The Toei Oedo Line is one of Tokyo’s most practical subway lines, forming a loop around central Tokyo while extending outward toward residential areas.
It serves major business districts, trendy neighborhoods, and cultural hotspots such as Shinjuku, Roppongi, Iidabashi, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, and Kuramae, making it popular for commuting, sightseeing, and everyday life.
🏛 1. Basic Information & History
Official Name: Toei Subway Oedo Line (operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation)
Line Color: Wine red
Total Length: 40.7 km (one of the longest subway lines in Tokyo)
Stations: 38 (entirely underground)
Opening Timeline:
1991: First section (Hikarigaoka – Tochomae) opened as “Line 12”
2000: Entire line completed and officially renamed “Oedo Line”
Endpoints:
Hikarigaoka Station (Nerima Ward) – Tochomae Station (Shinjuku Ward)
Note: Functionally, the line operates as a loop line combined with a branch line toward Hikarigaoka.
📜 Key Historical Features
Designed as a loop + radial structure to support central Tokyo’s mobility
Uses the rare linear motor propulsion system
Known for extremely deep underground stations (often 30m+ below ground)
Full opening in 2000 significantly improved east–west and north–south travel across Tokyo
🌟 2. Highlights (Advantages)
✅ 1. Covers All Major Central Tokyo Areas
Shinjuku
Roppongi
Azabujuban
Ueno-Okachimachi
Kuramae
Ryogoku
Iidabashi
The loop-and-branch structure lets passengers reach many destinations with fewer transfers, making the line extremely convenient.
✅ 2. Excellent as a Transportation Hub
Numerous transfer stations with both JR lines and other subway lines
Key hubs: Nakai, Iidabashi, Kasuga, Morishita
Easy to switch between major areas during commutes or daily travel
✅ 3. Offers Flexible Commuting Options
Helps avoid crowding on heavy-traffic lines like the Marunouchi or Hibiya Line
Provides alternative routes for smoother and more reliable commuting
✅ 4. Many rapidly growing and trendy areas along the line
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa: Cafés, art spaces, and a rising creative scene
Kachidoki: Tower condos and large-scale redevelopment
Kuramae: Popular for lifestyle shops and cafés (“Tokyo’s Brooklyn”)
These locations attract residents, investors, and young professionals alike.
⚠️ 3. Drawbacks (Disadvantages)
❌ 1. Stations are extremely deep and require long transfers
Many platforms are located 5–7 floors underground
Going between ground level and the platform often requires long escalator or elevator rides
❌ 2. Strong curves and shaking lead to a rougher ride
Linear motor trains cause louder noise and sharper acceleration/deceleration
Daily commuters may find the ride slightly tiring compared to other lines
❌ 3. Complex route structure can be confusing
Loop + branch layout makes it difficult to know which direction is faster
Tochomae is the official terminus, but feels like a mid-line station, adding to the confusion
🧺 4. Living Convenience (Area Evaluation)
Transportation: ★★★★★
Covers nearly all major areas of Tokyo; transfers are extremely easy.
Shopping: ★★★★☆
Iidabashi, Roppongi, Ueno, and Kiyosumi-Shirakawa offer excellent shopping options.
Medical & Education: ★★★★☆
Hospitals, clinics, schools, and universities are plentiful along the line.
Safety: ★★★★☆
Many residential neighborhoods along the route are calm and safe.
Nature & Parks: ★★★☆☆
Large parks are limited due to the central Tokyo location, but small parks and riverside areas exist.
🏠 5. Real Estate Overview (as of 2025)
💴 Rent Price Ranges (Monthly)
Roppongi
1R/1K: ￥120,000–￥150,000
Family (2LDK+): ￥250,000–￥400,000
Kachidoki
1R/1K: ￥110,000–￥130,000
Family: ￥220,000–￥350,000
Iidabashi
1R/1K: ￥90,000–￥110,000
Family: ￥180,000–￥280,000
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
1R/1K: ￥85,000–￥105,000
Family: ￥160,000–￥230,000
Kuramae
1R/1K: ￥80,000–￥100,000
Family: ￥140,000–￥200,000
Nakano-Sakaue
1R/1K: ￥80,000–￥100,000
Family: ￥150,000–￥220,000
Hikarigaoka
1R/1K: ￥65,000–￥80,000
Family: ￥120,000–￥160,000
🏘 Housing Trends
Loop area (Iidabashi → Roppongi → Ryogoku)
High-rise condos and luxury developments; ideal for DINKs and affluent residents
Branch area (Nakai → Hikarigaoka)
Calm residential neighborhoods with many family-friendly rentals
Trending districts (Kachidoki / Kiyosumi-Shirakawa / Kuramae)
Popular with young professionals and investors due to ongoing redevelopment
🎯 6. Who the Oedo Line Is Ideal For
Professionals who frequently travel across different areas of central Tokyo
Families seeking calm residential areas with excellent access to the city center
DINKs and young adults wanting to live in rapidly developing neighborhoods
People who want convenient transfers but prefer to avoid the most crowded lines
📌 7. Summary
The Toei Oedo Line is one of Tokyo’s most versatile and well-connected subway routes, offering:
Outstanding access to major central districts
Trendy and highly livable neighborhoods
Strong investment potential
Convenient commuting with many transfer options
Although deep stations and ride comfort can be drawbacks, its overall convenience and comprehensive coverage make the Oedo Line a top choice for both residents and visitors.