Toyoda Area Guide

It is possible to get from Toyoda Station to Shinjuku station in 34 minutes on the special rapid service. This puts it in commuting distance from downtown Tokyo while being located at a distance where rent is significantly cheaper compared to rent within the 23 special wards of Tokyo. If separating work life from home life is important to you, this might be a location to look into! Or, if you're just curious about lesser-known areas of Tokyo, keep on reading to get the scoop on Toyoda!

Details

Highlights
-- Special rapid service on the JR Chuo Line only takes about 32 minutes to get to Shinjuku Station.
-- Rent is significantly cheaper on average compared to downtown Tokyo.
Trainline(s)
Toyoda Station is located on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid).
Access
From Toyoda Station on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) on the Special Rapid Service:
-- 32-min direct to Shinjuku Station
-- 46-min direct to Tokyo Station
-- 42-min to Shibuya Station (1 transfer)

From Toyoda Station on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) on the Rapid Service:
-- 46-min direct to Shinjuku Station
-- 59-min direct to Tokyo Station
-- 53-min to Shibuya Station (1 transfer)
Just north of Toyoda Station. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Contents

Toyoda at a glance


As a more residential stop on the Chuo Line, you won’t find many crowds around this station, giving it a very quiet and almost tranquil impression. However, larger stations like Hachioji and Tachikawa are just a quick train ride away (4 min and 7 min, respectively) for when you get the itch to do some window shopping at a department store.

Looking over the residential area south of Toyoda Station. Plenty of nature and lots of space in this neighborhood. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Transportation

Toyoda Station is only serviced by the JR Chuo Line (Rapid). It is a stop on the Special Rapid Service, though, making it possible to get to Shinjuku Station in only about 32 minutes. That’s comparable to the time it takes to get to Shinjuku from some places even within the 23 special wards of Tokyo!

South Entrance of Toyoda Station. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Rent

Rent around Toyoda is a little cheaper than rent for apartments closer to Shinjuku/Tokyo.

Studio/1K/1DK ¥68,800/month (About $650 assuming an exchange rate of ¥106/US dollar)

1LDK/2K/2DK ¥105,000 (About $990)

2LDK/3K/3DK ¥101,800 (About $960)

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 Toyoda Apartments

For example, rent for 1R apartments in the Toyoda area starts at around ¥36,000 per month.

Apartments for rent in the Toyoda area

Ease of living

A few local restaurants can be found in the basement floor of this apartment building. Photo: Scott Kouchi

There is a very calm, laid-back atmosphere in the area. You’ll notice that there is more space in general (compared to more urban areas of Tokyo) and that the area doesn’t have the suffocating crowds that can make downtown Tokyo feel confining.

This is the Aeon Mall where you’ll find fashion brands, cafes, eye clinics, travel agencies, and more. Photo: Scott Kouchi

There is a large Aeon Mall just 5 minutes north of the station where you can find many popular brands and national chains. Since there is a kids’ play area on the 3rd floor, it’s a popular area for families to spend some time together.

This is Tamadaira no Mori Fureai Community Center and Library. It’s only five minutes from the north exit of the station. Having a clean, accessible community center really helps boost the livability of an area. Photo: Scott Kouchi

The area to the south of the station has a very residential feel, and it doesn’t take that much time to find yourself amid homes and apartments, whereas you’ll find more businesses, restaurants, and supermarkets to the north of the station.

This Seiyu supermarket is a quick two-minute walk from the station. Photo: Scott Kouchi

The Tama Zoological Park is near the area (about 10 minutes by car, and 18 minutes by bus) which is a nice benefit. Like other nearby stations, access to Mount Takao is extremely easy (11 minutes by train) so you can enjoy hiking this popular trail at your convenience.

Who is this area ideal for?

Kawasemi House combines a community center and environmental information center – providing residents with a great way to stay connected to the abundant nature in the area. Photo: Scott Kouchi

This might just be my own opinion, but I feel like this would be a great area for families. It’s very quiet and calm, with just enough urban city life conveniences to make it feel connected to Tokyo. Or, if you’re looking for a studio or 1R apartment for cheap, this could also be a potential area to look into. The one caveat to living this far west of Tokyo is that if you’re always making the trip to Shinjuku/Shibuya you might find the transportation time start to wear you down.

With all that said, I still think this area is a very livable part of west Tokyo that should be on more people’s radars.

Tamadaira Park provides an open space for a nice walk. You’ll also find a playground and a few tennis courts here. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Lead photo: Scott Kouchi

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