Tokyo Apartment Guide: Futako-Tamagawa Area Overview and Rent Prices

Located in the southwestern part of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Futako-Tamagawa is a charming area where the rich natural environment along the Tama River blends seamlessly with modern urban amenities. Known affectionately as "Nikotama," this district has developed around a major terminal station where the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line and Oimachi Line intersect. Its excellent accessibility, with Shibuya just about 10 minutes away, is one of its key attractions. Additionally, it’s easy to reach both Haneda and Narita airports by train or bus, making it convenient for both domestic and international travel.

The area around the station is home to large commercial facilities such as "Futako Tamagawa Rise" and "Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C.," offering plenty of shopping and dining options. Particularly noteworthy is Futako Tamagawa Rise, a sophisticated multi-purpose complex that includes a shopping center, office buildings, a hotel, and high-rise apartments. At the same time, natural spots like the Tama River riverside and Futako Tamagawa Park are within walking distance, where people can often be seen enjoying walks or picnics.

What Kind of Place is Futako-Tamagawa?

This neighborhood is renowned as an upscale residential area with excellent safety and well-established educational facilities, making it especially popular among families with children. It also attracts single professionals seeking a stylish urban lifestyle due to its abundance of trendy cafes and restaurants. The newly developed townscape exudes luxury without being overly pretentious, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds.

Combining urban convenience with a rich natural environment, Futako-Tamagawa offers an ideal living environment for foreigners looking to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in Japan.

Features of Futako-Tamagawa

Futako-Tamagawa is known as an upscale residential area with excellent safety and educational facilities, making it particularly popular among families. It also appeals to singles seeking a fashionable urban lifestyle thanks to its many chic cafes and restaurants. The redeveloped townscape combines a sense of luxury with a calm atmosphere, creating an open community that welcomes people from all walks of life.

With its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, Futako-Tamagawa offers an ideal living environment for foreigners who want to enjoy a comfortable life in Japan.

Access & Transportation in Futako-Tamagawa

For commuting or traveling from Futako-Tamagawa, trains and buses are highly convenient. The area also offers car-sharing services and shared bicycles near the station, making it easy to use cars or bikes for weekend outings. However, since the area around Futako-Tamagawa has many slopes, electric bicycles are recommended for cycling.

Trains

Futako-Tamagawa Station is served by the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line and Oimachi Line. The Den-en-toshi Line connects Shibuya with Yamato City in Kanagawa Prefecture and operates through services with the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, allowing direct access to major areas like Nagatacho, Otemachi, and Oshiage (Skytree) without transfers.

Although the Den-en-toshi Line is highly popular and tends to get crowded during morning rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM), trains run at intervals of 2–3 minutes during peak times, ensuring high convenience.

Buses

Buses operated by Tokyu Bus and Odakyu Bus run from Futako-Tamagawa Station to destinations such as Meguro Station, Tokyo Medical Center, Seijo Gakuen-mae Station, and Chofu Station. You can also take a bus to Shibuya; since bus fares are almost the same as train fares, you can choose based on convenience from your home.

7 Reasons Why Futako-Tamagawa is a Great Place to Live

1. Abundance of Large Commercial Facilities

The centerpiece of Futako-Tamagawa's commercial facilities is "Futako Tamagawa Rise," directly connected to the station. This massive shopping center features around 160 stores, including fashion, miscellaneous goods, and restaurants. During the Christmas season, a giant tree and stunning illuminations attract visitors, creating a perfect atmosphere for strolls or dates.

One highlight of Futako Tamagawa Rise is the rooftop garden in the Terrace Market area. This green space features trees and vegetable gardens, offering a relaxing escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The garden also serves as an educational space where local children can experience harvesting and learn about agriculture.

Another must-visit spot is "Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C.," located just a 2-minute walk from the station. This department store offers a wide range of products, from luxury brands to everyday items. Its restaurant floor features diverse cuisines, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese options.

For shopping or dining in Futako-Tamagawa, visiting "Futako Tamagawa Rise" and "Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C." guarantees a fulfilling experience.

2. Convenient Grocery Shopping

Futako-Tamagawa offers a variety of grocery stores, ranging from high-end supermarkets to everyday options. For instance, "Tokyu Store" in Futako Tamagawa Rise provides a wide selection of products at reasonable prices, making it convenient for daily shopping.

Premium supermarkets like "Seijo Ishii" and "Bio c' Bon" are also popular for their imported goods and organic food items, catering to those seeking high-quality ingredients.

Additionally, supermarkets like "Maruetsu" and "My Basket," along with drugstores such as "Cocokara Fine," ensure that residents have no trouble finding daily necessities.

3. Popular Bakeries and Sweets Shops

Futako-Tamagawa is known for its array of trendy bakeries and sweets shops. One standout is "BLUE POPPY Bakery," a high-end bakery helmed by Chef Tetsuya Yamaguchi, who previously worked as Joel Robuchon's right-hand man in New York. The bakery combines traditional French methods with innovative ideas developed in New York, offering unique creations like the "Liver Pâté Croissant" and "Rum Banana Bostock."

Another recommendation is "Patisserie SUCREPERE Cafe," which won the grand prize in the pudding category of BRUTUS magazine's "Tokyo's Best Sweets." Its refined flavors and visually stunning desserts have captivated many sweets enthusiasts.

With numerous Instagram-worthy bakeries and sweets shops scattered throughout the area, simply exploring Futako-Tamagawa can lead to delightful discoveries. Whether you live here or just visit, this neighborhood offers plenty to enjoy.

4. A Natural Environment

One of Futako-Tamagawa's key attractions is its rich natural environment despite being in the city. The Tama River flows nearby, providing a relaxed atmosphere unique to this area.

Along the Tama River, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in spring or barbecues during the warmer months. Additionally, the "Kinuta Asobi Village" offers rare urban activities like mud play, tree climbing, and hill sliding—making it especially popular with children.

Just a 10-minute bike ride from Futako-Tamagawa Station lies Todoroki Valley Park, Tokyo's only valley within its 23 wards. Visitors can stroll along lush walking paths or enjoy forest bathing in peaceful rest areas. The park also features a Japanese garden and grassy fields, making it a popular spot for relaxation among locals and tourists alike.

Futako-Tamagawa is an area where urban life harmonizes with nature, making it an ideal place for those seeking an escape from busy city life or families looking for quality time together.

5. Ideal for Families with Children

Futako-Tamagawa provides an excellent environment for families with children due to its abundance of child-friendly spaces. Located just a 9-minute walk from the station, Futako Tamagawa Park features large playground equipment and sandboxes designed for young children to play safely. The park also includes a Japanese garden where families can relax while experiencing traditional culture.

Additionally, Hyogojima Park, just a 5-minute walk away, offers artificial streams where kids can enjoy water play during summer months—making it a favorite spot for families.

The rooftop gardens at both "Futako Tamagawa Rise" and "Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C." are also ideal places for children to play while enjoying nature. These facilities include diaper-changing areas and nursing rooms, ensuring convenience for families with babies.

6. Balance Between Station Area and Residential Neighborhoods

While Futako-Tamagawa's station area buzzes with activity, quiet residential neighborhoods are just a short walk away. The "Seta" area is particularly known as an upscale residential district featuring beautiful homes and well-organized streets. With minimal traffic and safe pedestrian-friendly environments, this area is ideal for families.

The proximity to St. Mary's International School—a certified International Baccalaureate school—also highlights its appeal as an excellent educational environment.

7. Autumn Fireworks Festival

Every October, the Tama River riverside hosts the "Setagaya Tamagawa Fireworks Festival," where approximately 6,000 fireworks light up the night sky. This event attracts many visitors eager to experience this quintessential Japanese autumn tradition. Food stalls line the venue area, offering an opportunity to enjoy Japanese festival culture.

However, on the day of the fireworks festival, expect heavy crowds around the station and on public transportation; planning ahead is recommended. For residents living nearby apartments with clear views of the fireworks display, this event becomes an exclusive delight—a highlight of living in this vibrant community.

Rental Apartment Market in Futako-Tamagawa

The rental prices in Futako-Tamagawa are relatively reasonable compared to areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku, although high-rise apartments directly connected to the station tend to be more expensive.

Low-rise apartments located 10–15 minutes on foot from the station are relatively affordable. Older properties or those requiring bus access can further reduce costs. Futako-Tamagawa is a highly recommended area for foreigners due to its comfortable living environment and excellent convenience.