Josai Area (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Nakano, Suginami, Nerima) Station & Area Guide Information
🐠 Shibuya Station Exit Guide: How Not to Get Lost
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts, known for youth culture, fashion, nightlife, and the world-famous Scramble Crossing.But Shibuya Station is also one of the most confusing stations in Japan due to constant construction and a complex layout. This guide helps you navigate Shibuya Station easily, with clear directions for each purpose. 🚉 Why Is Shibuya Station So Confusing? Multiple train lines intersect vertically, making the station feel like a maze. • JR Lines• Tokyu Lines (Toyoko, Den-en-toshi)• Tokyo Metro (Hanzomon, Ginza, Fukutoshin)• Keio Inokashira Line The station also connects directly to major shopping complexes, and many pathways go underground, so it’s easy to lose your sense of direction. 🎯 The Three Main Exits You Should Remember Memorize these three, and everything becomes easier: • Hachiko Exit (Scramble Crossing, Center Street)• Miyamasuzaka Exit (Hikarie area)• South Exit (Shibuya Stream area) Everything else is located around these. 🧭 Best Exits for Each Destination 🐕 Hachiko Exit (Shibuya’s Main Exit) This is the heart of Shibuya. • Shibuya Scramble Crossing• Hachiko Statue• Center Street• Shibuya MODI• TSUTAYA• Tower Records (walking distance) If you are unsure where to go, just choose Hachiko Exit. ✨ Miyamasuzaka Exit / Hikarie Side The stylish, clean,…
🌆 Shibuya City — Where Trend Meets Tradition A truly international district blending global trends with historical depth
Shibuya is famous worldwide for its Scramble Crossing and its concentration of cutting-edge culture, fashion, tech companies, and entertainment. From Harajuku and Omotesando to Ebisu, Daikanyama, Hiroo, and Jingumae, each neighborhood offers its own atmosphere. The district also embraces large green spaces like Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park, creating a beautiful contrast between modern trends and deep-rooted tradition. Recent redevelopment projects such as Shibuya Hikarie, Shibuya Stream, Shibuya Scramble Square, and MIYASHITA PARK add new layers to a district where old and new coexist in a dynamic, three-dimensional cityscape. 📛 Origin of the Name There are several theories regarding the name “Shibuya.” Some attribute it to the Shibuya River, others to a historical samurai clan called the Shibuya family, and another theory links it to the valley-like lowlands (yachi) of the area. Local museums and archives introduce these multiple coexisting theories. 📜 Formation and Historical Highlights ・1932: Former Shibuya Town, Sendagaya Town, and Yoyohata Town merged to form Shibuya Ward ・1947: Became one of Tokyo’s Special Wards ・Post-war: Grew into Japan’s youth-culture capital ・2000s to present: Major station-area redevelopments continue to transform the district 🦮 Hachiko & Shibuya Scramble Crossing The first Hachiko statue was built in 1934, removed…
🏙 Shinjuku City — From the “City That Never Sleeps” to a Global Metropolis A symbol of diversity, dynamism, and constant evolution
🌏 Overview Shinjuku City is located in the central-western part of Tokyo’s 23 wards and serves as the seat of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It is a global district where administration, business, culture, entertainment, and residential neighborhoods coexist. By day, it functions as one of Japan’s major office hubs. By night, it transforms into a vibrant nightlife and gourmet destination. Surrounding areas offer tranquil residential zones and abundant greenery, making Shinjuku a multi-layered and highly desirable place to live. From a real estate perspective, it stands out for its strong transportation network, brand power, and continuous redevelopment. 📛 Origin of the Name “Shinjuku” dates back to the Edo period when a new post town, Naito-Shinjuku, was established along the Koshu Highway. Since it was a newly created post station (“new shuku”), the area was named “Shinjuku.” With the introduction of railways, the town rapidly developed into a major commercial and transportation hub, setting the foundation for today’s bustling district. 📚 Historical Timeline ⏳ Edo Period: Naito-Shinjuku post town established along the Koshu Highway ⏳ Meiji Period: Shinjuku Station opens in 1885, becoming a key rail junction ⏳ Postwar Era: Redevelopment brings cinemas, department stores, and nightlife ⏳ 1991: Tokyo Metropolitan…
🌸 Nakano City – Where Subculture, Cherry Blossoms, and Urban Convenience Meet
🗺 Overview Nakano City sits just west of Shinjuku, only one stop away on the JR Chuo Line. Its biggest charm is the balance between convenience and everyday comfort: a lively redeveloped station area packed with offices, universities, and shops, and peaceful low-rise residential neighborhoods just a short walk away. From single professionals to families, Nakano offers flexible housing choices with a wide range of rental and condominium options. Quiet residential areas such as Saginomiya, Shirasagi, Yayoicho, and Minamidai coexist with vibrant zones around Nakano and Higashi-Nakano, where dining and shopping options are abundant. The north side of the station features "Nakano Shiki-no-Machi" and Nakano Central Park, a green and walkable district where offices, university campuses, and parks blend seamlessly. 📜 Origin of the Name The name “Nakano” is believed to refer to the “middle of the plains” of the Musashino Plateau. Its earliest known appearance in historical documents dates back to 1362 as “Nakano-go.” Ancient place names such as Ekoda and Numabukuro remain today, reflecting a long local history. 🏙 Formation of Nakano City Nakano City was founded in 1932 when the former Nakano Town and former Nogata Town merged. After World War II, residential development accelerated with population…
🌿🏙 Setagaya City — A neighborhood where urban convenience meets everyday comfort
🌿 What is Setagaya City? Setagaya sits just west of Shibuya and Shinjuku and is one of Tokyo’s largest residential districts. Low-rise leafy neighborhoods stretch across the area, balanced by lively hubs such as Sangenjaya, Futako-Tamagawa, and Shimokitazawa. Quiet streets and great convenience live side by side — a key reason for its enduring popularity. Multiple private railway lines run through Setagaya, offering quick door-to-door access to major Tokyo stations. With childcare facilities, schools, parks, and shopping areas all within walking distance, the district is highly favored by families, DINKS, expats, and remote workers. 📛 Origin of the Name The name “Setagaya” is believed to come from an old place-name describing valley terrain in the area. “Seta” is related to the word “Seta/Sedo” (a term describing a narrow strait or passage), and over time the pronunciation and writing evolved into today’s “Setagaya.” The name reflects the geography and long-lived history of the region. 🏯 Historical Highlights 🏞 Setagaya Castle A flatland castle once held by the Kira clan during the Muromachi–Sengoku periods. Today it survives as Setagaya Castle Ruins Park, where visitors can still see remnants such as earthen embankments. A touch of medieval history right inside a quiet residential…
🏙️ Suginami City — What Is It? A neighborhood where Chuo Line culture meets abundant greenery. A comfortable, relaxed place to live with its own creative and local charm.
🏡 In Real Estate Terms Suginami City is known as a well-balanced residential area offering both direct access to central Tokyo and calm, low-rise neighborhoods. The district’s local shopping streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and rich greenery make it popular among families, DINKs, and singles alike. 🌳 Origin of the Name “Suginami” comes from the Edo period, when feudal lord Tadakichi Okabe planted rows of cedar trees along the Ome-kaido road as a landmark. The term “Suginamiki” (cedar row) was gradually shortened and became “Suginami,” eventually adopted as the name of the district. 📜 History at a Glance 1932: Incorporated into Tokyo as Suginami City Post-war: Rapid development as a residential district The expansion of Ome-kaido and the introduction of streetcars (later becoming the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) boosted local mobility 🖋 A Literary Heritage From the 1920s, many prominent writers—such as Masuji Ibuse, Osamu Dazai, and Yasunari Kawabata—lived in Asagaya. The traditions of the “Asagaya Bungaku (Asagaya Literati)” still leave a cultural imprint on the area. 🏘️ Distinct Personalities of Each Town 🎉 Koenji Known for vintage shops, live houses, and youth culture. The Koenji Awa Odori Festival (since 1957) is now one of Tokyo’s iconic summer events. 🎷 Asagaya Home…
🌳 Nerima City – What Is It? A residential powerhouse in western Tokyo, where greenery, animation culture, and comfort come together
Nerima City sits in the northwest of Tokyo’s 23 wards, covering a vast area of about 48.08 km². Set along the gentle terrain of the Musashino Plateau, with rivers like Shakujii River and Shirako River flowing through spacious green parks, the area offers a relaxed lifestyle while remaining close to central Tokyo. Historic parks such as Shakujii Park (opened in 1959) and the expansive Hikarigaoka Park create rich “green breathing spaces,” making Nerima one of the most popular family-friendly residential areas in the city. 📛 Where does the name “Nerima” come from? There are several theories about the origin of the name: From “neriba,” meaning a clay-working site that used red Kanto loam soil From “Nenuma,” referring to marshy land once common in the area From “Norinuma,” a Nara-era station name that shifted in pronunciation From “Neruma,” meaning a place where horses were trained None are definitive, but all reflect the land’s historical relationship with soil, water, and horses. 📜 Historical Highlights 🏯 Medieval Period The Shakujii Castle served as a stronghold of the Toshima clan. It fell in 1477 in a battle against Ota Dokan. Today, remnants like moats and earthworks remain as Tokyo-designated historic sites. 🌱 Edo to…
🏙 What is the Josai Area (West of Central Tokyo)? ―― A well-balanced residential zone connecting Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Nakano, Suginami, and Nerima ―― The Josai Area refers to the western part of Tokyo’s 23 wards — a region that combines excellent access to the city center with a calm, livable environment, making it one of the most desirable residential areas in Tokyo.
🏛 Overview The Josai Area covers Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Nakano, Suginami, and Nerima Wards — Tokyo’s west side. It offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility, appealing to a wide range of residents, from singles and couples to families and long-term residents. 📜 Origin of the Name The term “Josai” (城西) literally means “west of the castle,” referring to areas located west of Edo Castle (today’s Imperial Palace). This historical geographic distinction has been passed down through the centuries and is now widely used in the real estate industry to describe one of Tokyo’s most livable and sought-after residential zones. 🚇 Transportation Access The Josai Area is exceptionally convenient for commuting, thanks to its dense network of train and subway lines connecting directly to central Tokyo. Main lines: JR Chuo Line / Yamanote Line / Odakyu Line / Keio Line / Seibu Shinjuku Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Oedo Line, and more. These routes link directly to Shinjuku and Shibuya, allowing smooth travel between the city center and the suburbs. 🌆 Area Highlights Shibuya Ward Undergoing large-scale redevelopment, Shibuya stands as a global hub for youth culture, startups, and IT companies. Shinjuku Ward A…