Living in Oji

The central station of Kita Ward, with the cherry blossoms of Asukayama Park and the atmosphere of an old working-class neighborhood where a streetcar still runs. Tokyo Station is 16 minutes away with no transfer, so living close to work is easy, prices and shopping street goods are cheap, and daily infrastructure such as parks and libraries is solid. In return, if you expect a flashy entertainment district or stylish cafe streets, it may feel dull.

Oji is the center of Kita Ward, on two lines including the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. It is a nostalgic neighborhood where the cherry blossoms of Asukayama Park and the Toden (streetcar) blend together. It is not a flashy entertainment district, but that makes it calm. With good access to the city center and reasonable rents, it is easy on the budget for families and singles.