The Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line connects Wakōshi (Saitama) to Shibuya,
and—through extensive through-services with Tobu, Seibu, Tokyu, and Minatomirai Line—
links Saitama → central Tokyo → Yokohama / Motomachi–Chūkagai on a single train.

As a line that directly connects Ikebukuro, Shinjuku-sanchōme, and Shibuya,
three of Tokyo’s major sub-centers, it is known as a versatile line ideal for commuting, shopping, and leisure.

🏛 1. Basic Information & History

Official name: Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
Operator: Tokyo Metro
Line color: Brown
Total length: 20.2 km
Number of stations: 16
Terminals: Wakōshi Station (Saitama) ⇄ Shibuya Station (Tokyo)

Through-service connections

Northbound: Tobu Tojō Line, Seibu Yūrakuchō Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line
(toward Shinrin-kōen / Tokorozawa / Hannō)

Southbound: Tokyu Tōyoko Line, Minatomirai Line
(toward Yokohama / Motomachi–Chūkagai)

📜 History & Key Features

Opened: June 14, 2008 (Ikebukuro–Shibuya section)

Origin of name:
Named “Fukutoshin Line” because it connects Tokyo’s three major sub-centers:
Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.

Japan’s first 5-company through-service railway:
A groundbreaking line with through-operations involving
Tobu, Seibu, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu, and Minatomirai Line.

Deep underground design:
Several stations—especially Shibuya and Shinjuku-sanchōme—are located
at deep levels equivalent to basement 5 floors.

🌟 2. Advantages of the Fukutoshin Line
✅ 1. Direct, wide-area access from Saitama to Yokohama

Runs from Wakōshi to Shibuya and continues directly to
Yokohama / Motomachi–Chūkagai,
providing seamless travel across Saitama → Tokyo → Kanagawa.

Excellent for commuting, school travel, weekend shopping, and sightseeing.

✅ 2. The only Tokyo Metro line with express service

The Fukutoshin Line uniquely offers Express and Commuter Express trains.

Ideal for long-distance commuters heading into the city center quickly and efficiently.

✅ 3. Direct access to Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya

Direct, one-train access to:

Shinjuku-sanchōme

Ikebukuro

Shibuya

Makes it extremely convenient for work, shopping, dining, and entertainment—
a powerful line for urban lifestyles.

✅ 4. Excellent connections with other railway operators

Many stations interchange with JR, Tobu, Seibu, Toei Subway, Tokyu, and the Minatomirai Line.

Provides flexible route choices and helps avoid congestion by choosing the optimal transfer point.

⚠️ 3. Disadvantages / Things to Note
❌ 1. Stations are deep underground → long travel times to the surface

Major stations like Shibuya and Shinjuku-sanchōme are located extremely deep (B5 level).

Escalators and elevators are essential, and reaching the surface can take time.

Barrier-free facilities are well developed, but may feel slow when in a hurry.

❌ 2. Often confused with the Yūrakuchō Line

The Fukutoshin Line is relatively new, and
it runs parallel to the Yūrakuchō Line between Ikebukuro and Kotake-Mukaihara.

Many riders say the difference between the two lines is unclear,
especially for newcomers to Tokyo.

❌ 3. Congestion in core city sections

The Shibuya–Ikebukuro section has high congestion rates during rush hours.

Express trains are convenient, but seats are often unavailable at intermediate stations.

🧺 4. Everyday Convenience (Along the Fukutoshin Line)

Transportation: ★★★★★
Top-tier mobility connecting Saitama, central Tokyo, and Yokohama directly.

Shopping: ★★★★★
Directly connects three major hubs:
Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya—offering endless shopping and dining options.

Education: ★★★★☆
Several student districts and universities (Meiji Univ., Gakushuin Univ., Waseda area)
lie along or near the line.

Safety: ★★★★☆
Many residential areas are relatively calm and safe.

Parks/Nature: ★★★☆☆
Few parks directly along the line, but easy access to Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park.

🏠 5. Real Estate Overview (Est. 2025 Rental Prices)
💴 Approximate monthly rent

Studio / 1K

Shibuya: ¥100,000–¥130,000

Shinjuku-sanchōme: ¥90,000–¥115,000

Ikebukuro: ¥85,000–¥105,000

Zōshigaya: ¥75,000–¥90,000

Kotake-Mukaihara: ¥70,000–¥85,000

Wakōshi: ¥65,000–¥80,000

Family-type (2LDK+)

Shibuya: ¥230,000–¥350,000

Shinjuku-sanchōme: ¥200,000–¥280,000

Ikebukuro: ¥170,000–¥250,000

Zōshigaya: ¥150,000–¥200,000

Kotake-Mukaihara: ¥130,000–¥180,000

Wakōshi: ¥120,000–¥160,000

Central Tokyo stations have higher rent levels,
while the Kotake-Mukaihara → Wakōshi area is more affordable and popular among families.

🏘 Housing Characteristics

Shibuya–Ikebukuro area:
Urban high-rise and condominium-style apartments dominate;
highly suitable for DINKs and city-center workers.

Kotake-Mukaihara–Wakōshi area:
Quiet residential neighborhoods with more low-rise apartments and public housing.
Stable rent ranges and high appeal for families.

Underground stations:
Many stations have elevators and platform doors →
safe and accessible for children and seniors.

🎯 6. Who the Fukutoshin Line Is Ideal For

People working in Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, or Shibuya

Commuters from Saitama or Yokohama who want minimal transfers

Those who prefer less-crowded northern sections (Wakōshi–Kotake-Mukaihara)

DINKs and families who value both urban convenience + quiet living

📌 7. Summary

The Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line is:

A versatile line that directly connects Tokyo’s three major sub-centers

A wide-area route spanning Saitama → Tokyo → Yokohama

Fast, thanks to its express services

Highly convenient for commuting, studying, and leisure

Despite some drawbacks—deep stations and rush-hour congestion—
its broad connectivity, express speed, and stable housing demand
make it one of the most practical and attractive lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

If you want both strong urban access and a comfortable residential environment,
the Fukutoshin Line is an outstanding choice.