The Oimachi line is a small train line running from Shinagawa in Tokyo to Kawasaki in Kanagawa. It also intersects the Toyoko line at Jiyugaoka, and so a few weeks back I decided to explore four stations surrounding this intersection while I was in the Setagaya area. (Specifically, eating breakfast here.)
Despite Tokyo train stations being sometimes less than 1km apart, the vibe surrounding each individual station can differ considerably. And so if you’re planning on moving to a new area (which I myself am considering at the minute) it really does pay to hop on and off the train, or walk between each station, and have a look. As well as wandering around the prestigious upscale area of Denenchofu on the Toyoko line, the four Oimachi stations I checked out were Kaminoge, Todoroki, Oyamadai, and Kuhombutsu. (Todoroki I’d been to a few times before, including last Autumn. Check that out here.) All these stations you can see on the map above.
This is by no means an area guide – simply a photo essay to show a feel of what this part of Tokyo looks like. I feel many people still visualise Tokyo as a city crammed full of skyscrapers and neon. Of course it does have that, but as I have said many times before, these smaller stations are the reason why I continue to enjoy living here.
Denenchofu’s glamorous station looks like it belongs in Europe rather than Japan. It’s an upscale area – and while you may find an apartment you can afford, the pricey supermarkets are evidently aimed at wealthy expats. Living here on a daily basis would be expensive.
Kaminoge is a residential area. There’s not much going here but it’s quaint and quiet.
Residential Kamingoe
Todoroki is most famous for the beautiful forested gorge that cuts through the area. Despite having visited the gorge twice I had never explored Todoroki’s streets. Cute.
An izakaya restaurant in Todoroki
Oyamadai’s quaint cobbled streets. This photo really doesn’t do it justice – a lovely street lined with trees and lightbulbs that light up in the evening. When we visited it was a Sunday afternoon and music was playing through speakers.
A delightfully battered shopfront in Oyamadai
The most surprising thing about Oyamadai was the number of small boutique cafes that seemed to be springing up. This little restaurant sold Hawaiian musubi, with toppings on top of rice.
The one on the left featured a slab of chargrilled tofu on top of brown rice, while the one on the right was grilled white fish.
Who needs grass? A lovely garden in Oyamadai.
Moving on to Kohombutsu and Joshinji Temple is about a two-minute walk from the station.
I couldn’t help but think it must be nice to just walk down here in the evenings if you lived nearby.
Joshinji Temple, Kohombutsu.
Joshinji Temple, Kohombutsu.
Inside the main temple building looking out over the garden.
Stray cats who live by the temple grounds. Local residents feed them and they look very healthy. Check out a short video of the temple below.
Kohombutsu’s shopping street on a Sunday was very quiet
I loved the colourful awnings
A bike sits outside a cleaning shop, lost in time.
Cute bakery, Kuhombutsu.
IKIMASHO! 
Nice stretch of land you’ve documented here – I’m going to pedal down for an explore next year when I’m in town. Kohombutsu and Oyamdai look right on song (I’ve never seen them, despite visiting Todoroki Valley several times). Great pics as ever too 🙂
The whole Oimachi line is super quaint and rarely talked about. Make sure you go to have ramen in Midorigaoka. I blogged about a great shop there. It’s not far from these two stops 🙂