Last Updated on 2025年9月23日 by Kenty
Quick Overview: Mizonokuchi Station serves as a major transportation hub connecting Tokyo and Kanagawa, offering direct access to Shibuya in just 16-19 minutes. With comprehensive multilingual support, excellent shopping facilities, and a welcoming international community, it’s an ideal choice for foreign residents seeking convenience and comfort in Japan.
①Why Mizonokuchi Works for Expats
Mizonokuchi Station stands out as one of Japan’s most foreigner-friendly residential areas, combining the convenience of multiple train lines with robust multilingual support services. Located at the intersection of Tokyu Denentoshi Line, Tokyu Oimachi Line, and JR Nambu Line, this transportation hub offers unparalleled access to Tokyo’s major business districts while maintaining a comfortable suburban atmosphere.
The area has seen significant international growth, with Takatsu Ward’s foreign resident population reaching over 6,000 people in recent years. This diverse community has fostered an environment where multilingual services flourish, from real estate agencies offering support in English, Chinese, and Korean, to medical facilities with international staff.
What sets Mizonokuchi apart is its comprehensive infrastructure designed with international residents in mind. The station area features large shopping complexes like Nocty Plaza and Marui Family, both offering extended hours and diverse dining options. The proximity to Tama River provides recreational opportunities, while the direct connection to Shibuya makes commuting effortless.
②Transportation Access
Train Line Connections
Mizonokuchi Station operates as a three-line junction, providing exceptional connectivity across the Tokyo metropolitan area. The station complex includes Tokyu Mizonokuchi Station and the adjacent JR Musashi-Mizonokuchi Station, connected by a 2-3 minute walk.
Tokyu Denentoshi Line
Direct access to Shibuya, Omotesando, and business districts
Tokyu Oimachi Line
Connection to JR Yamanote Line at Osaki and Gotanda
JR Nambu Line
Direct route to Kawasaki and connection to Tokaido Line
Travel Times to Major Stations
Shibuya: 16-19 min | Shinjuku: 30-32 min | Tokyo: ~40 min
Bus Network
The station area is served by extensive bus networks operated by Tokyu Bus and Kawasaki City Bus. Particularly notable is the direct bus service to Shin-Yokohama Station (¥450, approximately 45 minutes), providing convenient access to the Shinkansen without requiring train transfers.
Multiple bus stops are located around the station, with route maps and timetables available in both Japanese and English through various navigation apps. The frequency of service is high during peak hours, with buses running every 10-15 minutes on major routes.
Bicycle Access and Parking
Cycling infrastructure around Mizonokuchi is well-developed, with the underground bicycle parking facility at Nocty Plaza offering secure parking for ¥120 per day. Several private parking operators provide additional options, including 24-hour facilities starting from ¥100 per day.
The HELLO CYCLING bike-sharing service has multiple ports throughout Takatsu Ward, with rental rates starting at ¥160 for 30 minutes. The flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths along the Tama River make bicycle commuting a popular option among residents.
③Living Amenities
Shopping and Daily Necessities
Mizonokuchi’s shopping infrastructure centers around two major complexes directly connected to the station. Nocty Plaza operates from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM (food court until 10:00 PM), featuring a 24-hour Lawson convenience store on the ground floor. The adjacent Marui Family Mizonokuchi provides additional retail options with similar operating hours.
For grocery shopping, Ito-Yokado Mizonokuchi store offers a comprehensive supermarket experience with extended hours (10:00 AM to 9:00 PM) and a wide selection of both Japanese and international food products. The store frequently stocks items specifically catering to foreign residents, including halal and organic options.
Medical Facilities and English Support
Healthcare access is excellent, with Teikyo University Hospital serving as the primary medical facility for serious conditions. The hospital provides interpreter services and has experience treating international patients.
Kawasaki City maintains a comprehensive database of medical facilities offering multilingual support, searchable by language and medical specialty. Many clinics in the area have English-speaking staff, and the city’s foreign resident support center can assist with medical facility recommendations and appointment booking.
Educational Access
International school access is convenient via the Denentoshi Line. Seisen International School (girls) is located near Yoga Station, while St. Mary’s International School (boys) is accessible from Futako-Tamagawa Station. Both schools are within a 15-20 minute commute from Mizonokuchi.
For families with younger children, several local nurseries and kindergartens have experience with international families and can provide basic English communication support.
④Safety and Security
Crime Statistics and General Safety
Takatsu Ward maintains crime rates that are average for Kawasaki City, with the Kanagawa Prefectural Police publishing regular statistics through their “Kana Police MAP” system. The area around Mizonokuchi Station benefits from enhanced security measures, including comprehensive CCTV coverage.
The local shopping district (Polepole Street) has implemented a security camera network with 25 high-definition cameras, funded through a municipal subsidy program that supports 75% of installation costs for commercial areas.
Night Safety and Lighting
Evening safety is generally good around the station area, with well-lit pedestrian paths and regular police patrols. The main shopping areas remain active until late evening, providing natural surveillance. However, as with any urban area, some side streets near entertainment districts may become lively after midnight, so route selection is advisable for late-night travel.
Disaster Preparedness
Given the proximity to Tama River, flood risk assessment is essential for potential residents. Kawasaki City provides detailed hazard maps for Takatsu Ward, showing flood risk zones and evacuation routes. The area has improved flood defenses following Typhoon Hagibis in 2019, but residents should familiarize themselves with emergency procedures.
The city offers multilingual disaster preparedness information and maintains emergency broadcast systems with English announcements during severe weather events.
⑤Cost Analysis
Rental Market Overview
| Apartment Type | Average Monthly Rent | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1R | ¥77,000 – ¥90,000 | 15-25 sqm, basic amenities |
| 1K | ¥80,000 – ¥91,000 | 20-30 sqm, separate kitchen |
| 1LDK | ¥124,000 – ¥132,000 | 35-45 sqm, living/dining area |
| 2K/2DK | ¥90,000 | 40-50 sqm, two rooms |
| 2LDK | ¥135,000 | 50-65 sqm, family-sized |
Many properties offer zero deposit/key money arrangements, particularly those marketed to international tenants. Guarantor company services are widely available, eliminating the need for a Japanese personal guarantor.
Transportation Costs
| Route | Monthly Commuter Pass | Single Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Mizonokuchi ↔ Shibuya | ¥9,430 | ¥230 |
| Musashi-Mizonokuchi ↔ Kawasaki | ¥6,950 | ¥220 |
| Mizonokuchi ↔ Oimachi | ¥9,430 | ¥230 |
Utilities and Internet
Electricity costs follow TEPCO’s standard residential rates, with the three-tier system charging ¥29.80/kWh for the first 120kWh, ¥36.40/kWh for 121-300kWh, and ¥40.49/kWh above 300kWh. Internet service typically costs ¥4,000-4,500 monthly for apartment buildings, with fiber optic coverage excellent throughout the area.
Gas and water utilities are competitively priced compared to central Tokyo, and most apartment buildings include basic maintenance fees in the monthly rent.
⑥Future Development and Investment Potential
Urban Development Plans
Mizonokuchi has already undergone major redevelopment with the completion of the North Exit urban renewal project in 1997, which created the current station plaza and commercial complexes. Ongoing improvements include station area enhancement projects and infrastructure updates.
The area is designated as a central hub in Kawasaki City’s urban master plan, ensuring continued investment in transportation and commercial facilities. Recent construction work around the South Exit indicates ongoing efforts to modernize the station environment.
Property Value Trends
Land values in the Mizonokuchi area have shown consistent growth, with 2025 estimates indicating a 9.88% year-over-year increase. This growth reflects the area’s strong fundamentals: excellent transportation access, established commercial infrastructure, and growing international community.
The stability of property values makes the area attractive for both renters and potential buyers, with the international appeal likely to support continued demand.
⑦Lifestyle and Recreation
Dining and Entertainment
The station area offers diverse dining options, from traditional Japanese restaurants to international cuisine catering to the foreign community. Nocty Plaza’s restaurant floor operates until 10:00 PM, providing convenient dinner options for commuters.
Entertainment options include karaoke establishments, bars, and lounges. The area maintains a good balance between vibrant nightlife and residential tranquility, with most entertainment venues concentrated near the station.
Parks and Recreation
The proximity to Tama River provides excellent recreational opportunities. The Kawaseki Tama River Fureai Road offers dedicated walking and cycling paths extending for kilometers along the riverbank. Futako Tamagawa Park, accessible via a short train ride, provides additional green space and seasonal events.
Takatsu Sports Center serves as the ward’s primary fitness facility, offering various programs and individual-use facilities from 8:45 AM to 9:30 PM. The facility is accustomed to international users and provides basic English support.
⑧Multilingual Support Services
Municipal Services
Kawasaki City operates a comprehensive multilingual consultation service supporting 11 languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. The service covers housing, employment, education, medical care, and general life consultation.
The Kawasaki International Association (KIAN) provides additional support through phone and in-person consultations, cultural orientation programs, and emergency assistance coordination.
Available Languages for City Services:
English • Chinese (Simplified/Traditional) • Korean • Portuguese • Spanish • Tagalog • Vietnamese • Thai • Nepali • Indonesian • Hindi
Real Estate and Banking
Multiple real estate agencies around the station offer multilingual services. N-Asset provides support in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean, while several Century 21 franchises offer English and Chinese-speaking staff. These agencies specialize in foreigner-friendly properties and can assist with the entire rental process.
Major banks in the area, including MUFG and Mizuho, provide English-language ATM interfaces and have English-speaking staff available by appointment for account opening and financial services.
Medical and Emergency Services
The city maintains a searchable database of medical facilities offering multilingual support, categorized by language and medical specialty. Many local clinics have basic English capability, and interpretation services can be arranged for complex medical consultations.
Emergency services are equipped to handle calls in multiple languages, and the city’s disaster preparedness information is available in all major languages spoken by the international community.
⑨Getting Started: Practical Steps
First Month Essentials
New residents should prioritize registering at the ward office (available with multilingual support), opening a bank account, and obtaining a phone plan. The station area’s comprehensive services mean most essential tasks can be completed within walking distance.
Joining local international community groups through KIAN or social media can provide valuable networking opportunities and practical advice from experienced foreign residents.
Long-term Integration
The area’s international character makes long-term integration comfortable while still providing authentic Japanese cultural experiences. Regular community events, language exchange programs, and cultural festivals help build connections with both international and Japanese neighbors.
Career development opportunities are excellent given the direct access to Tokyo’s business districts, while the family-friendly environment supports those planning long-term stays in Japan.
Quick Contact Resources:
• Kawasaki Multilingual Consultation: 044-455-8811
• KIAN International Center: 044-435-7000
• Foreign Resident Support Hotline: Available 24/7 in multiple languages
⑩Conclusion
Mizonokuchi Station represents an ideal balance of urban convenience and international community support for foreign residents in Japan. The combination of excellent transportation links, comprehensive multilingual services, and established international infrastructure creates an environment where newcomers can thrive while building their life in Japan.
Whether you’re a business professional seeking easy access to Tokyo’s commercial centers, a family looking for good schools and safe neighborhoods, or someone beginning their Japanese journey, Mizonokuchi offers the resources and community support essential for successful integration.
The area’s continued development and growing international population ensure that services and amenities will continue expanding to meet diverse needs, making it a smart choice for both short-term stays and long-term settlement.
