Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome is a station on the Toei Oedo metro line in Nishi (West) Shinjuku. It is centrally located just west of Shinjuku Chuo (Central) Park and the Nishi Shinjuku skyscraper district. It’s also just one stop from Shinjuku Station.
Access to major stations
From Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome it is:
- One stop to Shinjuku Station on the Oedo line
- An 18-min ride to Shibuya with one transfer
- A 13-min direct ride to Roppongi
Nearby Japanese Language Schools
There are many language schools in the vicinity of Shinjuku Station, and it is an easy commute to a number of nearby schools from Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome. For example, the JCLI Japanese Language School is 14-min away by bus or 21-min on foot (about 1.7-km).
Your Local Guide: Jeanie
Your local guide to Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome is Jeanie, who has lived in the neighborhood for almost six months. Jeanie found her apartment through the GaijinPot Housing Service. The GaijinPot Housing Service is a bilingual support service designed to help foreigners find foreigner-friendly rental housing throughout Japan. If you are looking for an apartment from overseas, they will help you find and apply for your housing even before you arrive. Learn more about the service here.
Real Estate Japan recently conducted an e-mail interview with Jeanie to get her insight on living in Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome.
What do you like about your neighborhood?
It’s very quiet. I can walk to Shinjuku station in about 25 minutes if I have time or feel like a longer walk, and there are many stores and things to do in the Shinjuku station area. I can also walk south about 20 minutes to the Hatsudai station area There is a very cute shopping street down there that has a bit of an older-Japan feel and a lot of restaurants. At Hatsudai station there is also the Tokyo Opera City building complex, which hosts the New National Theater as well as a lot of restaurants on the upper floors. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Shinjuku so it has some great views. In a 30-40 minute walk or a 15-20 minute bus ride, you can get to Yoyogi park and the Yoyogi Hachiman station shopping area, which is more upscale.
Are there any shops or restaurants you would recommend in your neighborhood?
I highly recommend Counterpart Coffee Gallery. The coffee is really delicious and the baristas are super cool and friendly! Also, they have two small floors of seating above the coffee counter floor.
I would also recommend Rabo for ramen. It’s highly rated on the supleks ramen database (a famous website in Japan for ramen. It’s in Japanese only).
Margo is a restaurant that has some good salads (not easy to find in Japan). I get them for takeout sometimes.
What’s shopping like in the neighborhood?
Was the nearest station (Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome) an important factor in why you chose your neighborhood?
No, I wanted to live within a reasonable distance of where I’m currently attending school. I was also looking for a pet-friendly location.
How long is your commute?
Thirty-five minutes by train, 50 minutes by bus. I prefer to take the bus because in order to get to the Shibuya station area you cannot go directly from Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome. You have to change trains at either Shinjuku or Yoyogi stations to the Yamanote line, which is extremely crowded in the mornings. On the bus I can usually get a seat, so I prefer it.
What don’t you like about your neighborhood?
There is almost nothing to do near Nishi Shinjuku Go-Chome station. The station itself only has two exits, and does not have any attached/underground restaurant or shopping areas. If I want to do anything, I normally have to take a train or walk at least 20 minutes. The local grocery store is sufficient but has a very limited/uninteresting selection of produce.
Would you recommend this station/neighborhood to other foreigners?
Since there is not much to do nearby, it’s not that convenient. I would recommend living near a different station that has an attached shopping/dining area or street. However, if you prioritize quiet it might be a good choice.
How do you feel about your current residence?
My mansion is very nice. It’s newly built, roomy by Tokyo standards, and has all the latest equipment installed. As a bonus, the walls are concrete and as such very thick. I cannot hear my neighbors next door at all, which is great. Everything has worked out great with the building and apartment itself.
Would you recommend the GaijinPot Housing Service and why?
The Housing Service has been very handy. I’m not fluent in Japanese, so it has been a big relief to have their help. Helping to provide a contract I can understand, setting up the utilities, and helping to contact the apartment managers when I have needed them has been great. They are always super responsive, professional, and friendly. It has been a relief to have their help negotiating this aspect of life here.
Please tell us a little about yourself. Why did you come to Japan?
I’m a software engineer from Los Angeles. I’ve always enjoyed visiting Japan, so when I was laid off from my job I decided to take the opportunity to make a big change in my life and move to Tokyo. I’m currently attending Japanese language school and working on some personal software projects before I return to full-time working life at the end of the year.
You may also be interested in: Learn about the GaijinPot Housing Service and How to avoid hidden costs when renting an apartment in Japan
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Lead photo: Jeanie