Which stations have good access to Shimbashi Sta as a workplace while offering low rent? List the stations that can be reached within 20 minutes.

Tokyo has so many rail lines that many people may not be quite sure which line or station is actually convenient. Here, we will introduce stations that offer good access and comparatively low rent on a station-by-station basis.

Shimbashi Station is a huge hub served by 4 JR lines, 2 subway lines, and the Yurikamome. If you live inside the Yamanote Line, rent soars, but there are plenty of stations outside the Yamanote Line loop that reach Shimbashi in 20 minutes or less, either directly or with one transfer.
In this article we will present them exhaustively in two sections: ▼ No transfers ▼ One transfer.



JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line
JR Yokosuka & Tōkaidō Lines
Toei Asakusa Line (including direct Keikyū services)
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Yurikamome




1. To Shimbashi with No Transfers (Direct) within 20 Minutes


1-1. JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line

The long north–south Keihin-Tōhoku Line has particularly convenient southbound stations.

StationTo ShimbashiRemarks
ŌimachiApprox. 12–13 minDirectly connected to a large spa complex and Atre mall; Rinkai Line also available.
ŌmoriApprox. 14–15 minLevel residential area on the seaside; many bicycle commuters.
KamataApprox. 18–19 minDowntown full of famous gyoza restaurants; two Tōkyū lines and airport buses as well.
KawasakiApprox. 15–17 minCommercial complexes such as Lazona Kawasaki; rapid trains run direct to Shimbashi.


Share-house Example on the Keihin-Tōhoku Line (Ōmori)


✔ Women-only share house
✔ Clean white-based natural interior
✔ Astonishingly low rent from ¥40,000

Share House DATA

Property NameASH Ōmori
ConditionsWomen only
Rent¥40,000 – ¥50,000
Utilities¥15,000
Rooms8 rooms
AccessJR Ōmori Station 11 min walk




Review of Ōmori The appeal of Ōmori lies in its combination of proximity to the city center and old-town atmosphere. Shimbashi and Tokyo can be reached in about 15 minutes on the Keihin-Tōhoku Line, and Shinagawa in under 10 minutes, making commuting extremely convenient. Around the station you will find shopping streets, traditional diners, and public baths, retaining a warm Shōwa-era feel. The west exit hosts an Atre mall and a 24-hour supermarket, so shopping is easy. The Sannō area spreads a quiet upscale residential district, giving a calm mood. Redevelopment around the station is somewhat stalled, and the east-side security and clutter can be a slight concern. Even so, good city access, daily convenience, and just-right down-to-earth character coexist, making it a well-balanced place to live.



1-2. JR Yokosuka & Tōkaidō Lines

Rapid trains that stop at Shimbashi put these stations in the 13–19-minute zone. Both the Chiba side and the Kanagawa side offer easy access from outside the Yamanote loop.

StationTo ShimbashiRemarks
Nishi-ŌiApprox. 9 minQuiet residential area near Musashi-Koyama.
Musashi-KosugiApprox. 14–15 minTower apartments and old wooden shopping streets coexist.
Shin-KawasakiApprox. 18–19 minWithin walking distance of the redeveloped Kashimada area.


Share-house Example on the Yokosuka Line (Nishi-Ōi)


✔ Both Nishi-Ōi and Ōimachi are accessible
✔ Extra-high ceiling – living room 4.65 m
✔ Walls and doors with excellent sound insulation for privacy
✔ Workspaces ideal for teleworking

Share House DATA

Property NameCrant Terrace Shinagawa
ConditionsMixed gender Foreigners OK
Rent¥75,000 – ¥88,000
Utilities¥20,000
Rooms41 rooms
AccessAll lines Nishi-Ōi Station 10 min walk




Review of Nishi-Ōi The area around the station is very quiet despite its proximity to central Tokyo. Wide streets and scattered parks create a safe environment, helped by the many families with children. With the Yokosuka Line and Shōnan-Shinjuku Line you can reach Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro—practically anywhere—without transfers, a major advantage. Even during the morning rush the crowding is milder than on the Yamanote Line and seating can be easier. Within the residential blocks there are small independent shops and long-standing bakeries, giving relief from a sea of chain stores. On the other hand, there is almost no commercial facility in front of the station, so shopping requires a trip to Togoshi or Ōimachi. Only one mid-size supermarket offers limited selection, and there are few restaurants, which may disappoint people who eat out frequently. Overall, the district is primarily “a place to live,” suiting those with an established daily routine. Anyone who values both convenience and tranquility will find it a good fit.



1-3. Toei Asakusa Line (including direct Keikyū services)

The line runs directly from the Skytree in the east to Nishi-Magome and Keikyū-Kamata in the west. Despite being almost a single ride to Shimbashi, rents are relatively low.

StationTo ShimbashiRemarks
Higashi-GinzaApprox. 3 minNearest station to the Kabuki-za Theatre.
TakarachōApprox. 5 minKyōbashi and Yaesu within walking distance.
NihonbashiApprox. 6 minInterchange with Ginza & Tōzai Lines.
NingyōchōApprox. 8 minDowntown gourmet along Amazake-yokochō.
Higashi-NihonbashiApprox. 9 minWalk connection to the Sōbu Rapid Line.
AsakusabashiApprox. 11 minMecca for handmade craft materials.
KuramaeApprox. 12 minRapidly increasing craft cafés.
AsakusaApprox. 14 minFive-minute walk to Kaminarimon Gate.
OshiageApprox. 18 minDirectly beneath the Skytree.
TogoshiApprox. 13 min1.3 km Togoshi-Ginza shopping street.
NakanobuApprox. 15–16 minInterchange with Tōkyū Ōimachi Line.
MagomeApprox. 17–18 minHilly residential area on high ground.
Nishi-MagomeApprox. 19–20 minOrigin station, easy to get a seat.
Keikyū-KamataApprox. 18–19 minAbout ten minutes to Haneda Airport.


Share-house Example on the Asakusa Line (Magome)


✔ Women-only share house convenient for working in the city
✔ Interior themed on “natural” style
✔ Excellent sunlight in each room

Share House DATA

Property NameCorent House Magome
ConditionsWomen-only Foreigners OK
Rent¥56,000 – ¥62,000
Utilities¥13,000
Rooms15 rooms
AccessToei Asakusa Line Magome Station 4 min walk




Review of Magome Residential streets spread out as soon as you leave the station, car traffic is sparse, and nights are extremely quiet. The area is hilly, but the elevation provides good views, and on clear days you can sometimes see Mt. Fuji. The Toei Asakusa Line offers a single-seat ride to Gotanda and Shimbashi, which is handy for commuting. Using the Nishi-Magome origin gives you a seat, which is also welcome. There are independent bakeries and traditional shops in the neighborhood, so everyday needs are covered. However, there is no supermarket or large shopping facility at the station, so daily shopping requires a trip to Nakanobu or Ōimachi. The steep slopes make cycling tough, and carrying heavy groceries home can be a chore. There are few restaurants and they close early. The area suits those seeking a calm environment, but may feel a bit lacking for very active lifestyles.



1-4. Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (toward Asakusa)

The Ginza Line runs directly from the station next to Shimbashi to Asakusa. The line mixes tourist spots and business districts, so dining choices are plentiful.

StationTo ShimbashiRemarks
KyōbashiApprox. 2 minArea of galleries and long-established confectioners.
NihonbashiApprox. 5–6 minDepartment stores such as COREDO Nihonbashi and Mitsukoshi Main Store.
InarichōApprox. 15–16 minEdge of Ueno Park; low-priced downtown eateries abound.
TawaramachiApprox. 16–17 minFive-minute walk to Kappabashi Kitchenware Street.
AsakusaApprox. 17–18 minFive-minute walk to Kaminarimon; starting station makes it easy to get a seat.


Share-house Example on the Ginza Line (Asakusa)


✔ Rich common areas with workspaces, gym and meeting lounge
✔ Private rooms equipped with 3-piece unit baths including bathtub
✔ Free rice, free detergent, linen change service

Share House DATA

Property NameTHE DAY Asakusa Kaminarimon
ConditionsMixed gender Foreigners OK
Rent¥99,000 – ¥146,000
Utilities¥21,000
Rooms65 rooms
AccessTokyo Metro Ginza Line “Asakusa” Station 4 min walk




Review of Asakusa Because it is a tourist spot, the area around the station is always crowded, and every street is packed especially on weekends and holidays. Landmarks such as Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street are very close, but the daily flow of residents overlaps with that of tourists, so you often have to be mindful even for everyday shopping or commuting. However, once you move a little away from the tourist zone—behind Sensō-ji Temple or beyond Kototoi-dōri—you will find long-established residential neighborhoods, and privately run greengrocers and delicatessens still remain. Supermarkets and drugstores are well supplied, so daily life is not inconvenient. With the Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tsukuba Express, access to every part of Tokyo is excellent. The nights become surprisingly quiet once tourists leave, though the voices of the occasional drunk can echo. It is a town where glamor and downtown warmth mix, so you need to choose carefully where to live.



1-5. Yurikamome

Starting from Shimbashi, this monorail line offers a bayside location and night views that attract remote workers and people looking for pet-friendly properties.

StationTo ShimbashiRemarks
TakeshibaApprox. 2 minPort City Takeshiba and Shiki Theatre Company.
HinodeApprox. 4 minMany canal-side warehouse-renovation cafés.
Shibaura-futōApprox. 6 minMagnificent night view of Rainbow Bridge.
Odaiba-kaihin-kōenApprox. 12–13 minDiverCity within walking distance; SUP on the beach possible.
DaibaApprox. 13 minDirectly linked to Aqua City and DECKS.
Tokyo International Cruise TerminalApprox. 15 minMany users of the event halls.
Telecom CenterApprox. 18–19 minNearest station to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.



2. To Shimbashi with One Transfer within 20 Minutes


Even allowing one transfer, there is only one route that remains within 20 minutes outside the Yamanote Line.



A. Tōzai Line → Nihonbashi → Ginza Line




2-1. Tōzai Line → Nihonbashi (transfer) → Ginza Line → Shimbashi


StationUsing LineTo ShimbashiRemarks
Monzen-NakachōTōzai LineApprox. 11 minFukagawa Fudōson Temple and café district.
KibaTōzai LineApprox. 13 minNext to Kiba Park; large DIY-oriented home center.
TōyōchōTōzai LineApprox. 15 minOffice district and fierce lunch competition.
Minami-SunamachiTōzai LineApprox. 17 minLarge shopping center “SUNAMO” expanding.
Nishi-KasaiTōzai LineApprox. 19 minInternationally diverse neighborhood.

Share-house Example in Kiba


✔ Dormitory type also available
✔ 7 min walk from Monzen-Nakachō, 4 min from Kiba
✔ Private rooms with shower, toilet and washbasin

Share House DATA

Property NameCouverture Monzen-Nakachō
ConditionsMixed gender Foreigners OK
Rent¥41,000 – ¥74,000
Utilities¥15,000 – ¥17,000
Rooms9 rooms
AccessTōzai Line Kiba Station 4 min walk




Review of Kiba In front of the station you’ll find Fukagawa Gatharia, an Ito-Yokado, a cinema, and more, so shopping and entertainment for everyday life are covered. Kiba Park is nearby, with vast lawns, running tracks and a dog run, bustling with families and pet walkers on holidays. The Tōzai Line provides a single-seat ride to Ōtemachi, making commuting very smooth. However, the Tōzai Line is extremely crowded in the morning rush, and you may have to let several trains go by. There are many arterial roads, so in some spots car noise is noticeable. While the station area is convenient, the number of restaurants thins out once you move away, giving fewer dining-out choices. With apartment construction pushing population up, small supermarkets and clinics are becoming crowded. Overall, it is a calm place to live, though it can feel a little plain compared with the city center.



Summary

Fastest direct services are 12 min from Ōimachi on the Keihin-Tōhoku Line, 3 min from Higashi-Ginza on the Asakusa Line, and 2 min from Takeshiba on the Yurikamome.
If rent is the priority, target areas include Minami-Sunamachi to Kasai on the Tōzai Line and Togoshi to Nakanobu on the Asakusa Line.
Choose the Yurikamome for a bayside life, or Keikyū-Kamata on the Asakusa Line and Musashi-Kosugi on the Yokosuka Line if you prioritize airport access.
Weigh commuting time, rent, and how you spend your weekends to find your own “Shimbashi 20-Minute Zone Life.”