🏡 In Real Estate Terms
Suginami City is known as a well-balanced residential area offering both direct access to central Tokyo and calm, low-rise neighborhoods.
The district’s local shopping streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and rich greenery make it popular among families, DINKs, and singles alike.
🌳 Origin of the Name
“Suginami” comes from the Edo period, when feudal lord Tadakichi Okabe planted rows of cedar trees along the Ome-kaido road as a landmark.
The term “Suginamiki” (cedar row) was gradually shortened and became “Suginami,” eventually adopted as the name of the district.
📜 History at a Glance
1932: Incorporated into Tokyo as Suginami City
Post-war: Rapid development as a residential district
The expansion of Ome-kaido and the introduction of streetcars (later becoming the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) boosted local mobility
🖋 A Literary Heritage
From the 1920s, many prominent writers—such as Masuji Ibuse, Osamu Dazai, and Yasunari Kawabata—lived in Asagaya.
The traditions of the “Asagaya Bungaku (Asagaya Literati)” still leave a cultural imprint on the area.
🏘️ Distinct Personalities of Each Town
🎉 Koenji
Known for vintage shops, live houses, and youth culture.
The Koenji Awa Odori Festival (since 1957) is now one of Tokyo’s iconic summer events.
🎷 Asagaya
Home to the 700-meter Asagaya Pearl Center shopping arcade.
In October, the Asagaya Jazz Street Festival transforms the entire town into an open-air stage.
🍜 Ogikubo
Regarded as one of the birthplaces of classic Tokyo soy-sauce ramen.
The long-standing ramen shop “Harukiya” (est. 1949) is especially famous.
The area offers a blend of tranquility and cultural spots.
🛋 Nishi-Ogikubo
A relaxed town filled with antique shops, craft stores, and cozy cafés.
Perfect for people who enjoy hobbies and slow daily living.
🌿 Eifukucho – Hamadayama (Inokashira Line)
Characterized by green walking paths and quiet residential streets, ideal for those seeking a peaceful environment.
🚆 Transportation Access
Suginami offers excellent multi-line connectivity with direct routes to central Tokyo.
🚄 JR Chuo Line (Rapid & Local)
Four stations—Koenji, Asagaya, Ogikubo, Nishi-Ogikubo—provide a straight link to Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and western Tokyo.
🔴 Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Originating at Ogikubo, the line connects South Asagaya, Shin-Koenji, and Higashi-Koenji, with a branch line reaching Honancho.
💙 Keio Inokashira Line
Stations such as Eifukucho, Hamadayama, Kichijoji, and others provide direct access to Shibuya.
🟦 Seibu Shinjuku Line
Shimo-Igusa, Iogi, and Kami-Igusa offer smooth connections toward Seibu Shinjuku.
🛣️ Major Roads
Ome-kaido: A historic route dating back to 1606, still a core artery for the area
Kan-nana & Kan-hachi (Loop Roads 7 & 8): North-south connectors with ongoing community-focused development
🌲 Nature & Relaxation
🌸 Zenpukuji River Green Park & Wadabori Park
Large riverside green areas popular for walking and cherry-blossom viewing.
🍁 Otaguro Park (Ogikubo)
A beautiful Japanese garden located at the former residence of music critic Motoo Otaguro.
Famous for autumn foliage lights-up.
🌿 Green Coverage
Suginami’s green coverage rate is approx. 21.8% (as of 2017), high for an area close to central Tokyo.
🎭 Culture & Events
💃 Koenji Awa Odori
Held on the last weekend of August.
One of Tokyo’s largest festivals with 10,000 dancers and over a million spectators.
🎷 Asagaya Jazz Street Festival
Started in 1995.
Schools, churches, cafés, and community spaces become live venues for two days.
📚 Literary Town
Asagaya remains filled with sites connected to historic writers and cultural figures.
🎨 A Hub for Anime Production
Out of roughly 400 anime-related companies in Japan, more than 100 are located in Suginami (138 companies as of 2016).
The Suginami Animation Museum (inside Suginami Kaikan) offers exhibitions and hands-on experiences, making it a popular attraction.
🛍️ Everyday Convenience Spots
Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Arcade (700-meter covered arcade)
Omiya Hachiman Shrine (est. 1063), known for child-rearing and safe-delivery blessings
🏠 Real Estate Perspective
🏙 Chuo Line Area (Koenji – Nishi-Ogikubo)
A lively mix of shopping streets, dining, and cultural spots.
Low-rise residences and compact apartments dominate, appealing to singles and families alike.
🔴 Marunouchi Line Area (Ogikubo – Higashi-Koenji + Honancho branch)
Ideal for commuters working in central Tokyo thanks to direct subway access.
💚 Inokashira Line Area (Eifukucho – Kugayama)
Known for calm residential environments with parks and walking paths.
🟦 Seibu Shinjuku Line Area (Shimo-Igusa / Iogi / Kami-Igusa)
More affordable rental and purchase options with a quiet suburban feel.
🛒 Daily Convenience
Large supermarkets and local mom-and-pop shops coexist, making it easy to live comfortably within walking distance.
💬 Summary
Suginami City brings together convenient access to central Tokyo, peaceful greenery, and vibrant local culture.
It’s a place where everyday errands and weekend fun happen within the same neighborhood—easy, warm, and deeply livable.
Whether you are new to Tokyo or seeking an authentic, community-rich lifestyle, Suginami is a district you can confidently call home.