Honancho Station is the terminal station of the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (Honancho Branch), located in Horinouchi 1-chome, Suginami City, Tokyo.
Since direct through-service to the Marunouchi Main Line began in 2019, access to Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Ikebukuro has improved dramatically. Combining a traditional shopping street with a peaceful residential atmosphere, Honancho has become an increasingly popular area for those seeking both urban convenience and a relaxed lifestyle.
🏛 1. Basic Information
ItemDetails
Station NameHonancho Station
Railway LineTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (Honancho Branch)
Station NumberMb-03
LocationHorinouchi 1-chome, Suginami City, Tokyo
Opening DateMarch 23, 1961
Station StructureUnderground station (1 island platform, 2 tracks)
FeatureTerminal station of the Marunouchi Line Honancho Branch
Through-Service Started2019 (Direct service to the Marunouchi Main Line)
📜 2. History
Honancho Station opened in 1961 as the terminal station of the Marunouchi Line's Honancho Branch.
Previously, passengers had to transfer at Nakano-Sakaue Station to continue toward central Tokyo. However, direct through-service to the Marunouchi Main Line began in 2019, allowing passengers to travel directly to Shinjuku, Yotsuya, Tokyo, and Ikebukuro without changing trains.
Today, improved transportation has made Honancho an increasingly attractive residential area.
🌟 3. Advantages
✅ ① Direct Access to Central Tokyo
With direct Marunouchi Line service, residents can travel to:
Shinjuku
Yotsuya
Tokyo
Ikebukuro
without transferring, making commuting and school travel highly convenient.
✅ ② Charming Honan Ginza Shopping Street
Just outside the station is the well-known Honan Ginza Shopping Street, featuring:
Greengrocers
Fish markets
Delicatessens
Local restaurants
The area retains the warm atmosphere of a traditional Japanese neighborhood.
✅ ③ Quiet Residential Environment
The neighborhood surrounding the station is primarily residential, offering:
Peaceful evenings
Good public safety
A family-friendly atmosphere
It is an excellent place for those seeking a calm lifestyle.
✅ ④ Excellent Daily Convenience
Within walking distance you'll find:
Summit Supermarket
Daiei
Drugstores
Convenience stores
Restaurants
Most daily necessities can be purchased close to home.
⚠️ 4. Disadvantages
❌ ① Slightly Fewer Train Services
Although through-service has improved convenience, train frequency is still slightly lower than on the Marunouchi Main Line.
Rush-hour trains can also become crowded.
❌ ② Narrow Streets
Because Honancho is an older residential neighborhood, many streets are relatively narrow.
Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians should take extra care.
❌ ③ Compact Station Facilities
Compared with larger stations, Honancho Station is relatively small.
Facilities such as:
Ticket gates
Restrooms
Elevators
are more limited than those at major transportation hubs.
🧺 5. Livability
🚃 Transportation
Rating★★★★☆
CommentsDirect Marunouchi Line service provides excellent access to Shinjuku, Tokyo, and other central areas.
🛍 Shopping
Rating★★★★☆
CommentsThe shopping street and supermarkets provide excellent convenience for daily life.
🍽 Dining
Rating★★★★☆
CommentsA good balance of local restaurants and national chain stores.
🏥 Healthcare
Rating★★★☆☆
CommentsPlenty of clinics and pharmacies, while major hospitals are more conveniently accessed from nearby stations.
👨👩👧 Education & Family Friendliness
Rating★★★★☆
CommentsStrong childcare support from Suginami City, along with numerous schools and educational facilities.
🔒 Safety
Rating★★★★☆
CommentsA quiet residential area with generally good public safety.
🌳 Natural Environment
Rating★★★★☆
CommentsZenpukuji River Green Space and Wadabori Park are nearby, making the area ideal for walking and jogging.
🏠 6. Real Estate Overview (2025)
Property TypeAverage Monthly Rent
Studio / 1K￥70,000–￥85,000
1LDK–2DK￥100,000–￥125,000
2LDK–3LDK￥130,000–￥160,000
Compared with Nakano-Sakaue and central Shinjuku, rental prices in Honancho are relatively affordable while still offering convenient access to central Tokyo. This makes the area an excellent value for residents seeking both comfort and convenience.
🏘 Housing Characteristics
Plenty of apartments suitable for single residents
Detached houses and family condominiums become more common farther from the station
Quiet residential neighborhoods popular with families
Increasing number of newly built and renovated properties
🎯 Who Is Honancho Station Best For?
✅ Commuters and students traveling to Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, or central Tokyo
✅ People who enjoy living in a neighborhood with a traditional shopping street
✅ Families looking for a peaceful residential environment
✅ Residents seeking affordable housing within Suginami City
✅ Anyone looking for a balance between convenient transportation and a comfortable lifestyle
📌 Summary
Honancho Station has become one of the Marunouchi Line's most attractive residential areas since direct through-service to the Marunouchi Main Line began in 2019.
While preserving the nostalgic charm of the Honan Ginza Shopping Street, the neighborhood also offers supermarkets, restaurants, and other daily conveniences within walking distance.
With excellent access to central Tokyo, a peaceful residential atmosphere, and relatively affordable housing, Honancho is an excellent choice for singles, couples, and families looking for a well-balanced place to live in western Tokyo.