Quick Overview: Meidaimae Station serves as the perfect hub for international students and expats seeking authentic Tokyo living with unparalleled cultural access. Located at the intersection of Keio Line and Keio Inokashira Line, this vibrant station offers direct connections to Shibuya (8-10 minutes), Shinjuku (8-10 minutes), and cultural hotspots like Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji.
8-10 min to Shibuya & Shinjuku
5 min walk to Meiji University
¥75,000+ Monthly rent (1R/1K)
25,537 Foreign residents in Setagaya
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①Transportation Excellence: Your Express Lane to Tokyo
Meidaimae Station’s strategic location makes it one of Tokyo’s most connected residential areas for students and working professionals. The station serves as a crucial junction where the Keio Line and Keio Inokashira Line intersect, providing seamless access to Tokyo’s major districts.
Direct Access to Major Destinations
Destination
Line
Travel Time
IC Fare
Monthly Commuter Pass
Shibuya
Inokashira Line
8-10 minutes
¥160
¥5,990
Shinjuku
Keio Line
8-10 minutes
¥160
¥5,990
Shimokitazawa
Inokashira Line
3-4 minutes
¥140
¥5,240
Kichijoji
Inokashira Line (Express)
10-11 minutes
¥190
¥7,120
Tokyo Station
Via Shinjuku (JR)
27-32 minutes
¥320
¥14,280
Ikebukuro
Via Shinjuku (JR)
20-25 minutes
¥260
¥11,270
🏠 Looking for Student-Friendly Apartments? Our multilingual real estate agents specialize in helping international students find perfect housing near major universities. English, Chinese, and Korean support available.
Transfer Convenience
The station design allows for efficient transfers between the Keio Line and Inokashira Line with approximately 4 minutes walking time between platforms. Both lines offer frequent service throughout the day, with peak-hour trains running every 2-3 minutes during rush hours.
Alternative Transportation
Keio Bus Services: Multiple bus routes serve the station area, providing connections to areas not directly accessible by train
Bicycle Infrastructure: Keio Cycle Park Meidaimae offers convenient parking with the first hour free and subsequent 8-hour periods at ¥120
Share Cycling: HELLO CYCLING ports are scattered throughout Setagaya Ward, perfect for short-distance trips at ¥160 per 30 minutes
②Student Life & Cultural Access
Meidaimae’s reputation as a premier student district stems from its proximity to Meiji University’s Izumi Campus and its unparalleled access to Tokyo’s cultural epicenters. This unique positioning makes it ideal for international students seeking both academic convenience and cultural immersion.
Meiji University Izumi Campus
Located just 5 minutes on foot from Meidaimae Station, Meiji University’s Izumi Campus serves students in law, business, and liberal arts programs. The campus features modern facilities, extensive library resources, and active international student support services. The university’s International Student Center provides comprehensive assistance for foreign students, including:
English-language academic advising
Housing assistance and dormitory applications
Cultural orientation programs
Japanese language support classes
Career counseling for international students
Cultural Hub Access
Living in Meidaimae provides unprecedented access to Tokyo’s most vibrant cultural districts:
Shimokitazawa (3-4 minutes): Tokyo’s alternative culture hub featuring independent theaters, vintage clothing stores, cozy cafés, and live music venues
Shibuya (8-10 minutes): The epicenter of youth culture, fashion, and nightlife, including the famous Shibuya Crossing and countless shopping opportunities
Kichijoji (10-11 minutes): Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Studio Ghibli Museum proximity, Inokashira Park, and diverse dining scene
Shinjuku (8-10 minutes): Tokyo’s largest transportation hub and business district, offering everything from department stores to traditional izakayas
Student Community
The area around Meidaimae hosts a thriving international student community. Regular events, language exchange meetups, and cultural festivals create numerous opportunities for networking and friendship building. Many local establishments cater specifically to students with special discounts and English-language menus.
③Living Costs & Rent Budget
Understanding the cost structure of living in Meidaimae is crucial for international students and expats planning their Tokyo experience. While the area commands premium prices due to its excellent location, various housing options cater to different budget ranges.
Rental Market Overview
Property Type
Average Monthly Rent
Typical Size
Key Features
1R (One Room)
¥75,000 – ¥90,000
15-20 sqm
Combined living/sleeping space, separate bathroom
1K (One Room + Kitchen)
¥80,000 – ¥98,000
18-25 sqm
Separate kitchen area, more privacy
1DK (Dining Kitchen)
¥95,000 – ¥130,000
25-35 sqm
Larger kitchen/dining area, better for cooking
1LDK (Living Dining Kitchen)
¥150,000 – ¥170,000
35-45 sqm
Separate living room, ideal for couples
Share House (Private Room)
¥50,000 – ¥70,000
8-12 sqm
Shared facilities, international community
Additional Housing Costs
Deposit (敷金): Typically 1-2 months’ rent, refundable upon moving out
Key Money (礼金): 1-2 months’ rent, non-refundable gift to landlord
Agency Fee: Usually 1 month’s rent plus tax
Guarantor Company Fee: 30-100% of first month’s rent, then annual renewal fees
Fire Insurance: ¥15,000-¥20,000 for 2 years
Utilities (average): ¥8,000-¥12,000 per month (electricity, gas, water)
Internet: ¥4,000-¥5,000 per month
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Budget-Saving Tips
Consider nearby stations like Eifukucho or Daita for slightly lower rents while maintaining good access
Share houses offer significant savings and built-in international communities
Look for properties without key money (礼金なし) to reduce upfront costs
Student discounts are available at many local restaurants and services
Take advantage of university meal plans and affordable campus dining options
④Daily Life Convenience
Meidaimae excels in providing all necessary amenities within walking distance, making daily life comfortable and convenient for international residents unfamiliar with Tokyo’s layout.
Shopping & Groceries
Keio Store Express Meidaimae: Convenient supermarket located directly at the station, perfect for daily shopping
My Basket: Compact supermarket chain with extended hours, ideal for quick grocery runs
Mini Piago: Another convenient option for fresh produce and daily necessities
24-hour Lawson: Round-the-clock convenience store for emergencies and late-night needs
7-Eleven and FamilyMart: Multiple locations provide ATM access, bill payment services, and international shipping
Dining Options
The student-centric nature of Meidaimae ensures abundant affordable dining options:
Student-friendly restaurants: Numerous establishments offer lunch sets under ¥800
International cuisine: Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Indian restaurants cater to diverse tastes
Fast food chains: McDonald’s, Yoshinoya, Matsuya provide familiar and budget-friendly meals
Izakayas: Traditional Japanese pubs perfect for socializing with local students
Cafés and coffee shops: Ideal study spaces with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating
Essential Services
Post Office: Full postal services including international shipping
Banks and ATMs: Multiple options including international card-friendly ATMs at convenience stores
Pharmacies: Several drugstores with over-the-counter medications and health products
Laundromats: Coin laundries available for residents without in-unit washing machines
100-yen shops: Affordable household goods and daily necessities
⑤Multilingual Support & Healthcare
One of Meidaimae’s strongest advantages for international residents is the comprehensive multilingual support infrastructure provided by Setagaya Ward and local healthcare facilities.
Setagaya Ward Foreign Consultation Services
Setagaya Ward operates dedicated consultation services for foreign residents, offering support in multiple languages including English, Chinese, Korean, and other major languages. Services include:
Living consultation: Housing, employment, and daily life guidance
Child and family support: Education system navigation, childcare information
Emergency assistance: Crisis support and resource connection
Cultural orientation: Japanese customs and social norms guidance
English-Speaking Medical Facilities
The Meidaimae area boasts numerous medical facilities with English-speaking staff or translation services:
Internal Medicine Clinics: Multiple options for routine healthcare and prescription management
Dental Clinics: Several practices offer services in English
Dermatology: Specialized skin care with multilingual support
Ophthalmology: Eye care services with English consultation available
Mental Health Support: Counseling services specifically designed for international residents
University Health Services
Meiji University provides comprehensive health services for international students, including:
On-campus medical clinic with English-speaking staff
Mental health counseling in multiple languages
Health insurance guidance and enrollment assistance
Wellness programs and health education
Emergency response coordination
⑥Safety & Security
Safety is a paramount concern for international residents, and Meidaimae maintains Tokyo’s generally excellent safety standards while providing specific advantages for foreign residents.
Crime Statistics and Trends
Setagaya Ward, which includes Meidaimae, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to Tokyo’s average. The most common incidents are:
Bicycle theft: The most frequent crime, easily prevented with proper locking
Petty theft: Occasional pickpocketing in crowded areas, particularly rare
The area around Meidaimae Station remains well-lit and populated during evening hours due to the student population and numerous restaurants. Key safety features include:
Well-lit main streets with consistent foot traffic
Security cameras installed throughout the station area
Police box (koban) located near the station
24-hour convenience stores providing safe havens
Student-oriented businesses with extended evening hours
Emergency Preparedness
Setagaya Ward provides comprehensive disaster preparedness resources in multiple languages:
Evacuation centers: Designated safe zones with multilingual signage
Emergency communication: Multilingual emergency broadcast systems
Disaster kits: Guidance on emergency supply preparation
⑦Future Development & Investment Potential
Meidaimae continues to evolve as a residential and cultural hub, with several development projects enhancing its appeal to international residents.
Station Area Redevelopment
Setagaya Ward has implemented comprehensive redevelopment plans for the Meidaimae Station area, including:
Continuous grade separation project: Eliminating railway crossings to improve traffic flow and safety
Station plaza enhancement: Creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces
Improved accessibility: Barrier-free access improvements throughout the station area
Commercial district revitalization: Supporting local businesses and attracting new services
Population and Community Growth
With over 25,537 foreign residents in Setagaya Ward as of 2024, the international community continues to grow, leading to:
Increased multilingual services and signage
More international dining and shopping options
Enhanced cultural exchange programs
Greater acceptance and integration support
⑧Lifestyle & Recreation
Meidaimae offers exceptional recreational opportunities that balance urban convenience with access to nature and cultural activities.
Parks and Green Spaces
Hanegi Park: Large park featuring plum groves, playground facilities, and running courses – easily accessible by bus or bicycle
Inokashira Park: Famous park surrounding Inokashira Pond, perfect for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and weekend relaxation (10 minutes to Kichijoji)
Todoroki Valley: Hidden natural gorge offering a peaceful escape from urban life (30 minutes by train)
Cycling Culture
Meidaimae excels in bicycle infrastructure, making cycling an enjoyable and practical transportation option:
Dedicated bike lanes: Well-maintained cycling infrastructure throughout the area
Bike sharing: HELLO CYCLING and other services provide convenient short-term rentals
Cycle shops: Multiple bicycle retailers offering sales, repairs, and maintenance
Storage solutions: Affordable daily and monthly bicycle parking options
Cultural Activities
The proximity to major cultural centers provides endless entertainment options:
Live music: Shimokitazawa’s numerous live houses and music venues
Theater: Both traditional and experimental theater options in Shibuya and Shimokitazawa
Art galleries: Contemporary art spaces throughout the connected districts
Festivals: Seasonal festivals in each connected neighborhood
Shopping: From vintage treasures in Shimokitazawa to high fashion in Shibuya
⑨Housing Options for International Residents
Meidaimae offers diverse housing solutions tailored to the needs of international students and working professionals.
Student-Specific Housing
University dormitories: Meiji University provides on-campus and affiliated housing options
Student apartments: Purpose-built student housing with furnished options
International share houses: Multi-cultural living environments with built-in social networks
Homestay programs: Cultural immersion opportunities with Japanese families
Professional Housing Options
Service apartments: Fully furnished options perfect for newly arrived professionals
Monthly mansions: Flexible short-term housing for transitional periods
Family apartments: Larger units suitable for expat families with children
Luxury options: High-end apartments with international-standard amenities
🌟 Ready to Start Your Meidaimae Journey? From student housing to family apartments, we offer comprehensive relocation support with multilingual service. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of international residents.
Housing Search Tips for Foreigners
Work with specialized agents: Choose real estate companies experienced with international clients
Prepare documentation: Gather employment letters, bank statements, and identification well in advance
Consider guarantor services: Many companies offer guarantor services specifically for foreign residents
Understand contract terms: Ensure all lease terms are clearly explained in your preferred language
Visit multiple properties: Take time to compare options and neighborhoods
✅ Advantages of Living in Meidaimae
Direct access to Shibuya and Shinjuku (8-10 minutes)
Meidaimae Station represents the ideal balance of urban convenience, cultural access, and community support for international residents in Tokyo. Whether you’re an international student embarking on your academic journey at Meiji University or a working professional seeking authentic Tokyo living with excellent transportation links, Meidaimae offers unparalleled advantages.
The station’s strategic location provides instant access to Tokyo’s major cultural and business districts while maintaining a welcoming, student-friendly atmosphere. The comprehensive multilingual support infrastructure, from Setagaya Ward’s consultation services to English-speaking medical facilities, ensures that international residents can navigate daily life with confidence.
With ongoing development projects enhancing the area’s infrastructure and the continued growth of the international community, Meidaimae stands as one of Tokyo’s most promising residential locations for foreigners seeking both convenience and cultural immersion.
Start your Tokyo adventure in Meidaimae – where student life meets cultural exploration, and where international residents find not just a place to live, but a community to call home.
🌟 Ready to Start Your Meidaimae Journey? From short-term furnished apartments for new arrivals to permanent housing solutions, we provide comprehensive support for international students and expats moving to Japan.
Important Note: All rental prices, travel times, and service information are based on current data and may vary. We recommend confirming specific details with official sources and real estate professionals when making housing decisions. Our multilingual support team is available to assist with up-to-date information and personalized guidance throughout your relocation process.
