When you’re moving to a new place, the property itself is important. But the surroundings are equally important, don’t you think?
The access to your school, restaurants and nearby shops, as well as a sense of security, are also key.
KAMIKITA HOUSE, which opened in March of 2020, is located nearby both Sakurajosui Station and Kamikitazawa Station on the Keio. So, what’s it like living in this area?
Let’s find out! We’ll start with accessibility.
It takes about 8 minutes on foot from KAMIKITA HOUSE to both stations. But Sakurajosui Station has various express trains stopping, as well as local trains, so it’s probably the more convenient of the two!
It takes just 13 minutes by train to reach Shinjuku, officially the busiest hub in Tokyo. (No need to transfer trains either!)
To Shibuya Station, it takes about 14 minutes by train. (The quickest route involves one transfer at Meidaimae Station onto the Keio Inokashira Line Express train)
You can even get as far as Ikebukuro Station in 30 minutes by transferring just once!
The Keio Line has a direct train that continues through to the Toei Shinjuku Line, conveniently stopping at Ichigaya, Jimbocho, and Ogawamachi.
If you go to Meiji University, Nihon University, or Hosei University, the accessibility is excellent. (Although it depends which major/campus you are!)
If you get off at Iwamotocho Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line, you can even walk to Akihabara!
The trains stopping at Kamikitazawa and Sakurajosui Stations are super convenient, and the shopping street surrounding both stations are fun to bike around too. You can cycle to Kichijoji Station or Meidaimae Station easily as well.
Just be sure to follow the traffic rule while you’re on the road please! Note: you are permitted to cycle on the sidewalk in Japan.
Today we got off at Kamikitazawa Station! There’s a supermarket, convenience stores, and ATMs nearby, so it’s a really convenient route home!
Wandering nearby the station, we also found lots of other cute shops!
The number of bagel shops is Tokyo is rapidly increasing! A little birdie told us that there are some delicious bagels to be found right here Kamikitazawa, so we went in search of 「Kepobagels」, located right next to Kamikitazawa Station North Exit!
Wow! There are literally so many varieties!!! They have a range of sweet and savory bagels, and everything in between!
When you think bagel, you often think New York, which is known for a specific type of bagel. We got our hands of one of the NY-style delights!
If you opt for a classic sandwich, you can choose between a plain bagel or a sesame bagel. But today I went for the Pumpernickel bagel - made from rye flour in a style that originates from Germany – and had them make me up a salmon sandwich. It was loaded with smoked salmon and cream cheese, so the more I bit into it, the tastier it got. SO delicious.
But, if you head to Kepobagels, then you also HAVE to try the Japanese-style bagels! Unique to this shop, these Japanese-style bagels are made with Japanese flour and natural yeast derived from malted rice. As a result the bagels are extra chewy!
Just look at these flavors: roasted soybean, black bean, mustard greens...so many options, it’s hard to pick just one! My goal is to try them all someday!! Currently, UNINEST’s staff rate green tea with roasted soybean as the top pick ♡ but I’m sure they’re all amazing!
“The customers at Kamikitazawa are so friendly and sweet. I love working here. We used to be located nearby Kamikitazawa Station South Exit but had to relocate two years ago. When we were weighing up the new location, there were no other contenders - only Kamikitazawa!” - Ms. Yamauchi, owner of Kepobagels.
We hope everyone enjoys living in Kamikitazawa and making the most of these yummy bagels!
Kepobagels Shop Info
Address: 4-16-13 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00~19:00
Closed: Mondays (open Holidays), Tuesdays
Eat-in seats available
Just a 5-minute walk from Kamikitazawa Station South Exit and right on route home to KAMIKITA HOUSE, you’ll find Patisserie Miyahara. Come spring, you’ll realize it also faces onto a row of stunning cherry blossoms!
Even arriving early in the day, there were a number of bikes parked out front, and local patrons relaxing and chatting in the eat-in spots.
Whilst I was there the customers just kept coming, and the custard flan was all but sold out!
The cake display is impressive in itself. Return customers will notice the fruit toppings change depending on the season! Since we visited the shop last in February, there were lots of cakes with strawberries♡
“Well, our most popular ones are the classic strawberry shortcakes, flans, and cream puffs. We have developed a gentler taste so that even children can enjoy them every day!” – pastry chef, Mr. Miyahara.
Mmm. Like Mr. Miyahara said, the sweets aren’t too sweet, and they taste just divine! Baked goods such as cookies, madeleines, and financiers make great gifts for other, as well as special treats for yourself.
“Student life goes so quickly, so whilst you’re here we would love for you to swing by and take some time to enjoy.” -Message to students from Mr. Miyahara.
Whether it’s something to snack on while you’re at the books, or a special treat just because you deserve it ♡ it’s worth checking out Patisserie Miyahara! The guys at UNINEST are especially into the black tea cookies.
Patisserie Miyahara Store Info
Address: 1st floor Ogawa building 3-32-14 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya ward
Hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Eat-in seats available
The area surrounding both Kamikitazawa Station and Sakurajosui Station is very quiet, but at night the streets are well lit, so you feel very safe!
There’s also a police box located near KAMIKITA HOUSE (just 250 meters away), so if you do ever feel uneasy, you know help is close to hand!
The cooperation of the local residents is vital is creating a happy environment in which to live.
Get to know your city and enrich your student days!
