[For Foreigners] Shimokitazawa Guide | A Thorough Explanation of Rent Prices, Finding Rentals, and the Charms of Living There

To be precise, there is no place name called "Shimokitazawa".

The area centered around Shimokitazawa Station, where the Keio Inokashira Line and the Odakyu Line intersect, is commonly known as Shimokitazawa or simply "Shimokita."

The area around the station is a bustling shopping district, packed with vintage clothing stores, general merchandise shops, cafes, and restaurants. A short distance from the station, however, it becomes a residential area, offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere despite being in Tokyo.

access

Shimokitazawa Station is a convenient station served by two lines: the Keio Inokashira Line and the Odakyu Line. It takes about 7-8 minutes to Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira Line and about 10 minutes to Shinjuku on the Odakyu Line, providing direct access to the city center with just one train ride.

It's convenient for commuting to work or school, and travel to various parts of Tokyo is smooth.

Atmosphere and characteristics

Shimokitazawa is a town where traditional downtown charm and new culture coexist. Walking through the town, you can feel a nostalgic, retro atmosphere, and the calm streetscape with few high-rise buildings is popular with residents.

The area around the south exit of the station is home to many retro theaters from the Showa era, as well as numerous live music venues, jazz cafes, and record shops that attract music lovers. It is known as a "town of theater and music."

Furthermore, with numerous second-hand clothing stores, vintage shops, interior design shops, and cozy cafes and bars, it's an attractive place to live for foreigners as well.

Safety and livability

Although Shimokitazawa is a bustling commercial area, the residential areas are relatively safe, making it a safe place for women living alone.

However, since the bar district and shopping streets in front of the station become crowded at night, be sure to maintain basic safety awareness, such as choosing well-lit routes when returning home and being cautious of intoxicated people.

Overall, Shimokitazawa is highly regarded as a "livable town," and foreigners generally have few major safety concerns.

For foreigners who are thinking, "I'd love to live in Shimokitazawa!", this article explains the rental housing situation in Shimokitazawa.

Rent market price

The Shimokitazawa area is relatively close to the city center, so rent prices are somewhat high, but there is a wide range depending on the size and age of the building. The general guidelines for each floor plan are as follows:

(Based on our own research using information from real estate websites as of October 2025)

Comparison with neighboring areas

The area around Meidaimae Station has lower rents than Shimokitazawa, with 1R apartments costing around 80,000 yen and 1K apartments around 90,000 yen.

The area around Setagaya-Daita Station (towards Daizawa and Ikenoue) has rents that are about the same as or slightly lower than Shimokitazawa, with 1R apartments costing around 100,000 to 120,000 yen and 1K apartments around 100,000 yen. If you are looking for a quiet living environment while keeping rent down, these adjacent areas are also worth considering.

*Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year, age of the building, and walking distance. Please check the latest listing date as well.

So, let's explore some key points that foreigners should keep in mind when looking for property in Shimokitazawa.

Is Shimokitazawa a good place for foreigners to live?

The Shimokitazawa area has a large foreign population (nearly 30,000 foreigners live in Setagaya Ward as a whole), so there are plenty of rental properties available for foreigners, making it a comfortable place to live.

Foreigners who actually live there often give positive feedback, such as "There are many shops that cater to English, making it easy to live here," "It's convenient to access Shibuya and Shinjuku," and "There are many internationally diverse cafes nearby, making it a comfortable place to be."

*Reference: Population and number of households in Setagaya Ward as of October 1st (September 4th, 2025) | Setagaya Ward Official Website

How to find properties that accept foreigners

While there are many rental properties in Japan, not all of them are available to foreigners. This is because some owners have a policy of "no foreign tenants allowed."

Therefore, when searching for a property, it is best to use a real estate company that has a large number of properties that accept foreign tenants.

In addition to searching for such real estate companies on the internet, you should also refer to social media such as Facebook and word-of-mouth from foreigners who are actually renting in Japan.

Use a real estate agent who speaks English.

When researching rental properties in Shimokitazawa, it's convenient to use real estate information websites specializing in properties for foreigners.

For example, Mooovin supports English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, and all listed properties are "open to foreigners."

First, specify the area as "Tokyo," find "Setagaya City" on the map, and then zoom in to search for rental properties around "Shimokitazawa Station."

In addition to rent, when looking at property information, be sure to check the floor plans, size, and distance from the station (access).

If you find a property you like, please contact us through the "Contact Us" section.

Contract process (step-by-step guide for foreigners)

Once you find a property you like in Shimokitazawa, you proceed to the contract stage.

The process leading up to the contract generally follows these steps:

1. Property search and viewing appointment: Once you find a property you're interested in, contact the real estate company to schedule a viewing.
2. Viewing: You will actually go to see the property and check the condition of the room, the surrounding environment, and the facilities.
3. Rental Application: Once you've decided on a property you want to live in, gather the necessary documents and submit the application form.
4. Screening and Condition Verification: Based on your application, the management company or guarantor company will conduct a tenant screening. The screening process usually takes 2 to 5 days.
5. Contract signing: After thoroughly reviewing the contract details, we will formally conclude the contract.
6. Payment of initial costs and key collection: After signing the contract, you will pay initial costs such as security deposit, key money, brokerage fee, and advance rent. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive the keys and be able to move in.

For more details, please see " How to rent property in Japan (the process and timeline for signing a contract) ".
Required documents and common conditions

When a foreigner signs a lease agreement for a rental property, the following documents are generally required:

• Residence card or passport (for visa verification)
• Identity card, student/employment certificate
• Proof of income (pay slips or bank statements)
• Joint guarantor or guarantee company

Conditions vary depending on the property and owner, so please check with the real estate company in advance.

The atmosphere of Shimokitazawa varies depending on the area. Please use this as a reference when deciding where you want to live.

• North Exit Area: This area is home to many new commercial facilities such as "Shimokita Ekimae" and "reload." It's popular with trend-conscious people due to its abundance of fashion, general merchandise, and art shops. With many cafes and co-working spaces, it's also recommended for freelancers and creators.
• South Exit Area: A short distance from the station, the area transforms into a quiet residential neighborhood. There are many shops for everyday necessities, such as Village Vanguard and Muji, making it a convenient place to live. There are also many small izakayas and restaurants, offering a chance to experience local Japanese culture.
• Daizawa/Kitazawa Area: A quiet residential area a 10-15 minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station. An area where art and tranquility coexist. There are many spacious rental properties, making it popular with foreign families. It also has good access to Shibuya and Yoyogi-Uehara.
• Tohoku-zawa to Ikenoue area: A quiet residential area within a 10-15 minute walk from the station, a hidden gem with a local feel. Rent is slightly cheaper than in central Shimokitazawa, and there are many things to enjoy about living there, such as local restaurants and independently owned bakeries.

Here are some points that foreigners in particular should keep in mind when they start living in Shimokitazawa.

Garbage disposal and local government procedures

Japan has strict rules for garbage disposal (sorting, days, times, etc.). Moreover, the rules vary depending on the area and municipality, so please be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules for Shimokitazawa (Setagaya Ward) and follow them.

The rules for garbage disposal in Setagaya Ward are posted on the ward's official website. It is available in multiple languages, including English, so please be sure to check it.

• How to dispose of garbage | Setagaya City Official Website

After moving, you will need to submit a change of address form and update your resident registration. Please check the ward's information page for foreigners. This page is also available in multiple languages.

• Notification required when moving to Setagaya Ward from outside the ward (transfer of residence notification)

Nearby facilities and English-speaking locations

The area around Shimokitazawa Station has a variety of facilities that are useful for foreigners living there.

• 24-hour supermarket: Daiei Shimokitazawa
• Hospitals offering English-language services: Dental Office Shimokitazawa , Clinic Plus Shimokitazawa (Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Allergy)
• Foreign Residents' Office: Setagaya International Exchange Center : Provides a wide range of services for foreign residents, including information on daily life, Japanese language learning support, and hosting international exchange events.

Finally, here are some recommended spots in Shimokitazawa.

shopping

Shimokitazawa, lined with general stores and vintage clothing shops, is a fun place to search for hidden gems. The Shimokita Ekimae shopping complex, directly connected to the station, offers a variety of unique shops and galleries. The walls and atrium in the common areas are adorned with artwork by illustrator Yu Nagaba, depicting various scenes and figures, creating a distinctly Shimokitazawa atmosphere.

Cafe & Gourmet

There are a variety of restaurants, including cafes in renovated old houses, famous pancake shops, bars, and bistros. There are plenty of places to relax and unwind between shopping and sightseeing.

• Brooklyn Roasting Company : An American coffee chain. They also offer breakfast, pasta, and meat dishes, making it suitable for use as a cafe or restaurant.
• Sarutahiko Coffee Shimokitazawa : While it's a coffee shop during the day, at night it transforms into a bar-like atmosphere with its "Night Session" concept. You can enjoy adult-oriented activities such as coffee cocktails.
• Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa : Offers a wide variety of colorful, seasonal sweets (fruit tarts, parfaits, etc.). They also have light meals such as omurice, French toast, and pasta. It's a popular spot with women due to its bright atmosphere.
• Cafe Tomei Bara : A retro coffee shop where you can enjoy an old-fashioned atmosphere. You can enjoy menu items that are typical of Japanese coffee shops, such as "Napolitan" spaghetti, coffee jelly, and cream soda.

Culture and tourist attractions

This article introduces tourist spots that will make your stroll through Shimokitazawa even more enjoyable and enriching.

• Shimokitazawa Arts : A gallery that primarily exhibits solo shows by young contemporary artists. The quality of the artwork is high, and the exhibition space is comfortable. Checking the latest exhibition themes will allow you to experience a poetic and fantastical world.
• Honda Theatre : You can see independent Japanese theater productions and performances by young actors, offering a cultural experience typical of Shimokitazawa.
• Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine : A historic shrine. Not only is the atmosphere of the shrine itself wonderful, but walking around the surrounding area is very pleasant. There is also a festival in September, where you can experience local events.
• Shimokita Senrogai Open Space : This open space utilizes the former railway line and is used as a liberating public space within the city. Food stalls, craft shops, and general stores sometimes pop up there, making it a great place to stop by while taking a stroll.