🌸 Basic Information / Overview
Line name: Keio Inokashira Line (京王井の頭線)
Operator: Keio Corporation
Route length: approx. 12.7 km / Stations: 17 (Shibuya–Kichijoji)
Opened: 1933
Main connections: Shibuya (JR / Tokyo Metro / Tokyu)・Kichijoji (JR Chuo Line)
Feature: Connects the city center with Tokyo’s most popular residential areas — full of style, culture, and individuality.
📜 History & Background
The Keio Inokashira Line opened in 1933 as part of the Teito Electric Railway network.
From the beginning, it was designed to provide a direct connection between Shibuya and Kichijoji, a route that remains largely unchanged today.
From the mid-Showa to Heisei era, the line became known for its subculture, student life, and youth-driven creativity,
greatly influencing the development of neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji, and Mitakadai.
🌟 Highlights / Advantages
✅ 1. Direct Connection Between Shibuya & Kichijoji
No need to pass through Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, or Tokyo Station.
The line directly links two of Tokyo’s most beloved and culturally rich hubs — Shibuya and Kichijoji.
✅ 2. Fast & Flexible: Express and Local Trains
Express trains connect Shibuya–Kichijoji in about 16 minutes, ideal for commuters.
Local trains stop at every station, offering great accessibility for residential areas.
✅ 3. Attractive & Unique Neighborhoods
Along the line you’ll find Shimokitazawa, Meidaimae, Eifukucho, Kugayama, Hamadayama, Kichijoji —
each with its own charm, filled with cafes, thrift stores, and independent shops.
It’s a line where you can live, work, and play all in one place.
✅ 4. Safe, Creative, and Culturally Vibrant
The area is known for its academic and student-friendly communities,
offering a safe and inspiring atmosphere for families and young professionals alike.
⚠️ Points to Consider / Disadvantages
❌ 1. Heavy Crowding During Rush Hours
Trains toward Shibuya are often packed during morning commutes, despite the short line distance.
❌ 2. Limited Transfer Options
Outside of Shibuya, Meidaimae, and Kichijoji, transfer opportunities are few.
Even though it crosses lines like the Odakyu and Chuo, direct interchanges are limited.
❌ 3. High Rent Around Popular Stations
Areas like Shimokitazawa, Eifukucho, Kugayama, and Kichijoji are highly desirable, pushing rents to premium levels.
🧺 Livability & Daily Convenience
Transportation: ★★★★☆ / Direct to Shibuya & Kichijoji, but not ideal for east Tokyo commutes
Shopping: ★★★★★ / Surrounded by fashion, vintage, and lifestyle hubs like Shibuya, Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji
Education & Childcare: ★★★★☆ / Good schools and facilities near Kugayama & Eifukucho
Nature & Environment: ★★★★☆ / Plenty of greenery including the famous Inokashira Park
Safety: ★★★★☆ / Youthful but generally safe and well-managed
🏠 Real Estate Perspective
💴 Average Rent (as of 2025)
Shibuya: 1R–1K ¥100,000–130,000 / 2LDK+ ¥200,000–300,000 / Central business area, premium zone
Shimokitazawa: 1R–1K ¥90,000–110,000 / 2LDK+ ¥180,000–250,000 / Trendy hub of vintage & subculture
Meidaimae: 1R–1K ¥80,000–100,000 / 2LDK+ ¥160,000–220,000 / Transfer to Keio Line / student-friendly
Eifukucho: 1R–1K ¥75,000–90,000 / 2LDK+ ¥140,000–180,000 / Quiet residential area
Kugayama: 1R–1K ¥70,000–85,000 / 2LDK+ ¥130,000–170,000 / Academic & family-oriented
Kichijoji: 1R–1K ¥90,000–115,000 / 2LDK+ ¥180,000–260,000 / Top-ranked “Most desirable place to live” area
🏘 Housing Trends
Low-rise housing, detached homes, and condominiums dominate the area.
Closer to Shibuya: compact, designer apartments. / Closer to Kichijoji: family-type units.
Even older properties are often renovated stylishly, perfect for those seeking creative lifestyles.
🎯 Recommended For
✅ Those who want both Shibuya and Kichijoji within their daily life zone
✅ People who enjoy a lifestyle surrounded by culture and individuality
✅ Students, singles, and families alike — a flexible line for all generations
✅ Anyone who values both accessibility and neighborhood charm
📌 Summary
The Keio Inokashira Line is one of Tokyo’s rare lines that perfectly blends style and practicality.
Connecting two of the city’s most vibrant areas — Shibuya and Kichijoji — it offers a lifestyle rich in culture, community, and creativity.
While crowding and high rents are inevitable, the balance of convenience, atmosphere, and individuality makes it one of Tokyo’s most rewarding lines to live along.