Living Along the Tokyu Toyoko Line: Station-by-Station Breakdown

The Tokyu Toyoko Line runs from Shibuya in Tokyo to Yokohama, and it's one of the most popular rental corridors in the Tokyo area. But rent changes a lot from one station to the next. Here's a practical guide to the key stops, so you can find the one that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Rent figures below are rough averages for studio/1K/1DK units and change over time. Use them as a guide, not a quote.

The Big Picture

Rent along the line drops as you move away from Shibuya. Daikanyama sits at the top at around ¥119,000. The Shibuya-to-Nakameguro zone is around ¥100,000. Local stops in Meguro Ward are around ¥80,000. South of the Tama River, in Kawasaki and Yokohama, rent settles in the low ¥60,000s. The cheapest station on the line, Hakuraku, is around ¥51,000.

Inside Tokyo

Daikanyama (代官山). The most expensive station on the line, with a stylish, boutique-filled atmosphere. Only local trains stop here, so you'll pay a premium for the address rather than for speed. Best for those who value the neighborhood above all else.

Nakameguro (中目黒). About 4 minutes from Shibuya, with rent around ¥97,000. It's a stop for express trains, and it's the starting station of the Hibiya Line, which means you can often get a seat on trains heading toward central Tokyo. Popular for its riverside cafes and restaurants.

Gakugei-daigaku (学芸大学). Often described as the best balance of rent and convenience on the line. Express trains stop here, and it has a lively shopping street, so daily errands are easy.

Jiyugaoka (自由が丘). About 11 minutes from Shibuya, with rent around ¥79,000. It has the best shopping and dining scene on the line, plus express service and access to the Oimachi Line. A good fit if you want a polished, lively neighborhood without Nakameguro prices.

Tamagawa (多摩川). One of the best-value stations inside Tokyo's section of the line, with rent noticeably lower than the stations closer to Shibuya. Three train lines serve the station, and the riverbank is right nearby. Good for those who want Tokyo-side access on a tighter budget.

Kawasaki Side

Musashi-Kosugi (武蔵小杉). About 14 minutes from Shibuya by express, with rent around ¥63,000. That's a big drop from the Tokyo-side stations, and the area has seen major redevelopment, with large shopping complexes right at the station. One of the best value-for-access stations on the whole line.

Motosumiyoshi (元住吉). Just next to Musashi-Kosugi, with a more relaxed, local feel and a long shopping street. A good choice if you like Musashi-Kosugi's access but want a calmer neighborhood.

Yokohama Side

Hiyoshi (日吉). A busy student-friendly area, and an important transfer point. From here, the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line reaches Shin-Yokohama in about 10 minutes, which is handy for Shinkansen travel.

Kikuna (菊名). About 22 minutes from Shibuya by express, with rent around ¥63,000. It's a calm residential area with a good supply of studio and one-room apartments, and it's only about 6 minutes from Yokohama Station on the line's final stretch.

Hakuraku (白楽). The cheapest station on the line, at around ¥51,000. A good choice for tight budgets, with the trade-off of being further from Shibuya.

Which Station Fits You?

Want style and a central address? Daikanyama or Nakameguro, if budget allows.
Want the best balance of price and convenience? Gakugei-daigaku or Jiyugaoka.
Want the most value for easy Shibuya access? Musashi-Kosugi.
Want a calm area on a tight budget? Kikuna or Hakuraku.
Commuting on the Hibiya Line? Nakameguro, since it's the starting station.

The Bottom Line

The Toyoko Line offers something for almost every budget, and the biggest price drop comes right when you cross the Tama River into Kawasaki. If you want strong access without the Tokyo-side prices, Musashi-Kosugi and Kikuna are the standouts. If you value atmosphere and are willing to pay for it, Nakameguro and Jiyugaoka are hard to beat.