Sugamo Station offers excellent access via the JR Yamanote Line and the Toei Mita Line.
Known for the famous Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, the area blends nostalgic downtown charm with a quiet, safe residential environment. It is loved by seniors, families, and increasingly by younger residents and tourists.
🏛 1. Basic Information & History
Location: Sugamo 2-chome, Toshima City, Tokyo
Lines Served:
JR Yamanote Line
Toei Mita Line (Exits A1–A4)
Opened: April 1, 1903 (JR)
Station Features:
The closest station to Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, known nationwide as “Grandma’s Harajuku”
A historic temple town centered around the famous Togenuki Jizo (Koganji Temple)
🕰 Key Historical Points
In the Edo period, the area thrived as a bustling temple town around Togenuki Jizo.
After the station opened in the Meiji era, residential areas quickly spread.
Post-war, the area was also connected to the history of Sugamo Prison (now Sunshine City), giving it a deep historical background.
🌟 2. What’s Great About Sugamo (Merits)
✅ ① Excellent Access via Yamanote Line + Mita Line
Direct access to major city hubs such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Otemachi
About 5 minutes to Ikebukuro, 15 minutes to Shinjuku
Highly convenient for commuting, school, and daily travel
✅ ② Calm, nostalgic atmosphere centered around Jizo-dori
Jizo-dori Shopping Street is lined with traditional sweet shops, long-standing eateries, and specialty stores, creating a warm, nostalgic downtown feel.
While known as a senior-friendly district,
younger residents and international tourists are increasing each year.
✅ ③ Daily necessities are conveniently located
The station area includes Atre vie Sugamo, Seiyu, multiple supermarkets, drugstores, clinics, and a post office.
Everyday shopping and errands can be completed within a short walk, making it a highly livable neighborhood.
✅ ④ Safe, quiet, and comfortable residential environment
With no large nightlife districts nearby, the area is calm even at night.
Popular with families and seniors, and recognized as one of the safer, more peaceful areas along the Yamanote Line.
⚠️ 3. Things to Consider (Demerits)
❌ ① Limited entertainment options for young people
No large shopping malls, cinemas, or trend-heavy commercial complexes
Dining and cafés are available, but
those seeking a lively or trendy vibe may find it lacking
❌ ② Weekend crowds in the shopping street
Jizo-dori is packed on weekends and holidays
At peak times, it can feel crowded and slow to walk through
Many elderly visitors walk slowly, which may be inconvenient when you're in a hurry
❌ ③ Narrow roads and limited car access near the station
Roads around the station are narrow, with many one-way streets
Not ideal for people who rely heavily on cars for daily travel
🧺 4. Livability Summary
Transportation: Yamanote + Mita Line; strong access to central Tokyo
Shopping: Station building, supermarkets, and shopping street provide all essentials
Dining: Many traditional cafés, Japanese restaurants, and sweet shops
Medical: Clinics and general hospitals nearby provide安心 care
Education: Local elementary and junior high schools; family-friendly
Nature: Close to Rikugien Garden, offering greenery and seasonal beauty
🏠 5. Real Estate Overview (as of 2024)
💴 Rent Price Range (Monthly)
Studio / 1K: ¥85,000–¥105,000
1LDK – 2DK: ¥115,000–¥150,000
2LDK+ : ¥160,000–¥220,000
For a Yamanote Line neighborhood, Sugamo offers relatively moderate rent and strong cost performance.
🏘 Housing Characteristics
Many compact apartments suitable for singles and seniors
The Hon-Komagome and Sengoku areas to the south are quiet residential zones ideal for families
The north side has older apartments and areas awaiting redevelopment,
making it easier to find lower-rent options
🎯 6. Who Sugamo Is Perfect For
Singles or seniors looking to keep rent low on the Yamanote Line
Families who prefer a calm, safe residential atmosphere
People who enjoy retro charm and local shopping streets
Those who want excellent transit access but prefer a quiet home environment
Individuals seeking a senior-friendly, walkable neighborhood
📌 7. Summary
Sugamo Station offers:
Excellent city access via two major lines
A safe, peaceful community with nostalgic warmth
A compact yet complete set of daily conveniences
A friendly atmosphere welcoming to all ages
Though it may lack the trendy excitement of larger hubs,
Sugamo is ideal for those who value comfort, safety, and a relaxed lifestyle.
It remains one of the most balanced and welcoming residential areas along the Yamanote Line.