Shimotakaido Station offers convenient access to both Shinjuku and Shibuya via the Keio Line and the Tokyu Setagaya Line.
With a lively traditional shopping street and calm residential areas, it is a well-balanced neighborhood popular among singles, DINKs, and families alike.

🏛 1. Basic Information About Shimotakaido Station
Location, Lines & Access

Location: Matsubara 3-chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Lines: Keio Line, Tokyu Setagaya Line

Access:

About 10 minutes direct to Shinjuku (Keio Line)

Easy access to Shibuya via Setagaya Line + connecting routes

Area Characteristics

A lively retro-style shopping street with strong local charm

Daily necessities, supermarkets, cafés, and clinics all located close to the station

A compact and convenient area popular with a wide range of residents

🕰 2. History of Shimotakaido Station

Opened: 1913 (Taishō 2)

Developed early as a transfer station between the Keio Line and Setagaya Line

While the nostalgic local shopping street remains, new cafés and apartments have increased in recent years—
creating a balanced mix of tradition and modern convenience

🌟 3. Highlights of Living in Shimotakaido

✅ Two train lines for excellent connectivity

Keio Line + Setagaya Line make commuting to central Tokyo very easy

✅ Convenient access to Shinjuku and Shibuya

Direct to Shinjuku in 10 minutes

Smooth access to Shibuya with transfers

✅ Charming traditional shopping street

Local vegetable shops, butcher shops, classic cafés, small eateries

Enjoyable for daily shopping or strolling

✅ A compact city where everything is close to the station

Supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, cafés, and clinics all nearby

Enables a lifestyle where most errands can be completed around the station

⚠️ 4. Things to Consider

❌ Crowded around the station at certain times

Peak commuting hours and evenings can be busy

❌ Some narrow roads in residential areas

Typical of older neighborhoods, caution needed when driving

❌ Areas near restaurants can be lively at night

Those seeking very quiet surroundings may prefer residential areas a bit farther from the station

🧺 5. Overall Livability

Transportation:

Excellent access to Shinjuku & Shibuya

Shopping:

Supermarkets + traditional shopping street provide great convenience

Dining:

Classic cafés, bakeries, ramen shops, izakaya—wide range of choices

Medical:

Clinics such as internal medicine, dentistry, pediatrics are plentiful

Childcare & Education:

Several schools and childcare facilities available

Safety:

Residential areas are generally calm and safe

🏠 6. Real Estate Market (As of April 2025)
💴 Rent Price Range (Monthly)

1R / 1K (Singles):
approx. ¥70,000–¥110,000

1LDK / 2DK (DINKs):
approx. ¥110,000–¥170,000

2LDK / 3LDK (Families):
approx. ¥170,000–¥300,000

🏢 Purchase Price Range

1R / 1K:
approx. ¥25,000,000–¥40,000,000

1LDK / 2DK:
approx. ¥40,000,000–¥55,000,000

2LDK / 3LDK:
approx. ¥55,000,000–¥75,000,000+

※ Prices vary depending on building age, size, facilities, direction, and distance from station.

👶 7. Child-Friendly Environment

Nursery & Kindergarten: Multiple certified and private options nearby

School District: Matsuzawa Elementary School, Matsuzawa Junior High School

Parks & Nature: Shimotakaido Oozora Park, Tamagawa Josui green path

A convenient and supportive environment for families with children.

🚨 8. Safety

Residential areas are generally quiet and safe

Shopping street is lively but well-lit, offering安心 at night

A police box near the station provides additional security

🛒 9. Useful Facilities Around the Station

Supermarkets: Summit Store, Oozeki

Drugstores: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Cocokara Fine

Clinics: Internal medicine, dental, pediatric clinics

Cafés & Restaurants: Traditional cafés, bakeries, ramen shops, izakaya and more

👉 Daily necessities can be handled almost entirely within the station area.

🏡 10. Who Should Consider Living in Shimotakaido?

✅ Singles or DINKs who prioritize access to Shinjuku/Shibuya

✅ Those who enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a local shopping street

✅ Families looking for a calm, child-friendly environment

✅ Anyone wanting both lifestyle convenience and solid long-term property value

✨ 11. Summary

Shimotakaido Station offers:

Excellent access to Shinjuku and Shibuya

A nostalgic yet convenient shopping street

A compact and easy-to-live-in urban environment

Affordable rental and property prices compared to central Tokyo

A well-balanced, welcoming neighborhood suitable for many lifestyles—whether you're a student, working professional, or raising a family.