2018-02-28
Living in Musashi-Koyama: How is it like for foreigners?
- Advice
Image link: http://www.tokyostreetview.com/musashi-koyama-shopping-street/
Living in a small town can be intimate. You get to know every street corner like the back of your hand, see familiar faces as you roam around the place, and moreover, escape from the stressful hustle and bustle of busy city life.
Going home to a calm and peaceful environment after a taxing work day is a luxury in itself. If you are seeking peace and quiet, then surely Musashi Koyama is just the right place for you.
Musashi Koyama – The small old-world village in Tokyo
In Shinagawa, Tokyo, you will find Musashi Koyama Station- a railway station that was opened back in 1923 and is being operated by Tokyu Corporation. Presently, the station’s surrounding area had been transformed into affordable and convenient residential area.
Musashi Koyama has undergone a lot of redevelopment, but its old-world appeal is still evident. In here, you can experience the simple day-to-day life of a Tokyo local—from shopping and eating, to how the residents here interact with one another.
It is a quiet residential place that feels like a sanctuary after a grueling day in the city. You will also find a large shopping center here with decade-old shops that offer unique products, as well as goods and services that you need for daily living.
Continue reading this article to know more about what Musashi Koyama offers!
Access
- From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line that will take you to Meguro Station (approx. 17 mins). Transfer to Tokyu Meguro Line that will take you to Musashi Koyama Station (approx. 3 mins).
- From Shibuya Station, take the Yamanote Line that will take you to Meguro Station. Transfer to Tokyu Meguro Line that will take you to Musashi Koyama Station (approx. 3 mins).
- From Shinjuku Station, take the Yamanote Line that will take you to Meguro Station. Transfer to Tokyu Meguro Line that will take you to Musashi Koyama Station (approx. 3 mins).
Famous Locations
1. Musashi Koyama Palm
Image link: http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/26677/Tokyo+Shotengai.html
This covered shopping center should definitely be your first pick if you want to shop, for it not only is the longest covered shotengai in Tokyo—spanning around 800 meters—but also it is also convenient because no matter the weather, Musashi Koyama Palm will provide you with the best shopping experience in Tokyo.
A walk through these streets will give you a nostalgic feel as you will come across countless family-owned shops where you can find hidden local treasures. There are many eateries and some shops that have been offering their goods and services for decades! Shopping in this area is definitely a must-do activity should you find yourself visiting or living in Musashi Koyama.
Access
- Address: 3 Chome-23-5 Koyama, Shinagawa-ku, Tōkyō-to 142-0062, Japan
- Directions:Take a 3-min walk from Musashi Koyama Station
2. Musashi Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu
Image link: http://tokyostory.net/sento/page/2/
If you are looking for a break or just in need of a relaxing time, then Shimizu-yu Musashi Koyama Onsen should be added on your must-go-to list. This place is famous for their hot rock sauna and natural hot spring that you can indulge yourself into for a reasonable price!
The onsen was established back in 1924, and since then, many locals and tourists alike have been taking frequent trips to this place. Some people even consider this a part of their beauty and health regimen, for the hot water is said to be moisturizing and relaxing, leaving you feeling and looking better after a nice bath.
There are also facilities here like jacuzzis, electric baths, jet baths, and the famous medical treatment, golden hot water which contains iodine that helps treat external wounds.
Access
- Address: 3 Chome-9-1 Koyama, Shinagawa-ku, Tōkyō-to 142-0062, Japan
- Directions: Take a 7-min walk from Musashi Koyama Station
3. All Day Home
Image URL: https://bestlivingjapan.com/all-day-home-musashikoyama/
This indoor playroom and café, previously called Skip Kids cafe was opened in 2004 with an aim to provide a spot where parents can hold parties for their kids, meet up with other parents, or have their children entertained.
There are toys and play equipment that kids (aged 0-6) can enjoy time and time again. There are also licensed caretakers that will watch and play with kids while parents are catching up with one another or out running errands.
Their menu is bilingual, Japanese and English, and offers pasta, pizza, and rice dishes as well as kid-friendly foods.
Access
- Address: 2 Chome-6 Koyama, Shinagawa-ku, Tōkyō-to 142-0062, Japan
- Directions:take a 4-min walk from Musashi Koyama Station (East Exit).
Why do foreigners live in Musashi Koyama
1. Quiet and family-friendly environment
Image link: https://bestlivingjapan.com/skip-kids/
Musashi Koyama is a quiet residential area with locations that are great venues for family bonding. Foreigners with kids who are new to the place can hang out at All Day Home where they and their kids can both have a good time.
They can familiarize themselves with the place by interacting with locals here who also have children. This café is also a great venue for them to make new friends.
Single foreigners can also enjoy a relaxing and less stressful life here because it offers a living experience that is away from fast-paced city life. They find going home to this place after working in the city or staying here for the weekend an escape from stress.
2. Cheap cost of living
Image URL: http://likeafishinwater.com/2014/10/07/musashikoyama-palm-shotengai-session-2/
Although it is located in the heart of Tokyo, living in Musashi Koyama entails an excellent cost-performance rate than living in larger and more popular residential areas in Tokyo.
You can purchase delicious foods and daily basic needs at affordable prices just by taking a short walk from the station to the shopping center. There are also foreigner-friendly apartments and houses for rent just outside the station.
3. Easy mode of transportation
Image link: https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXoypizjW3WknFiJnKLwHCnL72vedxjQkDDP1mXWo6uco/wiki/Musashi-Koyama_Station.html
Surrounding the station are buildings that serve as apartments for people who reside here making traveling here and there much more convenient and hassle-free.
Just a brief walk from their home, without traffic, would take them to the train station that can easily take them anywhere in the city. This exact feature of Musashi Koyama is especially fit for people who are taking a daily commute to central Tokyo.
Conclusion:
Musashi Koyama has undergone a lot of change through the years and at present is not just a railway station but also a convenient residential area, especially for new foreign residents in Tokyo who do not wish to be stressed by commuting and expensive housing.
Living here is much quieter and more peaceful in contrast with the hustle and bustle of a busy life in central Tokyo’s large cities.
Here at SEKAI PROPERTY, we offer many properties for sale in Musashi-Koyama, so make sure to check them out by clicking the blue link below.
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