Kinshicho Station is a major terminal in Sumida Ward, served by JR Sobu Line (Local & Rapid) and the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.
The area uniquely blends traditional downtown vibes with large-scale commercial complexes and modern tower apartments, making it one of Tokyo’s most convenient and well-balanced neighborhoods.
Here, shopping, dining, working, and living can all be done within the same area—an appealing urban center for singles, families, and professionals alike.
🏛 1. Basic Information & Overview
Location: Koto-bashi / Kinshi, Sumida City, Tokyo
Lines Served:
JR Sobu Line (Local)
JR Sobu Line (Rapid)
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
Opened: December 9, 1894 (Meiji 27)
Key Features of the Area
A major terminal station of Sumida Ward
A neighborhood where shitamachi (old-town) charm and urban redevelopment co-exist
Known as the “backyard” of Tokyo Skytree, attracting tourists and residents alike
🕰 2. Historical Highlights
Opened in the Meiji era primarily as a freight station for the Sobu Railway
After WWII, the area flourished with cinemas and department stores, once called “The Eastern Entertainment District”
Since the 2000s, complexes like Olinas, Termina, and high-rise towers transformed the cityscape
With the opening of Sumida City Office and Tokyo Skytree, its role as a tourist hub has grown further
🌟 3. Advantages of Living in Kinshicho
✅ 1) Excellent Transportation Hub
Direct access to Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Chiba via Sobu Line
Hanzomon Line connects to Shibuya, Aoyama, Nagatacho with no transfers
Extensive Toei and Keisei bus routes provide smooth connections across eastern Tokyo
✅ 2) Packed with Large Commercial Facilities
Directly connected or nearby:
ArcaKit Kinshicho
Termina
Olinas Mall
Plus: Yodobashi Camera, Marui, TOHO Cinemas, Seiyu, discount stores, and more—
making the area a shopping and entertainment paradise.
✅ 3) Surprisingly Rich in Nature
Kinshi Park, right outside the North Exit, features lawns, sports areas, and open spaces
Popular for families, joggers, and outdoor relaxation
✅ 4) High Overall Convenience
Numerous clinics and pharmacies around the station
Easy access to schools and childcare facilities
Increasingly popular among families
⚠️ 4. Disadvantages to Consider
❌ 1) Nighttime Safety Concerns on the South Side
The South Exit has long-standing nightlife areas
Crowded with bar-goers and touts late at night
Many single residents prefer the quieter North Exit area
❌ 2) Heavy Congestion During Rush Hours
Both JR and Hanzomon Line become extremely crowded during morning and evening peaks
❌ 3) Busy & Noisy Around the Station
High traffic of buses, taxis, bicycles, and pedestrians
Can feel disorderly around the main station plaza
🧺 5. Livability Summary
Transportation: Excellent access with JR + Metro + bus connections
Shopping: Plenty of malls, supermarkets, and 100-yen shops
Dining: Endless selection—Japanese, Western, Chinese, cafés, izakaya
Medical: Clinics and pharmacies nearby; some offer evening hours
Parks: Large Kinshi Park within a 1-minute walk
Safety: South area requires caution at night; north side is calmer
🏠 6. Real Estate Overview (as of 2024)
💴 Rent Prices (Monthly Estimates)
※ All prices adjusted to “￥” notation
Studio / 1K: ￥88,000–￥110,000
1LDK–2DK: ￥130,000–￥170,000
2LDK–: ￥180,000–￥240,000
※ High-rise units with Skytree views can range ￥250,000–￥400,000+
🏘 Housing Characteristics
Many tower apartments, condo-style buildings, and newer rentals near the station
South Exit is lively with nightlife; North Exit has quieter residential streets
Wide variety of options suitable for singles through families
🎯 7. Recommended For…
Professionals commuting to Shinjuku, Akihabara, or Chiba
Busy singles who want shopping, entertainment, and healthcare all in one area
Families seeking both strong city access and good childcare environments
People who enjoy cinemas, shopping, and a lively dining scene
Those who want to live near the Skytree but prefer a more active atmosphere than Oshiage
📌 8. Summary
Kinshicho Station is a neighborhood where:
Old-town charm
Modern redevelopment
Excellent transport
A complete urban lifestyle
all come together.
With everything from malls to cinemas, tower apartments, clinics, and parks packed around the station,
it offers an exceptionally convenient and balanced living environment.
Despite nightlife-related concerns and rush-hour crowds,
its overall “all-in-one” convenience makes it a continually popular and growing area, appealing to residents of all ages.