2018-01-24

Living in Ogikubo: What is it Like for Foreigners?

Advice

Ogikubo is most famous for being Tokyo’s “Ramen Town”. The mouthwatering ramen in this area is mixed with fish broth, which is not so common in Tokyo, as mainly pork broth is used.

However, there are more aspects to Ogikubo other than its delicious ramen. For instance, it is in a highly accessible location, due to the numerous railway lines that connect to Ogikubo Station.

Read further to learn more about Ogikubo.

Ogikubo: The family-friendly ramen town of Tokyo

Ogikubo is a residential area filled with apartments and condominiums. Ogikubo Station is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and other services. If you walk further, you will reach the residential area.

Located in Suginami-ku, the area is not in the central part of Tokyo but is close enough to reach those locations within minutes. For this reason, Ogikubo is an ideal location for those who want to live in a tranquil area within the city.

Contributing to this peaceful atmosphere are the scruffy cafes and quaint antique shops that are scattered in the streets. Additionally, nearby is the Otaguro Park which has a long gingko tree promenade.

And of course, the smell of various types of ramen attracts locals and tourists alike. Inside the shops, you will see office workers ordering a bowl of ramen after a hard day’s work.

Access

From Tokyo Station, take the Chuo Rapid Line to Ogikubo (approx. 25 minutes)
From Shibuya Station, take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Yamanote Line, or the Saikyo Line to Shinjuku Station, and transfer to the Chuo Rapid Line to Ogikubo (approx. 21 minutes)
From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Rapid Line to Ogikubo Station (approx. 10 minutes)

Famous Locations

Gekkosha

If you have a functioning record player at home, you will love this cozy second-hand shop where you can purchase rare vinyls, CDs, and books. The store will also buy your old discs at a good price.

Gekkosha is not far from the Ogikubo Station. Just walk from the north exit of the station and you will come face to face with this amazing place.

Access

Address: 1-4-11 Kamiogi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Directions: 2 minutes on foot from Ogikubo Station

Suginami Animation Museum

If you love anime, chances are you have an interest in the history of Japanese animation as well. One place we recommend is the Suginami Animation Museum, where you can dig deep into the world of anime.

You can check out exhibitions, try your hands at illustration, watch old animation, and many more. It is not only about staring and standing, you can actually get involved or listen to professionals talk during workshops.

If you want to rest from all the activities, visit the museum library, filled with comics, DVDs, and a theater.

Access

Address: 3-29-5 Kamiogi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Directions: 20 minutes on foot from Ogikubo Station

Zenpukuji Park

The Zenpukji Park is situated in a quiet residential area that is tucked between the Nishi-Ogikubo and Kamishakuji stations. The spacious park has well-maintained grounds for playing, a pond with rental rowboats, and the Benzaiten shrine.

Foreigners and locals love this beautiful and convenient park because it does not get so crowded. It is also said that you can see various types of rare birds. The Zenpukuji Park is a spot to escape from the bustling life of the city.

Access

Address: 3-9-10 Zenpukuji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Directions: From Ogikubo Station, take the Kanto Bus for Minami-zenpukuji and get off at Zenpukuji-koen

Why Foreigners Live in Ogikubo

Easy Access to Central Tokyo

With such a quiet and tranquil atmosphere, Ogikubo feels far away from Tokyo. But in reality, the central areas of the metropolis are only minutes away by train. This is due to Ogikubo Station being connected to three main railroad lines.

It is the first station of the Marunouchi Line, providing you a stress-free commute to school or work. Use the Chuo Line, and you can reach Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station in minutes.

And if you use the Tozai Line, you can transfer to other subway lines with ease, and directly reach various parts of Chiba Prefecture.

The Beautiful Places

You will fall in love with Ogikubo the more the moment you visit the Nishi-Ogikubo Station that has shopping malls. Furthermore, the pink elephants that are hanging from the ceilings are peculiar sights to behold.

Meanwhile, the Western Ogikubo was once a wealthy residential part of Tokyo, and there are antique shops that provide sophisticated goods. Foreigners like the famous streets such as the Fushimi-dori, the Shinmei-dori, and the Kita-Ginza-dori.

If you love gathering curio, the "Nishiogi Kotto-zuki Matsuri" (antique fairs), held in spring and fall will gladden your heart. During the spring season, cherry blossoms trees make Ogikubo adorable.

The Igusa Hachimangu Shrine, located in Zenpukuji Park, holds "Yabusame (Japanese archers)" a horseback Shinto ritual every five years. There are only some of the plenty exciting activities awaiting you in Ogikubo.

The Tranquility

Tokyo is filled with bustling streets and busy people. If you aren’t comfortable with that lifestyle, but still desire the convenience, Ogikubo will gladly welcome you.

This is one of the places where the surrounding mimics the gentleness and simplicity of the rural areas, despite being nearby central Tokyo. Foreigners and locals alike are engrossed in this relaxed lifestyle of Ogikubo.

Conclusion

Whether you are searching for a luxury apartment or budget homes you can share with friends, Ogikubo provides you with various options. Ogikubo is a quiet part of Tokyo that has a tranquil environment you deserve.

Here at SEKAI PROPERTY, we offer many properties for sale in Ogikubo, so make sure to check them out by clicking the blue link below.

Click Here to View Ogikubo Property for Sale

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing, please feel free to contact us!