Iidabashi Area Guide

Contents

• Location
• Key Stats
• Orientation Around the Station
• Livability
• Useful Info at a Glance
• Iidabashi Apartments

Location

Iidabashi is a small neighborhood located in the northern part of Chiyoda Ward. While it doesn’t have the same level of popularity as other central neighborhoods like Roppongi, Azabu Juban, or Hiroo, it has one thing those other neighborhoods don’t. From Iidabashi Station you can catch a train or subway on 6 different lines (Chuo-Sobu, Chuo, Tozai, Yurakucho, Namboku, and Oedo). For a relatively small neighborhood, this variety in transportation options really boosts the appeal of the area.

Key Stats

Average Rent in Iidabashi

Apartments For Rent in Iidabashi

Train Lines

JR/Subway/Other	Line
JR East	Chuo-Sobu (Local)
JR East	Chuo (Rapid)
Toei	Oedo
Tokyo Metro	Tozai
Tokyo Metro	Yurakucho
Tokyo Metro	Namboku

Accessibility

Orientation Around the Station

There are quite a few different train/subway lines converging at Iidabashi Station, making it convenient for getting around the city. However, this mix of lines can be a little tricky to navigate. It might be easier to visualize the layout of the station by separating it into the JR Station and the Metro Station.

At the JR Station there are two exits.

• The East Exit is located on ground level. The exit will put you on Mejiro-dori Ave., with the Kanda River just to the west.
• The West Exit requires walking up and down flights of stairs to access. If you need to use an elevator, you’ll have to exit via the East Exit. The west exit has been under construction since 2016 (as of November 2019 it is still undergoing additional construction). If you continue south from this exit you’ll get to Iidabashi Sakura Terrace, an outdoor shopping mall with a variety of restaurants.

There are at least 12 exits from the Iidabashi subway station.

• The A exits are found along the Tozai line. Use these exits if you need to be on the east side of the Kanda River.
• The B exits are located where the Namboku line and Yurakucho line are.
• The C exits are lined up with the Oedo line. These exits lie on the north part of the station. Exits C2 and C3 are closest to the Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens.

It’s true that Iidabashi is primarily offices, but the number of train/subway lines that can be accessed at Iidabashi Station can be a reason to choose this area over other parts of Tokyo.

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

Established in 1629, this long-standing garden is just one of three remaining daimyo (feudal lord) gardens in Tokyo. Chinese scholar Zhu Shun Shui aided in planning the design of the garden, resulting in elements of Chinese design spread throughout the garden. The Full Moon Bridge, Engetsu-kyo, is one of these Chinese-inspired works.

The flora of the garden have been chosen with great care and provide different scenes depending on the season: the autumn scenery shows off hues of red and orange of Japanese maple leaves, plum blossoms signal the end of winter, cherry blossoms provide a whimsical spring scene, and summer brings a variety of flowers to bloom.

Izakaya and Ramen Heaven

It seems like other districts and neighborhoods are more well-known for dining, but Iidabashi is no slouch when it comes to culinary offerings. In particular, ramen geeks are always on the prowl for the latest ramen fad popping up in this neighborhood.

There are popular, staple ramen spots in Iidabashi like Nidaime Tsujita (particularly famous for its “rich tsukemen”). Menya Ichiraku has taken it upon themselves to prepare a unique ramen that uses chicken and really makes for a soul-nourishing bowl of what could be considered chicken noodle soup. For those with an appetite for adventure, Nikaido offers menu items like Kimchi and Cheese Soba, Iriko (dried sardine) Broth Soba, and spicy variants like soup-less tan tan noodles!

Canal Cafe

Situated right on the Kanda River is the Canal Cafe. Not only can you come here to catch a bite to eat while relaxing next to the river, you can even rent a boat and take a quick trip on the water. From March to November they even offer a BBQ course where you can grill meats and vegetables right on the waterfront!

Kagurazaka

Although technically a separate neighborhood in its own rights, Kagurazaka is right next to Iidabashi and it deserves some mention when introducing Iidabashi. Just northwest of Iidabashi Station is a quaint shopping district that is well known for incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetics within the city. At the turn of the century this neighborhood was home to many of Tokyo’s geisha houses, some of which remain today, giving the area a rich history tied to the culture of Japan.

French Ex-Pat Community

An interesting facet of Kagurazaka’s residential population is that there is a large French ex-pat community here. In 1975, a French international school was built in the area offering schooling in French. In an effort to be able to walk their children to school and back, French families decided to move close to the school in the surrounding Kagurazaka neighborhoods. This school has since been moved to Kita Ward.

Another establishment that ties Tokyo and France together is l’Institut Franco-Japonais de Tokyo in Kagurazaka. Officially opened in 1952, this French school continues to act as one of the preeminent establishments for learning French language/culture in Tokyo.

You’ll find an abundance of French bakeries, cafes, and cheese shops here. This unique mix of traditional Japanese influences and modern French style give Kagurazaka a charming atmosphere that can’t be replicated anywhere else!

Livability

Although one of the main appealing factors for choosing to live in Iidabashi is the amount of transportation options available at Iidabashi Station, there is quite a lot to like about this livable slice of Tokyo. You’ll find that grocery stores and supermarkets are readily accessible, there are gyms close by, and plenty of public schools are located around the perimeter of the neighborhood. The main difference between Iidabashi and other centrally located neighborhoods (such as Hiroo or Roppongi) is that there aren’t as many English-oriented services in the area.

Useful Info at a Glance

Supermarkets

*This is just a selection of supermarkets in the area.

Gyms

*These are just examples of gyms available in the area.

Universities

Language Schools

Ward Office, Police, Library

Hospitals

*These are examples of clinics in the area.

Parks

Family-Friendly Features

Shopping Malls

Iidabashi Apartments

Apartments for rent near Iidabashi Station:

• Iidabashi Station apartments
• Kagurazaka Station apartments
• Suidobashi Station apartments
• Jimbocho Station apartments
• Kudanshita Station apartments
• Ichigaya Station apartments

Iidabashi’s location in the central ward of Chiyoda makes it very attractive for those commuting to downtown Tokyo. This coupled with the fact that you can access 6 different train/subway lines from Iidabashi Station makes it a great location to consider for those who are always busy with meetings around the city. Although there isn’t a major redevelopment complex in this neighborhood (like Roppongi Hills) this could be a blessing in that there are fewer tourists and visitors compared to a station like Roppongi or Ebisu. It’s possible to find studio apartments in the area for around ¥75,000 per month!

Apartments For Rent in Iidabashi

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