Tokyo has so many rail lines that many people find themselves wondering, “From which inexpensive areas can I commute to Suidobashi?”
Here, we introduce stations that combine easy access with low rent.

JR Chuo–Sobu Line (Local Service) and the Toei Mita Line intersect at Suidobashi Station, and even from outside the Yamanote Line loop there are surprisingly many stations you can reach in 20 minutes or less with few transfers. This article exhaustively covers every route that is (1) direct and (2) requires only one transfer, presenting each station’s features, share-house examples, and local word-of-mouth without leaving anything out.
*Travel times are daytime weekday estimates based on local and rapid trains; limited-express and surcharge services are excluded.

1. Direct (No Transfers) to Suidobashi in 20 Minutes or Less

1-1. JR Chuo–Sobu Line (Local Service)

Running straight west to Nakano and Suginami, and east to Sumida, Edogawa, and Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture, this local-only line skips the express tracks, yet the run between Suidobashi and Kinshicho is only about ten minutes. Even in the morning you can often get a seat—an under-the-radar performer.

Station Name	To Suidobashi	Remarks
Asakusabashi	≈ 6 min	Handicraft wholesale district; Sumida River fireworks within walking distance
Ryogoku	≈ 8 min	Ryogoku Kokugikan & Edo-Tokyo Museum offer deep Japanese culture
Kinshicho	≈ 10 min	Large malls mingle with old-town streets; cinemas and gyms abound
Kameido	≈ 12 min	Famous for gyoza & offal joints; redevelopment is boosting buzz
Hirai	≈ 14 min	Near the Arakawa riverbank—great for jogging; lower rents
Shin-Koiwa	≈ 17 min	Old-town feel plus multicultural eats; plenty of big supermarkets
Okubo	≈ 18 min	Multinational culture and deep foodie spots
Higashi-Nakano	≈ 13 min	Residential belt outside Yamanote; LIFE supermarket & eateries
Nakano	≈ 16 min	Subculture mecca “Nakano Broadway” is a short stroll away

Share-house example on the Chuo–Sobu Line (Asakusabashi)

Asakusabashi Reviews

Transfers on the Sobu and Asakusa Lines are smooth. With wholesale stores and craft-supply shops lining the streets, it’s heaven for makers. The eating scene is surprisingly varied, from long-established Japanese restaurants to independent curry shops. Nighttime quietness and the limited choice of supermarkets can be a drawback, and I sometimes go to Akihabara or Okachimachi for daily shopping. Still, weekends spent strolling along the river and savoring downtown nostalgia are unique charms of this area.

1-2. Toei Mita Line (Northbound)

A straight shot through Itabashi and Kita Wards without passing inside the Yamanote loop, this line can reach even its terminus at Nishi-Takashimadaira in about 30 minutes—a highly efficient route.

Station Name	To Suidobashi	Remarks
Nishisugamo	≈ 9 min	Along Meiji-dori; streetcar Arakawa Line is great for downtown strolls
Shin-Itabashi	≈ 11 min	Keeps its quiet despite proximity to Ikebukuro
Itabashi-Kuyakusho-Mae	≈ 12 min	Ward office, library, and hospitals clustered—very convenient
Itabashi-Honcho	≈ 14 min	Old-town feel coexists with everyday convenience
Motohasunuma	≈ 16 min	OK Store supermarket and a calm residential zone
Shimura-Sakaue	≈ 18 min	Near Johoku Central Park; plenty of greenery, lower rents
Shimura-Sanchome	≈ 20 min	Harmonious mix of nature and apartment complexes

Share-house example on the Mita Line (Shimura-Sakaue)

Shimura-Sakaue Reviews

Daily life unfolds in a calm atmosphere. The area around the station has all the supermarkets, drugstores, and chain eateries you need for everyday shopping. Plenty of greenery, with Midzuno Park and Shimura-Sakaue Park close by for a stroll or quick refresh. Although central Tokyo isn’t hard to reach, transfers are frequent and rush-hour trips can take time. The hilly terrain also makes cycling tough in spots. It’s not flashy, but it offers a solid foundation for living with peace of mind.

2. One Transfer to Suidobashi in 20 Minutes or Less

The major transfer stations within a 20-minute reach of Suidobashi are Ichigaya, Kasuga, Jimbocho, Otemachi, and Hibiya. We present six patterns below, complete with station lists, share-house examples, and local reviews.

2-1. Toei Oedo Line → Kasuga (transfer) → Mita Line → Suidobashi

Station Name	Route	To Suidobashi	Remarks
Tochomae	Oedo Line	≈ 13 min	Skyscraper cluster—hub of administration and business

Tochomae Reviews

Shinjuku Chuo Park is right next door, making morning walks and jogs a daily habit. Although surrounded by skyscrapers, there is more greenery and quiet time than you’d expect. Shinjuku Station is within walking distance, perfect for shopping and commuting. Since the area is mainly offices, many eateries close at night or on weekends, limiting choices. Rents are somewhat high and listings few. Living calmly in the heart of the city requires some ingenuity, but the superb access and well-maintained streetscape are satisfying.

2-2. Toei Shinjuku Line → Jimbocho (transfer) → Mita Line → Suidobashi

Station Name	Route	To Suidobashi	Remarks
Iwamotocho	Shinjuku Line	≈ 9 min	Wholesale vigor meets central-city convenience
Bakuro-Yokoyama	Shinjuku Line	≈ 10 min	Textile wholesalers and lingering history foster craftsmanship
Hamacho	Shinjuku Line	≈ 12 min	Sumida River greenery—an oasis in the city center
Morishita	Shinjuku Line	≈ 14 min	Walk to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa; cafés meet downtown charm
Kikukawa	Shinjuku Line	≈ 16 min	Rents about ¥20k below center-city; large supermarket
Sumiyoshi	Shinjuku Line	≈ 18 min	Transfers to Hanzomon Line; new mall opening for added ease

Share-house example (Bakuro-Yokoyama)

Bakuro-Yokoyama Reviews

Known as a wholesalers’ quarter, the area bustles on weekdays with traders and businesspeople, while long-standing stores add flavor. With access to the Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Hibiya Lines, the transit convenience is outstanding—you can get almost anywhere quickly. At night the streets empty and dining choices dwindle, which can disappoint heavy eat-outers. More business district than residential, it still offers a rare balance of quiet and convenience.

2-3. Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line → Jimbocho (transfer) → Mita Line → Suidobashi

Station Name	Route	To Suidobashi	Remarks
Mitsukoshimae	Hanzomon Line	≈ 9 min	A commercial zone where heritage meets modern polish
Suiten-gu-mae	Hanzomon Line	≈ 14 min	Famed for safe childbirth prayers; downtown Ningyocho charm
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa	Hanzomon Line	≈ 18 min	Art galleries & cafés on the rise; rents relatively low
Sumiyoshi	Hanzomon Line	≈ 19 min	Transfer to Shinjuku Line; large shopping center under construction
Oshiage	Hanzomon Line	≈ 20 min	At the foot of Tokyo Skytree; many tourism jobs

Share-house example (Sumiyoshi)

Sumiyoshi Reviews

This neighborhood’s well-balanced feel is comfortable. With both the Hanzomon and Shinjuku Lines, trips into town are very smooth. Supermarkets, drugstores, and eateries cluster at the station, so daily errands stay local. Nearby Sarue-Onshi Park offers green space for walks or light exercise, which I love. Even with redevelopment underway, the area lacks flash—few cafés or quirky shops. Nights are quiet, so some may find it dull. Unpretentious yet reliable, the town fits an everyday lifestyle.

2-4. Tokyo Metro Tozai Line → Otemachi (transfer) → Mita Line → Suidobashi

Station Name	Route	To Suidobashi	Remarks
Nihombashi	Tozai Line	≈ 15 min	Echoes of Edo meet cutting-edge finance and commerce
Kayabacho	Tozai Line	≈ 17 min	Securities and publishing converge in this steady business hub
Monzen-Nakacho	Tozai Line	≈ 18 min	Temple town of Fukagawa Fudo-do & Tomioka Hachimangu
Kiba	Tozai Line	≈ 20 min	Kiba Park & MOT blend greenery with art

Share-house example (Kayabacho)

Kayabacho Reviews

I love the unique calm of living right in the city’s center. With many securities firms and publishers nearby, weekday foot traffic is heavy, but weekends are amazingly quiet—perfect for walking. Using the Hibiya and Tozai Lines, Tokyo Station and Ginza are within walking distance. Yet, because it’s so office-oriented, many eateries close at night or on weekends, leaving it a bit lonely. Shopping often means walking to Hatchobori or Nihombashi. Even so, the rare blend of convenience and tranquility makes it special.

2-5. Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line → Ichigaya (transfer) → JR Chuo–Sobu Line → Suidobashi

Station Name	Route	To Suidobashi	Remarks
Kanamecho	Yurakucho Line	≈ 20 min	Walkable to Ikebukuro yet quietly residential

Share-house example (Kanamecho)

Kanamecho Reviews

Though right next to Ikebukuro, it retains a calm residential vibe. The Fukutoshin and Yurakucho Lines make trips into the city swift. An old-school shopping street and diners linger by the station, lending nostalgic charm. The library and community center are nearby, so life’s basics are well covered, but the area lacks Ikebukuro’s dazzle and store variety, and few places stay open late. Quietness can mean less stimulation, yet it strikes a good balance for a relaxed lifestyle.

2-6. Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line → Hibiya (transfer) → Mita Line → Suidobashi

Station Name	Route	To Suidobashi	Remarks
Machi-ya	Chiyoda Line	≈ 20 min	Near Arakawa Yuen; transfers to the streetcar

Share-house example (Machi-ya)

Machi-ya Reviews

A gentle downtown atmosphere. With the Toden streetcar, Keisei Line, and Chiyoda Line, you actually have many transit options. Supermarkets and eateries cluster around the station, so daily errands are quick. Old-fashioned stores and bathhouses remain, wrapped in a nostalgic Showa aura. Trips to the city center can take a roundabout route, which feels inconvenient when you’re in a rush. It’s not flashy, but the warmth of the people makes it an easy place to live.

Summary

To keep rent low within 20 minutes of Suidobashi, the east side from Kinshicho to Sumiyoshi and the north side from Itabashi-Kuyakusho-Mae onward are your best bets. Include the transfer patterns and Monzen-Nakacho, Morishita, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, and Kanamecho also enter the picture, bringing total share-house options to over 100. If your office is in Suidobashi but you want more breathing room at home, use this guide to find a neighborhood that fits you.