With so many railway lines criss‑crossing Tokyo, it can be difficult to figure out which line—and which station—offers the best combination of convenience and affordable rent. This guide introduces, station by station, areas that score well on both counts.

Ōsaki Station is a major terminal on the JR Yamanote, Saikyō, Shōnan‑Shinjuku, and Rinkai lines, and forms part of the wider “Shinagawa area” with its cluster of offices and shopping malls. Although Ōsaki feels close to the city center, there are in fact several districts that reach the station in roughly 20 minutes while skirting the inside of the Yamanote loop and keeping transfers to a minimum.

In this article we focus, chiefly in table form, on (1) stations that reach Ōsaki Station within 20 minutes with no transfers (direct) and (2) stations that make it within 20 minutes with one transfer or less. Some lines operate Rapid or Commuter‑Rapid services, so actual times vary by timetable and time of day; treat the figures shown as approximate.

For no‑transfer routes, the JR Rinkai Line and JR Shōnan‑Shinjuku Line provide a direct ride to Ōsaki. Because these trains circumvent the Yamanote loop, traveling slightly off‑peak often lets you dodge the heaviest crowds. If you allow one transfer and 20 minutes, the field widens to many more stations on the Tōkyū, Keikyū, and JR Tōkaidō lines.

1. Direct to Ōsaki (no transfers) — within 20 minutes

1‑1. JR Rinkai Line

The Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (Rinkai) Line runs from Shin‑Kiba through Tōkyō Teleport (Odaiba) and Tennōzu Isle to Ōsaki Station. Because it makes a wide detour outside the Yamanote loop, it avoids the worst central‑city congestion.

Station	Time to Ōsaki	Notes
Shin‑Kiba	Approx. 17–18 min	Connects to JR Keiyō Line. Gateway to bayfront attractions; handy for Maishima and Urayasu.
Shinonome	Approx. 15–16 min	Waterfront area lined with high‑rise condos. Direct ride to Ōsaki in under 20 min.
Kokusai‑Tenjijō	Approx. 13–14 min	Nearest stop for Tokyo Big Sight. Busy during events but smooth at commuter hours.
Tōkyō Teleport	Approx. 10–11 min	Center of Odaiba; shopping and leisure abound.
Tennōzu Isle	Approx. 6–7 min	Bayside office district; also convenient for Shinagawa.
Shinagawa Seaside	Approx. 4–5 min	Redeveloped Higashi‑Shinagawa with mall and high living convenience.
Ōimachi (via Rinkai Line)	Approx. 3 min	Also served by JR Keihin‑Tōhoku Line; thriving commercial zone.

Share‑house example (Ōimachi area)

Ōimachi Area Reviews

Large malls such as “Atre,” “Ito‑Yokado,” and “Hankyu Ōimachi Garden” sit right outside the station, so you will never be short of places to shop or eat. Traditional shopping streets are lively, dotted with long‑standing izakaya and diners. Downsides: the area feels busy even on weekends and late at night, and redevelopment‑driven land prices keep rents surprisingly high around the station.

1‑2. JR Shōnan‑Shinjuku Line

The JR Shōnan‑Shinjuku Line links Kanagawa/Yokohama and Saitama/Ōmiya via Shinjuku and Shibuya, with many trains stopping at Ōsaki. It lets you bypass the Yamanote Line while moving quickly.

Station	Time to Ōsaki	Notes
Yokohama	Approx. 20 min	Kanagawa’s largest terminal; excellent shopping and dining; smooth commute to central Tokyo.
Musashi‑Kosugi	Approx. 8–9 min	Rapidly redeveloped with many tower condos; also handy for Shibuya.
Nishi‑Ōi	Approx. 3–4 min	Next stop from Ōsaki; quiet residential area toward Togoshi Park.
(Ref.) Shin‑Kawasaki	Approx. 12–13 min	Only some trains stop; offices and condos increasing.

Share‑house example (Musashi‑Kosugi area)

Musashi‑Kosugi Area Reviews

Served by the Tōkyū Tōyoko & Meguro lines plus JR Nanbu, Shōnan‑Shinjuku, and Yokosuka lines, the station offers superb access to Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Shinagawa. Malls such as “Grand Tree Musashi‑Kosugi,” “LaLa Terrace,” and “Tōkyū Square” cluster around the concourse, making shopping and child‑rearing convenient. Downsides: a surge in tower condos has raised population density, so peak‑hour crowds can be stressful.

Next, let’s look at routes that reach Ōsaki in 20 minutes or less with one transfer.

2. One‑transfer routes to Ōsaki — within 20 minutes

Surprisingly many lines let you reach Ōsaki with just one transfer. Because transfer points are all close to the city center, actual times vary with the clock and train type (express, rapid, etc.), but roughly 20‑minute door‑to‑door journeys are realistic. We have added major Tōkyū and municipal routes plus other quick connections to the cases first introduced.

2‑1. Tōkyū Den‑en‑Toshi Line → Transfer at Shibuya → Yamanote Line → Ōsaki

Using Express or Semi‑Express services, you can cover the Den‑en‑Toshi Line segment quickly. From Shibuya to Ōsaki the Yamanote outer loop takes about 7–8 minutes.
Here we list stations that sit clearly outside the Yamanote loop yet realistically hit the 20‑minute target.

Station	To Shibuya	Shibuya→Ōsaki	Total	Notes
Ikejiri‑Ōhashi	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 10–12 min	Practically next‑door to Shibuya; even with transfer you’re around 12 min.
Sangen‑jaya	Approx. 4‑5 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 12–14 min	Cafés and eateries abound; a favorite among young residents.
Komazawa‑daigaku	Approx. 7‑8 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 15–17 min	Near Komazawa Park; quiet residential vibe with good access.
Sakura‑shinmachi	Approx. 9‑10 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 17–19 min	Famous “Sazae‑san” hometown; transfer timing can push just over 20 min.

Share‑house example (Komazawa‑daigaku area)

Komazawa‑daigaku Area Reviews

A calm residential district with sprawling Komazawa Park just a short walk away—great for running, strolling, or playing with children, and offering a close‑to‑nature feel. Supermarkets such as Seijo Ishii and Maruetsu plus eateries cluster by the station, so daily shopping is easy. Shibuya is only about 7 minutes away on the Den‑en‑Toshi Line, giving excellent access. Downsides: many slopes mean cycling can be tough.

2‑2. Tōkyū Tōyoko Line → Transfer at Shibuya → Yamanote Line → Ōsaki

The Tōyoko Line reaches Shibuya quickly on Limited Express or Express runs. From Shibuya it’s another 7–8 minutes to Ōsaki on the Yamanote outer loop. Staying outside the loop, these stations meet the 20‑minute mark.

Station	To Shibuya	Shibuya→Ōsaki	Total	Notes
Daikan‑yama	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 10–12 min	Next stop to Shibuya; wait time can bring it down to ~10 min.
Nakameguro	Approx. 3‑4 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 12–14 min	Uses local services; timing varies but often quick.
Yutenji	Approx. 5‑6 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 14–16 min	Quiet residential zone; Shibuya access via all‑stops trains.
Gakugei‑daigaku	Approx. 7‑8 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 16–17 min	Semi‑Express stop at some hours; could be quicker.
Toritsu‑daigaku	Approx. 9 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 17–18 min	Rich choice of shops and eateries; transfer smooth keeps within 20 min.

Share‑house example (Nakameguro area)

Nakameguro Area Reviews

A fine balance of high‑taste boutiques/cafés and greenery. Meguro River dazzles with cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in autumn—perfect for weekend strolls and café‑hopping. High‑street “Nakameguro Kōkashita” is directly under the tracks and Daikan‑yama lies within walking distance, keeping fashion and food options plentiful. Downsides: rents rank among Tokyo’s priciest, and weekend tourist crowds make it busy.

2‑3. Tōkyū Meguro Line → Transfer at Meguro → Yamanote Line → Ōsaki

The Meguro Line through‑runs onto the Tokyo Metro Namboku and Toei Mita lines. Even at rush hour the ride to Meguro is short, and from Meguro it is only two stops—about 3–4 minutes—to Ōsaki on the Yamanote outer loop.

Station	To Meguro	Meguro→Ōsaki	Total	Notes
Fudō‑mae	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 3–4 min	Approx. 7–8 min	Feels like you’re just one Yamanote stop away—excellent access.
Musashi‑Koyama	Approx. 4 min	Approx. 3–4 min	Approx. 9–10 min	Huge covered shopping street; stable access to city center.
Nishi‑Koyama	Approx. 6–7 min	Approx. 3–4 min	Approx. 11–12 min	Quiet residential area—all you need is one transfer.
Senzoku	Approx. 8–9 min	Approx. 3–4 min	Approx. 13–14 min	Compact station area yet essentials are there; calm surroundings.

Share‑house example (Fudō‑mae area)

Fudō‑mae Area Reviews

Just one stop and two minutes to Meguro on the Meguro Line—access is stellar. Supermarkets “Ōzeki” and “Maruetsu Petit” plus a traditional shopping street line the station area, so daily needs are within easy walking distance. The atmosphere is relaxed, and Komazawa Park and Rinshinomori Park provide generous green space. Downsides: rents trend high due to proximity to Meguro, and dining choices are fewer than in busier hubs.

2‑4. Tōkyū Ikegami Line → Transfer at Gotanda → Yamanote Line → Ōsaki

The Ikegami Line is all‑stops, but stations close to Gotanda can still reach Ōsaki in under 20 minutes—including transfer. Gotanda→Ōsaki is only one Yamanote stop (~2 min), so even with platform change you have slack.

Station	To Gotanda	Gotanda→Ōsaki	Total	Notes
Ōsaki‑Hirokōji	1 stop (~1 min)	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 4–5 min	Virtually adjacent to Gotanda; Ōsaki is walkable.
Togoshi‑ginza	Approx. 3–4 min	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 6–7 min	Famed Togoshi Ginza shopping street right outside.
Ebara‑Nakanobu	Approx. 5–6 min	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 8–9 min	Quiet residential; one transfer and sub‑10 minutes is attractive.
Hatanodai	Approx. 7–8 min	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 10–11 min	Also intersects the Ōimachi Line; flexible routing.

Share‑house example (Hatanodai area)

Hatanodai Area Reviews

The intersection of the Ikegami and Ōimachi lines puts Gotanda, Ōimachi, and Jiyūgaoka within 10 minutes—superb transport convenience. Seven shopping streets radiate from the station, lined with small stores and eateries that give off a nostalgic downtown vibe. Supermarkets and drugstores are plentiful, so daily shopping is painless. Downsides: few large malls or entertainment venues, so you’ll need to hop to Ōimachi or Jiyūgaoka for weekend shopping or movies. Ambulance sirens from nearby Showa University Hospital can also be a concern.

2‑5. Toei Asakusa Line → Transfer at Gotanda → Yamanote Line → Ōsaki

The Asakusa Line meets the Yamanote Line at Gotanda. Because it shares tracks with Keikyū services, stations such as Nishi‑Magome – Magome – Nakanobu – Togoshi – Gotanda qualify. Platform changes at Gotanda can be a little long, but Gotanda→Ōsaki is one stop (~2 min), keeping totals under 20 minutes.

Station	To Gotanda	Gotanda→Ōsaki	Total	Notes
Nishi‑Magome	Approx. 8–9 min	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 10–12 min	Line terminus—often seats available; transfer quick keeps it within 10‑plus minutes.
Magome	Approx. 6–7 min	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 8–10 min	Quiet residential streets; calmer even at rush hour.
Nakanobu	Approx. 4–5 min	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 7–8 min	Connects with Tōkyū Ōimachi Line; handy shopping streets.
Togoshi	Approx. 2–3 min	Approx. 2 min	Approx. 5–6 min	Near Togoshi Ginza market street; only one or two stops to Gotanda.

Share‑house example (Nakanobu area)

Nakanobu Area Reviews

Several shopping streets—Nakanobu Shopping Street, underground Nakanobu East Exit arcade, and more—are lined with produce shops, bakeries, and eateries, making daily shopping and dining easy. Safety is high; streets stay bright at night, reassuring for solo women and families. Downsides: few large malls or late‑night stores, so you may travel to Ōimachi or Jiyūgaoka for late‑night shopping or movies. Away from the station some streets are dim, so keep guard up.

2‑6. Keikyū Main Line → Transfer at Shinagawa → Yamanote Line → Ōsaki

Keikyū fast services whisk you to Shinagawa, where transferring to the Yamanote outer loop puts Ōsaki two stops (~3 min) away. Stations below stay within 20 minutes overall.

Station	To Shinagawa	Shinagawa→Ōsaki	Total	Notes
Shin‑Bamba (North/South)	Approx. 3–4 min	Approx. 3 min	Approx. 7–8 min	Very close to Shinagawa—short door‑to‑door time.
Aomonoyokocho	Approx. 4–5 min	Approx. 3 min	Approx. 8–9 min	Plenty of eateries up and down Route 15; Shinagawa Seaside Rinkai station in walking distance.
Tachiaigawa	Approx. 6–7 min	Approx. 3 min	Approx. 10–11 min	Old Tōkaidō streetscape; seats often available on Keikyū.
Ōmori‑Kaigan	Approx. 8–9 min	Approx. 3 min	Approx. 12–13 min	Walkable to JR Ōmori; check timetable as some rapid trains skip.
Heiwajima	Approx. 10–11 min	Approx. 3 min	Approx. 14–15 min	Known for boat race track and hot‑spring spa; transfer smooth keeps within 15 min.
Keikyū‑Kamata	Approx. 12–13 min	Approx. 3 min	Approx. 15–17 min	Junction for Haneda Airport branch; use “Kaitoku” fast run for speed.

Share‑house example (Shin‑Bamba area)

Shin‑Bamba Area Reviews

Only two minutes by train—and about a 15‑minute walk—to Shinagawa, giving stellar central access. Small supermarkets like “Maruetsu Petit” and “Licos” plus the old Tōkaidō shopping street cover daily shopping. Nature spots such as Meguro River cherry‑blossom promenade and Higashi‑Shinagawa Seaside Park dot the area. Downsides: for major malls you’ll head to Shinagawa or Ōimachi, and narrow alleys and older buildings can leave night streets a little dark.

2‑7. JR Tōkaidō Line → Transfer at Shinagawa → Yamanote Line → Ōsaki

Another option is the JR Tōkaidō Line into Shinagawa, then two Yamanote stops to Ōsaki. Strictly speaking, stations beyond Kawasaki often exceed 20 minutes, so here we list those that meet the target.

Station	To Shinagawa	Shinagawa→Ōsaki	Total	Notes
Kawasaki	Approx. 8–9 min	Approx. 3 min	Approx. 12–13 min	Major Kanagawa hub with abundant shopping.

2‑8. Keio Inokashira Line → Transfer at Shibuya → Yamanote Line → Ōsaki

The Inokashira Line links Kichijōji to Shibuya via a string of café‑ and vintage‑shop‑filled neighborhoods. Shibuya→Ōsaki is ~8 minutes, so stations nearer Shibuya clearly hit the 20‑minute target; middle stations such as Shimokitazawa squeak in depending on transfer timing.

Station	To Shibuya	Shibuya→Ōsaki	Total	Notes
Shinsen	Approx. 1 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 10–12 min	One stop from Shibuya—walking distance for some.
Komaba‑Tōdai‑Mae	Approx. 3‑4 min	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 12–14 min	Next to University of Tokyo Komaba campus; quiet student town.
Shimokitazawa	Approx. 3 min (Express)	Approx. 8 min	Approx. 17–18 min	Vibrant live‑house and theater culture.

Share‑house example (Komaba‑Tōdai‑Mae area)

Komaba‑Tōdai‑Mae Area Reviews

Best feature is outstanding access—about 4 minutes to Shibuya by train and roughly 15 minutes on foot. Tokyo University’s Komaba campus and Komaba Park bring rich greenery to the neighborhood, rare this close to downtown. Safety is good, so solo women can relax. Downsides: few large malls, so you may shop in Shibuya or Shimokitazawa; student crowds make trains busy at class times.

Summary

As demonstrated, stations that reach Ōsaki within 20 minutes and with no more than one transfer span a wide array of lines—multiple Tōkyū branches, the Keikyū Main Line, JR Tōkaidō Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Odakyū, Inokashira, and more. Using big transfer hubs such as Shibuya, Shinagawa, Gotanda, and Meguro means only a handful of Yamanote stops remain—a huge plus.

Keep the following in mind:

• Depending on the time of day you may lose several minutes walking between platforms or waiting for the next train.
• Rapid/Express/Limited Express services can shave minutes off the total.
• Because we excluded stations actually inside the Yamanote loop (Ebisu, Meguro, etc.), the real list of candidate stations is even longer.
• Average rent levels and local amenities (supermarkets, shopping streets, eateries) vary greatly by station.

If you want to live just outside the city core, dodge the heaviest crowds, yet reach Ōsaki in 20 minutes or less, consider the lines and stations above and pick the area that best suits your lifestyle.