2018-02-13
Living in Kunitachi: What is it Like For Foreigners?
- Advice
Known for its high-class neighborhood, luxurious ambiance, and many schools, Kunitachi is a city that welcomes every visitor with its stunning majesty.
Although it is not a big city, there are many activities and attractive spots that lure tourists, making them settle here permanently. For instance, did you know that Kunitachi is often used as a location for many Japanese TV dramas, some of which are “H2” (2005) and “Antique” (2002)?
Kunitachi’s appeal does not stop here. Read the rest of this article and discover why foreigners enjoy the new way of living they find in Kunitachi.
Kunitachi - The family-friendly city right outside central Tokyo
Situated in the western part of Tokyo, Kunitachi is full of welcoming restaurants and small stores, making it a perfect spot for shopping or sightseeing. Walking around is also recommended as it is not a big city. The most popular area to explore is its main street, filled with cherry blossoms in the spring.
Moreover, a huge plus for families, Kunitachi houses several schools and universities, providing quality education and a safe environment which will be discussed in detail later.
Additionally, Kunitachi Station is connected to the Chuo Rapid Line, providing direct access to Tokyo and Shinjuku within minutes. Therefore you can live in a calm, relaxed area while commuting to central Tokyo with ease.
Access
- From Tokyo Station, take the Chuo Special Rapid Line to Tachikawa Station (approx. 40 minutes)
- From Shibuya Station, take the Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station, and transfer to the Chuo Special Rapid Line to Tachikawa Station (approx. 40 minutes)
- From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Special Rapid Line to Shinjuku Station (approx. 30 minutes)
Famous Locations
Yabo Tenman-gu
A few minutes walk from Nambu Line's Yaho Station is a beautiful Shinto shrine which claims to be the oldest in the entire Kanto region.
Established in 903 and rebuilt in 1924, this holy place is dedicated to the god of learning, Tenjin, the deified Sugawara no Michizane who was a poet, scholar, and politician of the Heian Period.
Yabo Tenman-gu preserves gorgeous plum trees and a little-sacred forest which are both inviting especially during hot summer days.
Also, there is a tiny spring and pool which are shelter to turtles, koi, and crayfish. Apart from these creatures, there are also two huge but non-poisonous snakes that live near the spring and plenty of colorful chickens and roosters.
While this shrine is an attraction for foreigners, for some students, it is also a place where they can pray for passing their exams.
Furthermore, this place is where Japan's first road trip by car happened in 1908 and a meeting place about the future of cars in Japan. Hence, it also celebrates a classic car festival every 7th of December.
Access
- Address: 5209 Yaho, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo
- Directions: 6-minute walk from Yaho Station
Daigaku Dori (University Avenue)
This broad street which has been a famous symbol and landmark of Kunitachi is a perfect place for an excellent stroll. Not only does it house the prestigious Hitotsubashi University and other education facilities, it also has various shops and restaurants.
Running southward from Kunitachi Station toward the banks of Tama River, this avenue is claimed by many visitors as one of the best in Tokyo. There are good cafes, book shops, and restaurants, making it worth-visiting all year-round.
However, the most striking part is the presence and abundance of picturesque cherry blossoms which are stunningly beautiful especially in late March to early April. Would you believe that most of these 400 cherry trees that form an arch parallel to the street are more than 60 years old?
In early April every year, the Sakura Festival is also celebrated. This event allows people to enjoy a unique and student-party like mood.
Meanwhile, during holidays season, the 10-meter high Ginkgo trees at the Daigaku Dori are covered with bright illumination lights, adding beauty to its already vibrant vibes.
Access
- Address: 2-29 Higashi, Kunitachi-shi, Tōkyō-to
- Directions: 4-minute walk from Kunitachi Station
Nonowa Kunitachi
For shopping fanatics, Nonowa Kunitachi is a destination you should not miss. The highly stylish mall provides a wide variety of fashionable shops, grocery stores, and bookstores.
It also has cozy cafes such as the Paper Wall Cafe, which has a relaxing ambiance many claim to be similar to that of Starbucks and Doutor, and is a good spot to have a small break.
One thing that you will also quickly notice about Nonowa Kunitachi is that it is very clean, making shopping more comforting to your eyes.
Furthermore, many shoppers also recommend going to Nonowa Kunitachi when buying meat, fishes, and vegetables as these goods are always guaranteed to be delicious and fresh.
Access
- Address: 1-14-1 Kita, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo
- Directions: 1-minute walk from Kunitachi Station
Why foreigners live in Kunitachi
Excellent quality of education
Known as the city for students, Kunitachi has several public and private schools. It has three private schools and eight public elementary schools as well as one private and three public middle schools.
It also has three private and two public high schools. Some of these schools are the Toho High School, the Fifth Commercial High School, and Kunitachi High School.
Furthermore, Kunitachi has three big universities: Yusei University, Kunitachi College of Music, and Hitotsubashi University which is considered as one of Japan's most prestigious universities and the best when it comes to commerce and economics related subjects.
With plenty of schools, the city boasts a safe environment where parents can raise their children without worrying about security issues.
Relaxing and attractive atmosphere
Apart from being one of the favorite settings of popular TV dramas, many shutterbugs also find Kunitachi an amazing subject because of its green, neat, and enticing nature.
Except on Matsuri days and weekday evening and afternoons, it is also spacious enough not to feel crowded.
Furthermore, Kunitachi is full of cherry blossoms in the spring, and other flowers and trees such as Pines. This provides a stress-free environment for all that visit.
Modeled on Europe's academic cities, this little city is surely worth-visiting for those who want to have some quiet yet enjoyable time.
Livable city with convenient shops and goods
Considered as the new area for residents, Kunitachi has a population that comprises mostly of high classes and middle classes although there are also students who came from other provinces to study here.
Although the size of Kunitachi is not as big as other cities, everything residents need for daily life is available here. There are small department stores, supermarkets, and plenty of foreign restaurants, ranging from high-end ones to those which are cheaper and are suitable for students. There are also little gift shops and cafes.
For cloths or electric goods, you need not go to Shibuya or Shinjuku because they are available in Tachikawa, the city next to Kunitachi which you can travel within 5 minutes by train or around 20 minutes by bicycle.
Conclusion
Although Kunitachi is regarded as the city for students, there is an almost infinite number of places and activities, making it suitable to live for people from all walks of life.
This small city in Japan will surely take you by surprise.
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