Last Updated on 2025年9月23日 by Kenty
Moving to Japan as a foreigner can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to find the perfect balance between affordability, convenience, and international support. While Shibuya is undoubtedly one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, living directly in the heart of this bustling area often comes with a hefty price tag. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice accessibility to find an affordable home in Japan.
This comprehensive guide introduces five exceptional train stations within 20 minutes of Shibuya that offer the perfect combination of reasonable rent prices, excellent amenities, and robust support systems for international residents. Whether you’re a working professional, student, or digital nomad planning your move to Japan, these locations provide an ideal starting point for your Japanese adventure.
Finding the right property in Japan can be challenging for international residents due to language barriers and unfamiliar rental processes. That’s why we recommend working with specialized services that cater to foreign residents. For comprehensive apartment hunting assistance,
professional real estate services specifically designed for international residents
can help you navigate the Japanese rental market with multilingual support in English, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Myanmar, Nepali, and Sinhala languages.
1. Why Choose Stations Near Shibuya?
Shibuya serves as one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs, connecting you to virtually every corner of the metropolitan area. By choosing a residence within 20 minutes of Shibuya, you gain:
- Quick access to central Tokyo for work and entertainment
- Lower rent prices compared to prime central locations
- Better living spaces with more room for your money
- Local community feel while maintaining urban convenience
- Excellent international support in surrounding municipalities
2. Our Top 5 Recommended Stations
①Mizonokuchi (溝の口) – The Commercial Hub
Travel Time to Shibuya: 13-19 minutes via Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line (Express)
Rent Range: 1K apartments ¥91,000/month | 1LDK apartments ¥131,000/month
Located in Kawasaki City’s Takatsu Ward, Mizonokuchi stands out as our top recommendation for international residents seeking the perfect balance of convenience and affordability. This bustling station serves as a major transportation hub where three train lines converge, making it incredibly easy to reach not just Shibuya, but destinations throughout the greater Tokyo area.
Commercial Facilities: The station area boasts impressive shopping and dining options, with Nocty Plaza directly connected to the station and Marui Family Mizonokuchi nearby. These facilities house everything from daily necessities to fashion retailers, restaurants, and even administrative services, making it possible to handle most of your daily needs without leaving the station area.
Transportation Connections: Beyond the direct route to Shibuya, Mizonokuchi connects you to Futako-tamagawa, Jiyugaoka, Oimachi, and Kawasaki, providing exceptional flexibility for both work and leisure travel.
International Support: Kawasaki City operates a comprehensive multilingual support system through the “Kawasaki Multicultural Community Plaza,” offering life consultation services in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. The Kawasaki International Association (KIAN) also provides living support and Japanese language education specifically designed for foreign residents.
②Meidaimae (明大前) – The Transportation Paradise
Travel Time to Shibuya: 6 minutes via Keio Inokashira Line (Express)
Rent Range: 1K apartments ¥89,000-95,000/month | 1LDK apartments ¥165,000-175,000/month
Meidaimae offers unparalleled transportation convenience as the intersection of two major railway lines. This Setagaya ward station provides the fastest direct access to Shibuya while simultaneously offering quick connections to Shinjuku, making it ideal for professionals working in multiple business districts.
Commercial Facilities: The station building “Frente Meidaimae” and surrounding area feature a concentrated collection of restaurants, drugstores, supermarkets, and daily convenience options. The compact layout means everything you need is within walking distance of the station.
Transportation Connections: The dual-line advantage cannot be overstated – reach Shibuya in 6 minutes via Inokashira Line or Shinjuku in approximately 8 minutes via Keio Line. This flexibility is invaluable for both daily commuting and weekend exploration.
International Support: Setagaya Ward provides comprehensive multilingual services through their dedicated foreign resident portal and consultation services, including tablet interpretation systems. The ward’s international support infrastructure is among Tokyo’s most developed, making initial settlement significantly easier for newcomers.
③Eifukucho (永福町) – The Balanced Choice
Travel Time to Shibuya: 8-10 minutes via Keio Inokashira Line (Express)
Rent Range: 1K apartments ¥75,000-98,000/month | 1LDK apartments ¥128,000-179,000/month
Eifukucho represents excellent value for money along the Inokashira Line, offering quick express service to Shibuya while maintaining reasonable rent levels. This Suginami ward location strikes an ideal balance between urban convenience and residential tranquility.
Commercial Facilities: Keio Store’s Kitchen Court and other food supermarkets cluster near the station, ensuring easy access to daily groceries and household necessities. The compact commercial area means efficient shopping without the overwhelming scale of larger terminal stations.
Transportation Connections: Beyond Shibuya access, Eifukucho provides direct connections to Kichijoji and quick transfers to Shinjuku via Meidaimae, offering flexibility for both work and entertainment destinations.
International Support: Suginami Ward maintains dedicated foreign language consultation services with permanent English and Chinese-speaking staff. The ward provides comprehensive support for life procedures, education, medical services, and other essential services through multilingual assistance.
④Kugayama (久我山) – The Hidden Gem
Travel Time to Shibuya: 12-14 minutes via Keio Inokashira Line with express connections
Rent Range: 1K apartments ¥65,000-98,000/month | 1LDK apartments ¥110,000-145,000/month
Kugayama offers some of the most attractive rent prices within our selection while maintaining excellent access to Shibuya. This quiet residential area appeals to those seeking a more peaceful living environment without sacrificing urban connectivity.
Commercial Facilities: The station’s south exit features Summit Kugayama store, a large-scale supermarket perfect for comprehensive grocery shopping. The surrounding residential area maintains a calm atmosphere while providing necessary daily amenities.
Transportation Connections: Close proximity to Kichijoji opens additional options for shopping and entertainment, while maintaining direct Shibuya access and easy connections to the Chuo Line network for broader metropolitan travel.
International Support: As part of Suginami Ward, residents benefit from the same multilingual consultation services (English and Chinese support) and community integration programs designed to help foreign residents establish comfortable lives in Japan.
⑤Hiyoshi (日吉) – The Multi-Line Marvel
Travel Time to Shibuya: 19-21 minutes via Tokyu Toyoko Line (Express/Limited Express)
Rent Range: 1K apartments ¥73,000-99,000/month | 1LDK apartments ¥102,000-143,000/month
Located in Yokohama’s Kohoku New Town area, Hiyoshi stands out for its exceptional transportation connectivity and relative affordability. The recent addition of the Shin-Yokohama Line has further enhanced this station’s appeal for international residents.
Commercial Facilities: Hiyoshi Tokyu Avenue, directly above the station, houses numerous specialty shops, food courts, grocery stores, and a post office, creating a one-stop shopping environment. The integrated shopping experience rivals much larger terminal stations.
Transportation Connections: Three major lines (Toyoko, Meguro, and the new Shin-Yokohama Line) provide unprecedented connectivity. Reach Shibuya, Yokohama, Meguro, Mita, Shin-Yokohama, and connect to the Sotetsu network for comprehensive Kanagawa Prefecture access.
International Support: Yokohama City operates one of Japan’s most comprehensive international support systems, with the “Yokohama Association for Inter-cultural Communication and Exchange (YOKE)” providing free consultation services in 12 languages. Additionally, the Kohoku International Lounge offers local community support, living assistance, and Japanese language learning programs specifically designed for foreign residents.
3. Essential Tips for International Residents
Understanding Japanese Rental Market
Navigating Japan’s rental market can be complex for international residents. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend working with
professional rental assistance services that specialize in supporting foreign residents.
These services provide comprehensive multilingual support throughout the entire rental process, with staff fluent in English, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Myanmar, Nepali, and Sinhala languages.
- Initial Costs: Expect to pay 3-6 months’ rent upfront (deposit, key money, agent fees, first month’s rent)
- Guarantor Requirements: Most landlords require a Japanese guarantor or guarantor company
- Lease Terms: Standard leases are typically 2 years with renewal options
- Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Most Japanese apartments come unfurnished, including no appliances
Practical Living Considerations
- Proximity to Station: Walking distance is measured in minutes; aim for under 10 minutes for convenience
- Supermarket Access: All recommended stations have supermarkets within walking distance
- Medical Facilities: Each area has clinics; major hospitals are accessible via train
- Banking: Post offices and major banks have branches near all recommended stations
Multilingual Support Services
All recommended locations provide multilingual support services including English, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Myanmar, Nepali, and Sri Lankan language assistance through their respective municipal international centers. These services typically include:
- Life consultation and daily living support
- Administrative procedure assistance
- Japanese language learning programs
- Cultural integration activities
- Emergency translation services
4. Making Your Decision
| Station | Travel Time | 1K Rent Range | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mizonokuchi | 13-19 min | ¥91,000 | Best commercial facilities |
| Meidaimae | 6 min | ¥89,000-95,000 | Fastest to Shibuya |
| Eifukucho | 8-10 min | ¥75,000-98,000 | Best value balance |
| Kugayama | 12-14 min | ¥65,000-98,000 | Most affordable |
| Hiyoshi | 19-21 min | ¥73,000-99,000 | Best connectivity |
Check the list above for your consideration!
5. Your Japanese Living Adventure Begins Here
Choosing the right location for your new life in Japan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an international resident. Each of these five stations offers unique advantages while maintaining the common benefits of affordability, convenience, and international support that are essential for a successful transition to Japanese life.
Whether you prioritize the commercial convenience of Mizonokuchi, the lightning-fast access of Meidaimae, the balanced lifestyle of Eifukucho, the affordability of Kugayama, or the connectivity of Hiyoshi, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to support your integration into Japanese society.
Remember that moving to Japan is not just about finding a place to live—it’s about finding a place to thrive. These carefully selected locations provide the foundation for building meaningful connections, advancing your career or studies, and fully experiencing the rich culture that Japan has to offer.
Ready to start your apartment search? Don’t navigate the complex Japanese rental market alone. Take advantage of
specialized international resident support services
that offer comprehensive assistance in multiple languages including English, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Myanmar, Nepali, and Sinhala. From initial property search to contract completion, these services ensure a smooth transition to your new home in Japan.
