Tokyo Neigborhoods

Live Near Shibuya: Top Affordable Neighborhoods

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most dynamic districts, packed with shopping, dining, and entertainment.

It is a microcosm of what a lot of people love most about living in Tokyo: young, fashion- and techno-forward, shop-till-you-drop, and non-stop the whole way. You will never forget the first time you join the scrum traversing Shibuya scramble.

That being said, it is not inexpensive to live in Shibuya.

Rent in Shibuya

According to HOME’S, average rent for an apartment near Shibuya Station (as of September 2016) is:

  • Studio (1R, 1K, 1DK): ¥124,100 ($1,240 @ 100 JPY = 1 USD)
  • 1BR to 2BR (1LDK, 2K, 2DK): ¥211,900 ($2,119)
  • 2BR to 3BR (2LDK, 3K, 3DK): ¥352,700($3,527)
  • 3BR to 4BR (3LDK, 4K, 4DK): ¥439,600 ($4,396)

You can certainly find share houses and studio apartments listing for lower than these average rent levels.

In Real Estate Japan’s database, as of September 2016, you can find Shibuya apartments renting from around ¥65,000 a month for a small studio apartment.

But if you want to lower your monthly housing expense, without giving up the convenience and benefits of living near Shibuya, here are some nearby neighborhoods to consider.

Yutenji

Where: Yutenji Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line

To Shibuya: 3 stops (7 minutes) direct to Shibuya

Why: The two stations adjacent Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko line, Daikanyama and Nakameguro, are both popular upmarket residential areas. Simply by skipping these two neighborhoods for the next station over, Yutenji, you’ll still have an easy to ride to Shibuya, be within walking distance to Nakameguro and Ebisu, and not have to pay upscale rent. There is also a good neighborhood shoutengai (shopping arcade) near the station, so everything you need is right there.

Yutenji Shopping Arcade. Photo: repairfactory.jp
Yutenji Shopping Arcade. Photo: repairfactory.jp

Average Rent in Yutenji

The average rent for an apartment near Yutenji Station (as of September 2016) is:

  • Studio (1R, 1K, 1DK): ¥87,200 yen ($872 @ 100 JPY = 1 USD)
  • 1BR to 2BR (1LDK, 2K, 2DK): ¥152,400 ($1,524)
  • 2BR to 3BR (2LDK, 3K, 3DK): ¥199,600 ($1,996)
  • 3BR to 4BR (3LDK, 4K, 4DK): 266,300 yen ($2663)

However, you certainly can find apartments for lower than the average rent levels mentioned above.

Listings in Real Estate Japan’s database for share houses near Yutenji start from the low ¥30,000 ($300) a month range.

Studio apartments near Yutenji start from the low ¥50,000 a month range.

See listings for Yutenji apartments.

Gakugei Daigaku

Where: Gakugei Daigaku Station is on the Tokyu Toyoko Line

To Shibuya: 4 stops (9 minutes) direct to Shibuya

Why: Same as for Yutenji above, only one stop further away from Shibuya. Gagkugei Daigaku is named after the university that used to be located there, and many budget-friendly food options remain near the station. Gakugei Daigaku is in a central location, giving you easy access to to Shibuya, Nakameguro and Denenchofu, one of Tokyo’s most prestigious residential suburbs. In recent years, Gakugei Daigaku has also gained a reputation for its unpretentious but serious restaurant scene. Foodies welcome here!

Lots of options for gourmands in Gakugei Daigaku.
Lots of options for gourmands in Gakugei Daigaku

Average Rent in Gakugei Daigaku

The average rent for an apartment near Gakugei Daigaku Station (as of September 2016) is:

  • Studio (1R, 1K, 1DK): ¥90,800 yen ($980 @ 100 JPY = 1 USD)
  • 1BR to 2BR (1LDK, 2K, 2DK): ¥180,800 ($1,808)
  • 2BR to 3BR (2LDK, 3K, 3DK): ¥203,200 ($2,030)
  • 3BR to 4BR (3LDK, 4K, 4DK): 266,300 yen ($2663)

However, don’t be turned off by these average rent levels.

You can find Studio apartments near Gakugei Daigaku in our database from the low ¥50,000 a month range.

See listings for Gakugei Daigaku apartments.

Jiyugaoka

Where: Jiyugaoka Station is on the Tokyu Toyoko Line

To Shibuya: 6 stops (10 minutes) direct to Shibuya

Why: With its leafy tree-lined streets and many boutiques, eateries and cafes, Jiyugaoka is synonymous with “calm and sophisticated”. It is where you live if you like to take a pleasant stroll around on your day off and have an excellent meal at your local hang out.

Yet, Jiyugaoka is only ten minutes by train from Shibuya, so you can easily get to the heart of frenetic Tokyo, if and when you want.

jiyugaoka-tokyo
Jiyugaoka is calm and sophisticated but just a ten-minute ride from Shibuya. Photo: find-travel.jp

Average Rent in Jiyugaoka

The average rent for an apartment near Jiyugaoka Station (as of September 2016) is:

  • Studio (1R, 1K, 1DK): ¥92,200 yen ($922 @ 100 JPY = 1 USD)
  • 1BR to 2BR (1LDK, 2K, 2DK): ¥153,500 ($1,535)
  • 2BR to 3BR (2LDK, 3K, 3DK): ¥200,200 ($2,002)
  • 3BR to 4BR (3LDK, 4K, 4DK): Not enough properties with this layout to calculate an average

However, these are just average rent levels. If you are ok with a smaller apartment, you can find an affordable place in Jiyugaoka.

Studio apartments near Jiyugaoka in our database start from the low ¥60,000 a month range.

See listings for Jiyugaoka apartments.

Tamagawa

Where: Tamagawa Station is on the Tokyu Toyoko Line

To Shibuya: 8 stops (13 minutes) direct to Shibuya

Why: The Tamagawa neighborhood is a small slice of nature located just a short train ride from the center of the city. The “gawa” in Tamagawa means river, and the Tama River is what makes this area special. Here you can fish, picnic, barbecue, jog, golf, or just enjoy being away from the madding crowd. Live in Tamagawa and you will have proximity to both the city center and to green space.

Tamagawa Park, Tokyo.
Tamagawa Park, Tokyo.

The average rent for an apartment near Tamagawa Station (as of September 2016) is:

  • Studio (1R, 1K, 1DK): ¥77,500 yen ($775 @ 100 JPY = 1 USD)
  • 1BR to 2BR (1LDK, 2K, 2DK): ¥122,000 ($1,220)
  • 2BR to 3BR (2LDK, 3K, 3DK): ¥140,100 ($1,401)
  • 3BR to 4BR (3LDK, 4K, 4DK): ¥409,200 yen ($4,092)

However, don’t be turned off by these average rent levels.

You can find Studio apartments near Tamagawa in our database from the high ¥50,000 a month range.

See listings for Tamagawa apartments.

Youga

Where: Youga Station is on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line

To Shibuya: 5 stops (15 minutes) direct to Shibuya

Why: Youga is a residential neighborhood in Setagaya Ward. There is an abundance of shopping near the station. It is probably most well-known for Kinuta Park, a large grassy park with great playgrounds for the kids, and beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring.

Kinuta Park near Youga Station.
Kinuta Park near Youga Station.

The average rent for an apartment near Youga Station (as of September 2016) is:

  • Studio (1R, 1K, 1DK): ¥85,700 yen ($857 @ 100 JPY = 1 USD)
  • 1BR to 2BR (1LDK, 2K, 2DK): ¥138,100 ($1,381)
  • 2BR to 3BR (2LDK, 3K, 3DK): ¥183,900 ($1,839)
  • 3BR to 4BR (3LDK, 4K, 4DK): ¥228,800 yen ($2,280)

You can find apartments for less than these average rent levels.

You can find Studio apartments near Youga in our database from the mid ¥50,000 a month range.

See listings for Youga apartments.

You may also be interested in: Best Places to Live in Tokyo: 2016 Survey


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