Living in Sasazuka: Is It the Right Neighborhood for You?

If you're planning a move to Tokyo, you've probably come across the usual central recommendations in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ginza. They all have plenty to offer, but they're also busy, crowded, and don't always give you the feeling of living in Tokyo rather than simply passing through it.

Sasazuka is different.

Just one stop from Shinjuku, this quiet residential neighborhood has become a favourite among locals, creatives, and international residents who want easy access to central Tokyo without sacrificing everyday comfort. It's the kind of place where you'll quickly find your regular coffee shop, greet the staff at your local supermarket, and feel part of the neighbourhood after only a few weeks.

For anyone relocating to Tokyo for work, working remotely, or planning a longer stay, Sasazuka offers a balance that's surprisingly hard to find elsewhere.

Easy access to the rest of Tokyo

One of Sasazuka's biggest advantages is its location.

From Sasazuka Station, Shinjuku is only about four minutes away on the Keio Line. Once you're in Shinjuku, the rest of Tokyo opens up. Whether you're commuting to Marunouchi, heading to Shibuya for dinner, catching the Yamanote Line, or travelling across the city for work, everything is within easy reach.

Despite being so close to one of Tokyo's busiest transport hubs, Sasazuka itself feels calm. Returning home after a day in central Tokyo feels like stepping into a neighbourhood where life moves at a more comfortable pace

Everything you need is within walking distance

One of the first things people notice after moving to Sasazuka is how little they actually need to leave the neighbourhood.

Around the station you'll find several supermarkets, konbini, pharmacies, bakeries, cafés, restaurants, fitness centres, banks, and everyday services. Whether you're picking up groceries after work or looking for a relaxed place to spend a Saturday morning, everything is just a short walk away.

The area is also home to Frente Sasazuka, a convenient shopping complex directly connected to the station, making daily errands even easier.

For longer stays, this makes a real difference. Instead of planning trips across the city for simple tasks, daily life becomes effortless.

Great food without the crowds

You'll never run out of places to eat here.

From casual izakayas and cosy cafés to sushi, ramen, Italian restaurants and local favourites, Sasazuka has an impressive variety of dining options packed into a relatively small area.

Many residents rarely venture elsewhere for dinner during the week because everything they need is already close to home.

And if you're looking for more variety, neighbourhoods like Shimokitazawa and Hatagaya are just a short train ride or even a pleasant walk away.

A neighbourhood that still feels local

What gives Sasazuka its charm isn't a famous landmark or tourist attraction. It's the atmosphere.

Small independent cafés sit alongside family-run restaurants that have been serving locals for decades. The neighbourhood shopping streets are lined with greengrocers, traditional Japanese stores, ramen shops, bakeries and specialty retailers, creating the kind of everyday streetscape that's becoming increasingly rare in central Tokyo.

Rather than catering to tourists, Sasazuka feels like a neighbourhood built for the people who actually live there.

If you're hoping to experience a more authentic side of Tokyo while still enjoying all the conveniences of city life, Sasazuka delivers exactly that.

Stay with Sumii in Sasazuka

At Sumii, we've chosen Sasazuka because it reflects the way many of our guests want to experience Tokyo.

Our fully furnished apartments combine modern comfort with the convenience of a neighbourhood where everything is close by. Whether you're staying for a month or several months, you'll have an ideal base for work, exploring the city, and settling into local life.

If you're looking for a Tokyo neighbourhood that's connected, welcoming and genuinely enjoyable to live in, Sasazuka is well worth considering.

Browse our Sasazuka apartments and discover what everyday life here feels like.

Welcome to your Sasazuka home