Nishi-Ogikubo Area Guide

Nishi-Ogikubo is a smaller residential area sandwiched between Kichijoji and Ogikubo on the Chuo Line. It’s notable for being home to a large number of antique stores, giving this neighborhood a somewhat reserved, nostalgic charm. Although it might be tucked between larger and busier stations, Nishi-Ogikubo offers its own lifestyle that just might match what you’re looking for. 

Details

Highlights
-- Relatively quiet and calm compared to neighboring stations.
-- Average rent is also lower than that of surrounding area.
-- Variety of local produce vendors makes it easy to pick up fresh groceries.
-- SEIYU supermarket at the station is open 24-hours.
Trainline(s)
Nishi-Ogikubo Station is located on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) and JR Chuo-Sobu Line (Local).
Access
From Nishi-Ogikubo Station on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) and JR Chuo-Sobu Line (Local):
-- 13-min direct to Shinjuku Station
-- 26-min direct to Tokyo Station
-- 22-min to Shibuya Station (1 transfer)

Inside Nishi-Ogikubo Station at the ticket gates. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Contents

Just a quick walk from the station, you’ll find family-owned grocery stores with fresh produce – great for picking up ingredients on the way home! Photo: Scott Kouchi

Nishi-Ogikubo at a glance


It might seem like Nishi-Ogikubo is overshadowed by its Chuo Line neighbors, but perhaps it’s more appropriate to view Nishi-Ogikubo as a diamond in the rough. Essentially, by living in Nishi-Ogikubo, you’re trading a little bit of convenience (lack of department stores, fewer gyms, etc.) for cheaper rent and a quieter neighborhood.

With that said, you can actually find a variety of restaurants and small/local shops scattered around the station. But it’s immediately apparent that both Kichijoji and Ogikubo offer a lot more convenience concentrated around their respective stations.

Transportation

Looking at the South Exit of Nishi-Ogikubo Station. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Nishi-Ogikubo Station itself is only connected to the JR Chuo line (rapid and local). You have the option to take a bus to other surrounding lines (Seibu-Shinjuku Line to the north, and Keio Inokashira Line to the south).

Rent

The rent in Nishi-Ogikubo is relatively cheaper compared to the surrounding neighborhoods. This is likely due to the fact that there aren’t any shopping malls or department stores at the station.

  • Studio/1K ¥75,800/month (About $720 assuming an exchange rate of ¥106/US dollar)
  • 1LDK/2DK/2K ¥117,900 (About $1100)
  • 2LDK/3DK/3K ¥148,700 (About $1400)

As always, make sure you check Real Estate Japan for less expensive options.

For example, rent for some 1K apartments near Ogikubo Station starts at around ¥54,000 per month.

Apartments for rent in the Nishi-Ogikubo area

To see current listings, please click on the links below.

 

Ease of living

It’s convenient to have fresh produce easily accessible in your neighborhood! Photo: Scott Kouchi

There’s no hiding the fact that Nishi-Ogikubo is one of the quieter stations on the Chuo Line. That being said, it’s not like you’d have trouble finding household necessities in the area. There is a 24-hour supermarket located just out of the North Exit of the station. Unlike Ogikubo, however, there is no sprawling department store to leisurely take a stroll through.

Adjacent to Nishi-Ogikubo Station is this Seiyu supermarket. It’s open 24-hours, which provides peace of mind in case you need to make a late-night grocery run. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Whereas the surrounding stations (Kichijoji, Ogikubo) have plenty of sights, museums, and venues to draw in crowds of visitors, Nishi-Ogikubo doesn’t have that same magnetic appeal. This can either play in your favor (if you prefer a quieter, more residential environment), or it could be a dealbreaker (if you want to live somewhere with quick access to a lively nightlife).

Despite its reputation as a residential area, there are quite a few businesses located around Nishi-Ogikubo Station. Photo: Scott Kouchi

That being said, Nishi-Ogikubo is only one station away from Kichijoji or Ogikubo so you wouldn’t be too far from larger stations to get your fill of excitement.

A look down a more residential street in Nishi-Ogikubo. Photo: Scott Kouchi

You will find a few gyms to the south of the station (TAC, Anytime Fitness), but there doesn’t seem to be much available on the north side.

Near the South Exit of Nishi-Ogikubo Station you can find this collection of very local restaurants and bars. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Instead of large department stores with national (or even global) brands, Nishi-Ogikubo offers unique, local shops and restaurants.

There are many small cafes around the station, so you’ll always be close to your caffeine fix. Pictured is a coffee and toast set from Dongurisha. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Who is this area ideal for?

If you prefer a more residential vibe (keep in mind we’re still talking about within Tokyo, so “residential” is a loose term here) and are willing to give up a little bit of convenience, then I think taking a look at Nishi-Ogikubo is worth your time. Or, if you want to save a little bit on rent, this might be the area to check out if you’re primarily going to be using the Chuo Line.

 

Lead photo: Scott Kouchi

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