Job Discussion Forums

[Yawarakaijin]

I'm currently living in Kanagawa with my days spent at locations in Ebina, Tokyo and Yokohama. I'm currently living in Sagamiono but thinking of a change of scenery. Im currnently considering Ebina or Hon Atsugi. I would be grateful to anyone out there who has first hand knowledge of some of these residential areas. Thanks in advance.

[Chris21]

What do you want to know?

[Yawarakaijin]

Just the things most people would consider when considering a new neighbourhood. Abundancy of greenery, access to the basics, eating and drinking establishments. How friendly the people are and so on. I have no family so I am not currently worried about schools and the like. The housing situation. How much a 1 or 2LDK would cost.

I obviously have not visited every stop along these 2 lines, just want to get a feeling of what is out there. For example, a friend of mine lived about 10 stations closer to Shinjuku than I yet paid about the same rent for a much bigger and nicer place. Any info would be useful.

[Chris21]

It really depends. Places close to Atsugi and Ebina stations are going to be pricey, probably similar to Sagamiono and Machida. Places farther out will be cheaper, with more greenery, but fewer restaurants and pedestrian traffic. You could probably get a brand-new 3LDK for 75,000 if you don't mind taking the bus from the station. Something to consider though is the last bus from Atsugi leaves at 11 and the last bus from Ebina leaves at 10:30, which means you'd have to leave Shinjuku before 10. If you live close to the station, you probably don't need to worry too much about last buses. I think the last train from Shinjuku on the Odakyu Line is 11:55.

Probably the best thing would be to move somewhere that is close to your job. If you have to commute everyday to work, might as well make it a short commute and save the longer ones for the more infrequent occasions (i.e. going out on weekends).

Lots of greenery in Atsugi and Ebina (more the farther you go from the station).

There are good restaurants in both Atsugi and Ebina near the station, basically only fast food once you move out of the city center (usually major roads with McDonald's, Sukiya, and assorted Ramen Shops).

People are the same in all of these areas.

Living a bit out from the stations is really quiet. Hardly any noise at night.

[madeira]

My family live in Ebina, my job is in Sagamiono. I wouldn't live in either place... too much noise from the jets, not enough greenery, too far from beaches. Lots are too small for the gardening I do. Ebina is becoming a pretty nice town now, with more shops and new housing, though. There are some biggish parks up in the hills.

Why not keep going and look closer to Enoshima? I went for Yokosuka, but the commute is loong.

[Yawarakaijin]

For my work, Ebina is the obvious choice as I am based in Aikawa and Yokohama but just wondering if there were any nice or unique neighbourhoods in the area as I wouldnt mind a little extra commuting in lieu of a nice area. Thanks for the info so far, it's appreciated.

[Chris21]

You might want to consider up by Hashimoto Station. That's kind of a nice area. It's a good blend of urban and suburban... plenty of ammenities, but also space to move around. I think from Hashimoto, there's a bus to Aikawa. And for Yokohama, you can just take the JR Sagami Line down to Ebina and hop on the Sotetsu Line. Hashimoto is also on the Keio line, which puts you into Shinjuku in about 40 minutes and no worries for last bus. There is also a Costco out there (one station west), and a really nice outlet mall with a big movie theater (two stations west).

[Vince]

I lived near Yomiuri-Land-Mae Station on the Odakyu Line for six years and loved it. It has a nice suburban atmosphere. There are plenty of amenities at the station, and it's a quick ride to Shinyurigaoka for things like the cinema, health clubs, and major department stores. It's 20 minutes via express train to Shinjuku. It's an area of cozy neigborhoods nestled in hills with lots of greenery. Farther from the station, there are random convenience stores and mom-and-pop shops. The people were friendly. I paid �105K for a new 2DK, which was a fair price for the building and area. When I return to Japan, I'd definitely live there again (long-term) if I found the right deal.

[Chris21]

Vince, how close to the station did you live? If it was within walking distance, 105k sounds like a pretty nice deal. I've got a great apartment (3LDK), but it's a 20-minute bus ride from the station. I pay 75k. The rent is great but the bus ride can be annoying sometimes, and I wonder if it's better to pay a little more for convenience.

[Vince]

[TokyoLiz]

My guy lives 20 minutes walk from Hon-Atsugi station. You've got al the amenities of urban life there, plus the mountains and some scenic spots are really close by. Bicycles are your friends.

I visit in sin out there sometimes, and find that walking to and from the station is actually a pleasant start and end to the day. But it is oh such a bummer when it rains.

The train routes are a bit wobbly and long to Yokohama, though, and it's about 45 minutes away.

Yawarakaijin, you've seen this? http://www.city.atsugi.kanagawa.jp/helpsite/english/index.html

[Yawarakaijin]

Thanks very much for your info guys and gals. Sorry to have wasted your time though, as it appears I will be going to Komagane from July. Same company just a different office/factory. Visited last weekend, absolutely beautiful area. Not much of a worry about where to live though, its pretty small. My bicycle will surelly be my best friend, at least until some hick chimpira steals it .