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

You may also be interested in

Jujo Area Guide

Jujo is a neighborhood in Kita Ward, Tokyo. It’s located just north of the major transportation hub of Ikebukuro, making it a convenient area for commuters seeking options for quick and easy transportation into downtown Tokyo. Ease of transportation isn’t the only convenience provided by this neighborhood, nearby Jujo Ginza is a local shopping street with a variety of shops, making picking up daily necessities easy.

Kachidoki Area Guide

Kachidoki is a newer addition to Tokyo’s list of residential neighborhoods. Located in Tokyo Bay, residents enjoy a mix of modern conveniences (shopping malls, high-rise apartment complexes, beautiful waterfront parks) close to Tokyo’s commercial districts. As the area becomes more developed, an increasing number of families are moving to the area because of the calm and family-friendly environment!

Hatagaya Area Guide

Hatagaya is a calm and livable neighborhood located on the Keio New Line just west of downtown Shinjuku. This convenient location makes it a great option for commuters, and the distance away from the crowds of downtown Shinjuku gives the area a more relaxed feeling.

Yutenji Area Guide

Yutenji is a residential neighborhood found close to central Meguro Ward, Tokyo. It has a reputation as a very livable neighborhood that has easy access to some of Tokyo’s most famous and stylish areas like Daikanyama and downtown Shibuya. What Yutenji might lack in terms of nightlife it more than makes up for in providing a calm and quiet environment.

Sangubashi Area Guide

Sangubashi is a quiet residential neighborhood located on the outskirts of Yoyogi Park. This gives residents a huge backyard of sorts for picnics, gatherings, and exercise. On top of this, Sangubashi Station is connected to Shinjuku via the Odakyu Line, making commutes into downtown Tokyo very easy and quick. Apartment seekers looking for a convenient residential neighborhood close to Shinjuku should definitely give Sangubashi consideration!

Kodaira Area Guide

Kodaira City is a residential neighborhood located in west Tokyo on the Seibu Shinjuku Line. Its location in the suburbs of Tokyo offers a very quiet and calm environment which is very popular with families. Plenty of space and few crowds make living more comfortable, and with only a roughly 30 minute train ride to Shinjuku, this might be a great balance for those looking for a local vibe in Tokyo.

Ikejiriohashi Area Guide

Ikejiriohashi resides where three different neighborhoods collide: Ikejiri, Ohashi, and Higashiyama. It straddles the border of Setagaya Ward and Meguro Ward, creating an area that has a very livable urban feel. Plenty of restaurants and bars in the area for exploring a vibrant nightlife, while wide sidewalks along the main roads and plenty of supermarkets for daily necessities make it easy to live in.

Nogizaka Area Guide

Nogizaka is a high-class residential neighborhood located in central Minato Ward, Tokyo. Within walking distance from Nogizaka you can get to Aoyama, Omotesando, Akasaka, or Roppongi. This is a terrific convenience for those who love the idea of having a wide variety of destinations close to home! Great for being able to explore different neighborhoods of Tokyo on your feet!

Mita Area Guide

Contents Location Key Stats Livability Mita Apartments Location You’ll find the neighborhood of Mita located quite centrally in Minato Ward, Tokyo. Thanks to this geographical position, it actually offers a nice mid-point between a few different business/commercial districts around Tokyo… More

Nakai Area Guide

Nakai is a cozy and quiet residential neighborhood in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. This little gem of a neighborhood gives residents fantastic transportation access to business districts. It’s also much more relaxed compared to the downtown glitz and glamor of Shinjuku.