Musashi-Murayama is a city located on the Northwestern edge of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. It has an estimated population of 70,000, which gives it a quiet and almost rural atmosphere despite being so close to central Tokyo. Its proximity to Lake Sayama and Lake Tama mean you can enjoy nature, yet it still has all the facilities you and your family need for a comfortable life.
How to Get There
Laka Tama by Guilhem Vellut is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Unlike most other towns in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Musashi-Murayama doesn't depend on trains for public transport. There is the option to go to the neighboring city of Tachikawa if you are going to Tokyo, but for shorter distances the locals usually use buses and cars.
The lack of trains shouldn't worry you as there are bus stations on every street, each serving at least three or four lines. In general, you can expect a bus every ten minutes, and you can use them to navigate through the city or to visit other nearby areas.
Things To See And Do In Musashi-Murayama
Aeon Mall Musashi Murayama by Dick Thomas Johnson is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Musashi-Murayama is a residential area, and there are not many popular tourist attractions. However, it offers plenty of options for those who want to spend time in nature. Its Noyamakita-Rokudoyama Park is a part of the much larger Sayama Nature Park. This vast green area is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and features many cycling and hiking trails. The lush green landscape surrounded by urban streets makes the park truly special, and life in the city is more family-friendly when compared to other parts of the Tokyo Metropolitan area.
Other fun places you can visit in Musashi-murayama are its beautiful Sunflower Garden and fascinating History & Folklore Museum. If you're with children, you shouldn't miss a visit to the city's Fantasy Kids Resort, which offers tons of interesting activities for children and is so popular that many families from Tokyo often drive there on the weekends.
Even though this town isn't huge, it's lined with shopping and dining options that cater to all preferences and needs. In 2006, AEON MALL Musashi Murayama opened. This mall occupies around 70,000 square meters and is home to 180 stores, restaurants, and a cinema.
The Comfort and Cost Of Living in Musahi-Murayama
Musashi-Murayama and the surrounding areas were best known as centers of textile production in the past. Today, most of the residents commute to Tokyo, while others are still working in the agricultural industry. This makes it a quiet, laid back, and pleasant place to live.
It is a particularly popular choice among families, due to its safety, beautiful green areas, and more than ten schools to choose from, including three high schools and a university.
The rent prices reflect the distance to downtown Tokyo and are generally much more affordable. A 20 square meter studio apartment will cost you around ¥50,000 ($455 USD) while two-bedroom apartments start at ¥70,000 ($637 USD). Most of these apartments are located in houses and smaller buildings.
Summary
The peaceful atmosphere, loads of greenery, and a generous array of shops and restaurants make Musahi-Murayama an incredible choice for foreigners with small children, or those who are ready to commute to Tokyo, with a reward of living in a smaller city where it's much easier to meet and connect with the locals.
Sources: Rome2rio, Timeout, Real Estate Japan, Trip Advisor
Editorial Department
Bringing you the latest real estate & lifestyle news in Japan
