and on weekends.
However, some residential and warehouse streets become quiet after businesses close.
Women living alone and families with children should check:
Street lighting between the station and the property
Pedestrian traffic at night
Roads near warehouses and small factories
Nearby convenience stores and police boxes
Autolock entrances
Video intercoms
Security cameras
Visibility around entrances and common corridors
The area should be inspected during the expected return time rather than judged only by its daytime atmosphere.
🏠 8. Real Estate Around Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
💴 Estimated Monthly Rent
Studio and 1K: ¥95,000 to ¥125,000
1LDK: ¥150,000 to ¥210,000
2LDK: ¥210,000 to ¥300,000
3LDK and larger: From approximately ¥270,000
Actual rent varies according to distance from the station, building age, floor area, facilities, and building management.
Newer, station-close, designer, renovated, and park-side properties may exceed these ranges.
🏘 Typical Housing Characteristics
Many newer condominiums and designer properties
Renovated warehouses and older buildings converted into residences
A large selection of studio and 1K apartments
Strong demand for 1LDK and 2LDK units among dual-income couples
Increasing supply of family-sized condominiums
Low-rise homes and detached houses farther from the station
High demand for properties near Kiyosumi Gardens and Kiba Park
Many properties with distinctive layouts and interior design
The neighborhood is well suited to residents who value architecture, design, and atmosphere.
Popular properties may be rented quickly, so early research and prompt applications are often important.
📈 Purchase Market and Asset Value
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa benefits from two train lines, proximity to central Tokyo, and strong recognition as a café and art district.
These factors support stable demand from both buyers and tenants.
Properties with the following characteristics are often more highly valued:
Within a 10-minute walk of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
Convenient access to both lines
Near Kiyosumi Gardens or Kiba Park
Recently built or well managed
Compliance with modern earthquake resistance standards
High-quality design or renovation
Good sunlight and ventilation
Upper-floor location or flood-control measures
Floor plans suitable for rental demand
When purchasing an older condominium or detached house, buyers should review:
Earthquake resistance
Repair history
Condominium financial condition
Road access
Rebuilding eligibility
Flood risk
Possible future changes to sunlight or views
Noise from warehouses or major roads
📊 9. Overall Evaluation of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
Transportation Access: ★★★★★
The Hanzomon and Oedo lines provide direct access to Otemachi, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Shinjuku.
Daily Convenience: ★★★★☆
Daily shopping is manageable, although large commercial facilities are located in surrounding districts.
Neighborhood Atmosphere: ★★★★★
Cafés, art, traditional downtown character, and nature create a distinctive and highly attractive environment.
Safety: ★★★★☆
The area is generally calm, but quieter warehouse and residential streets should be checked at night.
Family Environment: ★★★★☆
Parks, schools, libraries, and cultural facilities support a rich family lifestyle.
Real Estate Affordability: ★★★☆☆
Rent and purchase prices are relatively high because of strong demand and rising popularity.
Asset Value: ★★★★☆
Central Tokyo access, strong neighborhood identity, and stable rental demand support long-term appeal.
🎯 10. Who Is Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station Best Suited For?
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is particularly recommended for:
People who enjoy cafés and coffee culture
People interested in art, photography, architecture, and design
Commuters working near Otemachi, Omotesando, or Shibuya
Commuters working near Roppongi, Shiodome, or Shinjuku
Singles seeking a calm neighborhood close to central Tokyo
Creative professionals who value individuality and atmosphere
Dual-income couples who prefer a quiet residential environment
Families who want nature and culture close to home
Residents who want to cycle to Monzen-nakacho, Nihombashi, or Kinshicho
Buyers considering long-term rental demand and asset value
📌 11. Summary
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station offers an attractive balance of central Tokyo access, a calm residential environment, creative culture, and abundant nature.
The Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line provides direct access to Otemachi, Omotesando, and Shibuya, while the Toei Oedo Line connects directly to Roppongi, Shiodome, and Shinjuku.
The neighborhood contains distinctive cafés, galleries, bakeries, and creative spaces, while Kiyosumi Gardens, Kiba Park, and the Sumida River provide excellent outdoor environments.
The limited number of large commercial facilities, deep station platforms, rising rent, older properties, and flood risk should all be checked carefully.
However, for people seeking convenient transportation, a peaceful residential atmosphere, café and art culture, traditional Tokyo character, and easy access to nature, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is one of the most attractive residential neighborhoods in eastern Tokyo.