Nice, quiet place to live in Japan, but not too rural, and close to Shinjuku and Shibuya?

Question

I need a place that's at least decently close to Shinjuku and Shibuya, but that's still quiet and safe, but not too too small. Thanks.

Answer 1

I guess this answer will vary depending on how much rent you're willing to pay and how far you mean by "decently close".

I always think if I have to spend more than 35 minutes on the train then it's a bit far.
So for me, Tokorozawa is a little far. Although I must admit it's a nice area, they have this huge park (I think it was 1 station over from Tokorozawa) called "Koku Ko-en". THere's lots to do like bicycling, jogging, rolling around on the grass. Great for children or if you have a dog.

Yutenji is a great area and so is Yoyogi Uehara although the rent will be considerably higher than Tokorozawa.

I was always a fan of Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji.
Both have great access to Shinjuku and Shibuya because they have 2 trains going to either destination, so no changing of trains needed. And they aren't as crowded and busy as Shibuya or Shinjuku. Although there are lots of people during the day and on weekends. Plenty to do around the neighborhood and lots of places to drink and eat.
Other than that, I guess any place on the Inokashira Line is pretty good and of course the ever popular Tokyu Toyoko line is known for their hip but peaceful neighborhoods.

Kichijoji
http://wikitravel.org/en/Tokyo/Kichijoji

Shimokitazawa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimo-Kitazawa_Station

Answer 2

You have described my neighborhood, Yoyogi Uehara. 5 mins from Shinjuku on the Odakyu line, 10 minutes by bus to Shibuya area.

Much cheaper rent (compared to Yoyogi Uehara, but still Tokyo high rent) and smaller apartments can be found in Shimokitazawa. 6 minutes away from Shinjuku on the Odakyu line and 10 minutes from Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira line.

Answer 3

I recommend Yutenji area on Tokyu Toyoko Line. It's a very quiet neighborhood despite it's vicinity to Shibuya (several minutes on the train).

Tokyo is a fairly safe city, though not as safe as a decade ago. A woman can still expect to walk by herself unharrassed even after midnight, except in certain downtown areas.

Answer 4

I would vote for Tokorozawa too. I haven't lived there for many years but it was quiet, could be rural in places, and relatively close.

If you want a little more distance and a little more nature then check out Yamanashi Ken. I lived in Kofu. Great place. Views of Mt. Fuji but you could still get into Tokyo when needed.

Answer 5

Tokorozawa is not too bad. it is on the Seibu Shinjuku and Seibu Ikebukuro lines about 30 min. from Shinjuku.

Tokorozawa Has a Professional baseball team the Seibu lions
A pretty nice amusement park Seibu unenchi there is even an indoor Ski run so you can work out your kinks before heading off to Nagano or Gunnma for skiing.

There is also a real nice park Kokukoen the birthplace of Japanese aviation.

Enjoy and 　ようこそ所沢　(welcome to Tokorozawa)

Answer 6

Yes you are right, there are some very nice places to live in Essex - ignore the jealous answerers who make snide remarks about white stilettos. The trouble is the nice places are so awkward for commuting. If you live in the Celmsford area, you easily double the existing travelling time between Romford and Liverpool Street. Move to the area around Colchester (some VERY nice areas there) and you quadruple your travel time, to say nothing of the reduction in the choice of trains.

Answer 7

Chiba or Saitama. Anywhere in Tokyo is too expensive and loud.