2018-02-14
Living in Seijo: Guide For Foreigners
- Advice
Tokyo is home to many neighborhoods that make it easier for visitors to easily acclimate to the city. The Seijo are is a residential district in the Setagaya ward that includes Seijogakuen-mae station on Odakyu Odawara line. The Seijogakuen-mae Station was opened in 1927, and there are two island platforms that serve four tracks. Seijo, named after Seijo University, attracts thousands of visitors and potential residents with comfortable housing options and beautiful greenery.
Setagaya is the the second largest of the special wards in Tokyo, meaning there is plenty to explore nearby. The residences of Seijo are not far from great izakayas, art galleries, cafés, live music clubs, and affordable shops.
Seijo: The Calm Outside of Tokyo
Seijo has a laid back and relaxed atmosphere that will make you forget that bustling Shibuya is only less than 20 minutes away. The Seijo area is the perfect place to settle down and live a comfortable life that isn’t too far from central Tokyo, but is just far enough to lose the crowds. With quality schooling just outside your doorstep, it is a great place to purchase a home and raise a family.
Access:
- From Tokyo Station, take Chuo Line Rapid Service to Shinjuku station, then transfer to the Odakyu line until you reach Seijogakuen mae (total approx. 38 minutes)
- From Shibuya Station, take Keio Inokashira Exp to Shimokitazawa station, then transfer to the Odakyu line until you reach Seijogakuen-mae (total approx. 21 minutes)
- From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Odawara Express to Seijigakuen mae (approx. 20 minutes)
Famous Locations
Seijo University
Seijo University is a private university founded in 1950 following the establishment of Seijo elementary, middle, and high schools. The relatively new school is rather small in size, allowing for more intimate instruction and class discussions. The “Seijo University Ideals” encourage students to be ethical, gentle, and courteous. While the number of students enrolled at Seijo University peaked just over 6,000 in 2015, the quality of education and available activities does not fall short. With a large array of clubs and circles to choose from in addition to academics, students can work closely with their peers and professors both in and outside of class.
Access:
- Address: 〒157-8511 Tokyo, Setagaya, 成城6-1-20
- Directions: From Seijogakuen-mae station, exit the central ticket gate. From there walk 300m (approx. 3 minutes) to arrive at the university.
Japan’s Cheapest Supermarket
Just several minutes from Seijogakuen-mae station, you will find OK, otherwise known as “Japan’s cheapest supermarket.” The prices here are incredibly cheap, with items retailing at sometimes even half of the price compared to other chain supermarkets. When living on a budget or trying to save money, this can be a great way to reduce your grocery bill without reducing quality each time you shop. In particular, you can save a lot on fruits in vegetables, which are renowned for being rather expensive in Japan. Occasionally, you can even find organic items in stock for unbelievably low prices. When considering where you want to live, it is always favorable to have a fairly priced supermarket nearby for all of your needs.
Access:
- Address: 3 Chome-18-3 Seijō, Setagaya-ku, Tōkyō-to 157-0066
- Directions: From Seijogakuen-mae station, walk 12 minutes south or take the 玉０７（東急）Bus and arrive in just 7 minutes.
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is a nearby neighborhood you can visit as a resident of the Seijo area. This is the most vibrant of the neighborhoods in Setagaya, and it is often called simply “Shimokita.” The area is incredibly trendy and filled with vintage shops, handmade items, cafes, and izakayas. Do not expect to see chain stores in this part of Tokyo, but rather smaller designers and second hand clothing shops, retro furniture, and gadget shops. Shimokita is attractive to artists, musicians and young adults who are into the creative scene. After dark, Shimokitazawa is full of night owls who are thrilled and pampered by the endless facilities open late here.
Access:
- Address: 2 Chome-24-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tōkyō-to 155-0031, Japan
- Directions:Take the Odakyu line 7 stops to Shimokitazawa station (approx. 13 minutes).
Why Foreigners Live in Seijo
The Friendly Neighborhoods
Seijo gives you access to neighborhoods that are beautifully built to welcome families and couples. It is not one of those areas that will give you headaches because of rowdiness and excessive noise. Kids will love the friendliness of the locals playing around and the undiscovered areas just waiting for them to explore.
The Affordability of Seijo
Seijo does not fail to give you luxury at an affordable rate. Seijo may be considered as a wealthy residential area, but it still has you covered when it comes to great meals and apartments that anyone can afford, no matter their financial status. People on a budget will love the many apartment and housing options that they are presented with when they visit Seijo.
Comfortable Transportation
Just like many other train stations in Tokyo, Seijiogukuen-mae offers foreigners easy access to many other parts of Tokyo. Seijiogukuen-mae station provides you with transportation with comfort and short wait times. There is no major rush hour similar to what one may experience in places like Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Conclusion:
The Seijo area has many apartments and homes available for foreigners who want to spend time in a laid back part of Tokyo. There are plentiful cafés, restaurants, hospitals, shops and religious areas which make it into an all around great residential area. There are no dull moments in this amazing place in Tokyo!
Here at SEKAI PROPERTY, we offer many properties for sale in Seijo, so make sure to check them out by clicking the blue link below.
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