2018-02-14
Living in Yoyogi: What is it like for foreigners?
- Advice
Yoyogi is a calm and peaceful neighborhood nestled between Shibuya and Shinjuku. The main station is JR Yoyogi station that is serviced by the Yamanote line and the Chuo-Sobu line.The area is famous for its large city park that is ideal for picnicking, jogging, and other outdoor activities. The sakura (cherry blossom) trees in Yoyogi Park make it a viewing destination in spring. In the autumn when the gingko tree leaves turn colors, the park is transformed into a golden paradise perfect for snapping pictures.
Before the government made the area a city park, the area had where the park is situated served as a spot for 1967 Olympic Village for the Tokyo Olympics. The area has also served as a residential area for military personnel from the United States of America.
The spacious park attracts sports enthusiasts, artists, musicians, party people, tourists and fashion subcultures. There is always a personal space for people who seek tranquility or time alone in the midst of their busy Tokyo lives.
Yoyogi: The Place For Fun & Relaxation
Tokyo has many attractive parks, however, some parks may not allow alcohol, and others prohibit picnics or other outdoor activities. As the park is free, open 24 hours, and allows for drinking and picnicking, Yoyogi is an ideal park that allows for all sorts of fun and relaxation. Moreover, the area has great apartments ranging from budget to luxury options.
Access:
- From Tokyo Station, take Chuo line to Yotsuya station (approx. 9 minutes with 3 stops) then transfer to Chuo-Sobu line (approx. 6 minutes with 3 stops) to Yoyogi station (Total 25 minutes)
- From Shibuya Station, Take the JR Yamanote line 2 stops to Yoyogi station (approx. 5 minutes)
- From Shinjuku Station, Walk 9 minutes south to Yoyogi station, or take the JR Yamanote line 1 stop to Yoyogi station (2 minutes)
Famous Locations
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Nearby Yoyogi park is one of Tokyo’s largest and most famous shrines, Meiji Jingu. Meiji Jingu is a Shinto (Japan’s native religion) shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The shrine was completed in 1920, and has been a popular spot for both visitors and residents ever since.
Here you can see the giant brown entrance gate, barrels of donated Japanese sake, and even the occasional shrine maidens and priests. Additionally, people of all nationalities are welcome to have a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony at this shrine. If you are looking for culture, lush greenery, and a great photo spot, Meiji Jingu Shrine is just a few minutes away from both Yoyogi station and Yoyogi Park.
Access:
- Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 151-8557
- From Yoyogi Station, take the west gate and head south for 600m (approx. 7 minutes).
Akariya Antiques
When buying souvenirs for friends and family, or simply items for your own collection, Akariya Antiques is a great spot in the Yoyogi Area to pick up unique hand-crafted items. Akariya stocks items from woven baskets and lacquer boxes to hand-painted ceramics and wood chests. For those who love art, they will enjoy visiting and looking at the variety of items on display and for sale. Akariya also has a second store that sells and rents antique kimonos. Whether you love ivory statues or ceramic vases, you are sure to find a beautiful piece with traditional flair to add to your home in Japan.
- Address: 4-8-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, 151-0053
- From Yoyogi Station, walk approximately 16 minutes southwest. To go by train, walk 6 minutes from Yoyogi station to Minami-shinjuku station and take the Odakyu line 1 station to Sangubashi station. From this station, walk less than one minute to the store.
Love Hotel Hill
Japan is famous for its space age capsule hotels, traditional ryokan, and eccentric love hotels. The love hotels are built with bizarre decoration and names that are incomprehensible, yet attractive for both residents and tourists.
From a business standpoint, these hotels are excellent investment opportunities, as their uniqueness draws in customers from all over the world at all times of the day. From modern and sleek, to covered in Hello Kitty, these hotels are not expected to see a drop in profit any time soon. In Shibuya ward, 13 minutes from Yoyogi station, lies the biggest concentration of these unique hotels.
Access:
- Address: 〒150-0043 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Dōgenzaka, 2 Chome−23, 道玄坂２丁目２３−４
- Directions: Ride two stops from Yoyogi to Shibuya on the Yamanote line, then go out the Hachiko exit. You will pass Shibuya 109 and Mega Don Quijote then arrive shortly at your destination.
Why Foreigners Live in Yoyogi
The Serenity
If there is something that foreigners may desire when they come to Japan, it is peace. Yoyogi is built around a park that makes it easier for people to live without the crowd. If you are looking for a cozy apartment in an area that offers you the beauty of Mother Nature, you will surely love Yoyogi. Even beyond the park, natural beauty and serenity surround this area.
Proximity to other Places
Living somewhere that is far from where you need to go can be inconvenient and stressful. Yoyogi is within quick access to Shibuya and other parts of Tokyo. Residents can easily move around these areas and get back home within minutes because of Yoyogi Station linking to different train lines.
Child Friendly
Yoyogi is safe and friendly to seniors and kids, making it perfectly for families. Your children will not feel limited with the amount of space there is for them to play around in. The rowdiness and crowd fear is eliminated in this part of the city. However, when you are feeling up to some major shopping, some of Tokyo’s busiest shopping districts are just a few stops away!
Conclusion:
Yoyogi can be both exciting and relaxing at the same time. You can spend one day picnicking in the park and the next making your way through the crowds of neighboring Harajuku. There are plenty of apartments that foreigners will find comfortable and suitable for their needs. Furthermore, there is plenty of property available to invest in nearby, such as hotels and commercial buildings. Yoyogi can be the perfect balance of peace and excitement when considering where to live in Tokyo.
Here at SEKAI PROPERTY, we offer many properties for sale in Yoyogi, so make sure to check them out by clicking the blue link below.
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