Nishi-Kokubunji Area Guide

Nestled between larger stations like Kokubunji and Tachikawa, It's easy to miss this small residential area in your search for the perfect place in Tokyo. But, Nishi-Kokubunji has plenty to offer for those who prioritize quiet, uncrowded neighborhoods. With the sprawling skyscrapers of Shinjuku just 30 minutes away, you won't feel that far removed from the heartbeat of downtown Tokyo.

Details

Highlights
-- Residential neighborhood with a calm, laid-back atmosphere.
-- Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library is just five minutes away from the station.
-- Both the Chuo and Musashino Line can be accessed at this station for increased transportation options.
Trainline(s)
Nishi-Kokubunji Station is located on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) and the JR Musashino Line.
Access
From Nishi-Kokubunji Station on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid):
-- 29-min direct to Shinjuku Station
-- 42-min direct to Tokyo Station
-- 40-min to Shibuya Station (1 transfer)
Looking at the street stretching south of Nishi-Kokubunji Station. About 7 minutes away from the station, the area has a calm and suburban atmosphere. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Contents

Nishi-Kokubunji at a glance


Nishi-Kokubunji Station is one of those stations that is between larger, much more well-known stations like Tachikawa and Kokubunji. As a smaller station, you won’t find the area quite that busy or crowded – which could be a plus if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed neighborhood. Along with this, rent tends to be just slightly cheaper in this area. But, there are still a handful of restaurants and shops near the station which help increase the livability from an entertainment and convenience standpoint.

Looking over a stretch of road in Nishi-Kokubunji. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Transportation

Compared to stations like Kichijoji and Tachikawa, Nishi-Kokubunji is a small stop on the JR Chuo Line – but you’ll be able to transfer to the JR Musashino Line here giving you the option for traversing North-South. 

It’ll take approximately 31 minutes to get from Shinjuku Station on the Chuo Line. Since the Special Rapid Service doesn’t make a stop at Nishi-Kokubunji Station, the travel time from Tachikawa to Shinjuku can be faster.

Nishi-Kokubunji Station North Exit. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Rent

Rent in the area tends to be slightly cheaper compared to that of nearby stations. Here are current (September 2019) averages for renting apartments in Nishi-Kokubunji.

Studio/1K/1DK ¥57,200/month (About $540 assuming an exchange rate of ¥106/US dollar)

1LDK/2K/2DK ¥83,300 (About $790)

2LDK/3K/3DK ¥110,700 (About $1,040)

Of course, these are averages so it is possible to find cheaper listings (most likely those farther away from the station, or in older buildings, etc.) if affordability is your main concern. For a better idea of currently available properties in the area, check out listings here: Nishi-Kokubunji Apartments.

For example, rent for 1R apartments in the Nishi-Kokubunji area starts at around ¥49,000 per month.

A pedestrian path is helpful for getting around the neighborhood. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Apartments for rent in the Nishi-Kokubunji area

Ease of living

On the south end of the station you’ll find the LEGA department store. Inside there’s everything from a 100 yen store, dental clinic, gym, and grocery store (basement floor). Photo: Scott Kouchi

This is a very quiet and calm neighborhood that doesn’t feel too far away from downtown Tokyo. If you can live without multiple department stores or rows of izakayas then I think Nishi-Kokubunji could be a good option to look into.

Just across from the north exit of Nishi-Kokubunji Station is a small selection of restaurants and izakayas. While it’s not the nightlife that you can find at bigger stations, you’ll be able to enjoy dining out or grabbing a drink after work in Nishi-Kokubunji. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Your options for shopping are definitely limited compared to shopping around stations like Kichijoji and Kokubunji, but that doesn’t mean the livability is drastically reduced. You’ll still find a selection of supermarkets for picking up groceries, as well as some local restaurants and izakayas (Japanese-style bar).

Living near a library is a great resource for those with children. Or, if you’re a student you can utilize the area for studying and/or research! Photo: Scott Kouchi

There’s also plenty of parks around, which is great for those with children. Just five minutes away from the station you’ll find the Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Library, where you can browse the latest magazines or study at the cafe.

It may not look like much now, but this is where Musashi-Kokubunji Temple used to stand. Today there’s just ruins, but the history of the original seven-storied pagoda that once existed here dates back to the 8th century. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Who is this area ideal for?

Fresh focaccia and mini-pizzas are on display at Ayaka Bakery. The smiling loafs of bread in the lead image can also be found here. Photo: Scott Kouchi

All things considered, you should take a look at Nishi-Kokubunji if peace and quiet are a high priority for you in your apartment search. The slightly more affordable rent is also a bonus taking into account this station is only about 30 minutes away from Shinjuku. Speaking about transportation, the fact that this small station offers the ability to traverse North-South on the Musashino Line is also a convenience for getting around west Tokyo. Nishi-Kokubunji is a livable area that could be a great fit whether you’re looking into renting a studio or trying to find a 2LDK for your family.

See all Tokyo Area Guides

Lead photo: Scott Kouchi

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