Okubo Station, located in Shinjuku’s Hyakunincho district, sits on the JR Chūō–Sōbu Line (Local).
With just 1 stop / about 2 minutes to Shinjuku Station, it offers one of the most convenient access points in western Tokyo.
Within walking distance is Shin-Okubo Station on the Yamanote Line, making the area a multicultural hotspot full of international restaurants, shops, and global energy.
🏙 1. Basic Information & History
Location: Hyakunincho 1-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Line: JR Chūō–Sōbu Line (Local)
Nearby Station: Shin-Okubo Station (Yamanote Line), approx. 5 minutes on foot
🕰 Historical Highlights
1895 (Meiji 28):
Opened as a station of the former Kōbu Railway, primarily for freight.
1914 (Taisho 3):
Fully opened for passenger service.
Postwar – Present:
Developed alongside the Shinjuku subcenter, becoming a vibrant residential and multicultural district.
In recent years, the increasing number of foreign residents has further enhanced Okubo’s unique international character.
🌟 2. Strengths of Okubo Station (Pros)
✅ 1. Outstanding Access — Shinjuku in Just 2 Minutes
1 stop / approx. 2 minutes to Shinjuku Station.
Direct access via the Chūō–Sōbu Line to Nakano, Akihabara, Ochanomizu, and Chiba.
Shin-Okubo Station (Yamanote Line) is also a short walk away,
giving you excellent connectivity across central Tokyo.
✅ 2. A Vibrant Multicultural Food & Shopping Scene
Packed with restaurants and shops from Korea, China, Nepal, Myanmar, Southeast Asia, and more.
You can enjoy global food and culture without leaving Tokyo.
Ideal for those who love ethnic cuisine, street food, or K-culture.
✅ 3. Shinjuku Is Within Walking Distance
About 15 minutes on foot to the Shinjuku Station west exit area.
Easy access by bus or bicycle as well.
Perfect for people who want convenience in commuting, shopping, and entertainment.
⚠️ 3. Weaknesses & Things to Note (Cons)
❌ 1. A Very Small Station with Limited Facilities
Okubo Station has one platform with two tracks — extremely compact.
Ticket gates and corridors are narrow,
making rush hours crowded and inconvenient.
❌ 2. Some Areas May Feel Unsafe to Certain People
Due to its high foreign-resident population and busy streets,
noise or cultural differences may be challenging for some.
Occasional street solicitation and late-night drinkers in certain spots mean
extra caution is recommended when walking alone at night.
❌ 3. Limited Shopping & Daily Conveniences Around the Station
There are supermarkets and drugstores nearby, but
no large shopping complexes around the station itself.
For major shopping, many residents go to Shinjuku or Nakano.
🧺 4. Daily Convenience (Overall Evaluation)
Transportation:
Direct trains to Shinjuku, Nakano, Akihabara, and Chiba.
Yamanote Line is also within walking distance → excellent mobility.
Shopping:
Nearby stores include Gyomu Super, My Basket, Don Quijote, etc.
Great for everyday groceries.
Dining:
One of Tokyo’s top areas for international cuisine
— Korean, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and more.
Education:
Elementary & junior high schools, as well as language schools,
make it popular among students and international residents.
Medical & Public Services:
Okubo Hospital is within walking distance,
and access to Shinjuku City Office is convenient.
🏠 5. Real Estate Perspective (2024 Market)
💴 Approximate Rent Prices (per month)
Studio (1R): ¥75,000–¥90,000
1LDK: ¥130,000–¥170,000
2LDK+: ¥180,000–¥250,000
Because the area is within walking distance of Shinjuku and the Yamanote Line,
rents tend to be slightly higher than similar-sized neighborhoods.
🏘 Property Value & Demand
Abundant apartments for singles, students, and foreign residents.
High property stability thanks to its
“Shinjuku next-door + Yamanote Line walking area” location.
Potential future redevelopment means
strong appeal for investors as well.
🌸 6. Who Okubo Station Is Ideal For
Business professionals working in Shinjuku, Nakano, or central Tokyo
People who enjoy multicultural environments and global cuisine
Singles or students who want to minimize commute time
Anyone who enjoys living in a lively, diverse urban neighborhood
📝 7. Summary
Okubo Station is a hybrid district combining
“international atmosphere × top-tier urban access.”
Incredible convenience for commuting, studying, and shopping
Rich multicultural food and lifestyle
Some noise and safety concerns at night, but
overall a highly dynamic, convenient, and desirable city living area
From a real estate standpoint,
the combination of station proximity + central Tokyo + Yamanote Line access
gives Okubo strong and stable value.
It’s a particularly appealing area for:
Singles, students, and investors seeking high-demand rental properties.