Tokyo is an area which contains various locations with unique atmospheres. The office buildings of Marunouchi, the pop-culture scene of Harajuku, the historic landscape of Tsukiji are only a few examples of the diversity of the metropolis. In this article, we will introduce the best residential areas in Tokyo, which we recommend especially to foreigners. Whether you want to move as a family, live luxuriously in a foreign land, or interact with people from other countries, there is a place just for you.
1. Ebisu - Where a luxurious lifestyle awaits
Ebisu’s Characteristics
Ebisu is known for being the elegant area of Shibuya-ward. Connected to one of Tokyo’s busiest railways, Yamanote Line, Ebisu station is easily accessible by train. In addition, the station is connected to Tokyo’s largest subway system, Tokyo Metro, which enables you to transfer to other stations with ease. Near the station is Ebisu Garden Place, famous to locals and foreigners alike for its fashionable ambiance. In walking distance lies a tranquil residential area. It is also close to Daikanyama and Meguro, giving easy access to the high-end shopping districts of Tokyo. This area is recommended for those who want to live a stress-free life while in the city.
Access to Ebisu Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the Yamanote Line Sotomawari (outer circle) to Ebisu Station (20 minutes)From Shibuya Station: Take the Yamanote Line Uchimawari (inner circle) to Ebisu Station (3 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: Take the Yamanote Line Uchimawari to Ebisu Station (10 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Ebisu Station is 1.79 million yen per square meter.
2. Jiyugaoka - Tokyo’s high-class residential area
Jiyugaoka’s Characteristics
In the south of Meguro-ward resides Jiyugaoka, a top-class residential area. Jiyugaoka station connects with the busy Tokyu Toyoko and Tokyu Oimachi lines, and within ten minutes walking distance is the residential area, home to even Japan’s top celebrities. Throughout the year, you will be able to participate in traditional festivals (matsuri), such as the Bon Odori during summer, and Megami Matsuri during autumn. In addition, Jiyugaoka’s famous annual Sweet Festa, an event held every May where you can indulge in various types of sweets alongside other activities.
Access to Jiyugaoka Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Oimachi Station, and transfer to the Tokyu-Oimachi Line to Jiyugaoka Station (40 minutes)From Shibuya Station: Take the Tokyu-Toyoko Line to Jiyugaoka Station (10 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: -Take the Yamanote Line Uchimawari (inner circle) to Shibuya Station, and transfer to Tokyu-Toyoko Line to Jiyugaoka Station (18 minutes)-Take the Toei-Shinjuku Line to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station, and transfer to Tokyu-Toyoko Line to Jiyugaoka Station (20 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Jiyugaoka Station is 1.84 million yen per square meter.
3. Kichijoji - Tokyo’s most popular area to live in
Kichijoji’s Characteristics
For years, Kichijoji has always been considered the best place to live in Tokyo. Connected to one of Tokyo’s central lines, Chuo Line, the area is easily accessible despite being slightly away from the middle of the metropolis. Upon leaving the station’s exit, you are greeted by “Sun Road Shopping Street,” an area reminiscent of the Showa Era, where you can buy anything you need. Nearby the energetic station is a serene residential area surrounded by nature. You can easily access family friendly facilities, such as the Inokashira Park, which contains the famous Ghibli Museum.
Access to Kichijoji Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Chuo Rapid Line to Kichijoji Station (30 minutes)From Shibuya Station: Take the Keio-Inogashira Rapid Line to Kichijoji Station (15 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Chuo Rapid Line to Kichijoji Station (15 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Kichijoji Station is 1.22 million yen per square meter.
4. Shinjuku - The most international area in the metropolis
Shinjuku’s Characteristics
Shinjuku is known for accommodating the most number of foreign residents in Tokyo. It is also known for Shinjuku station, which is considered to be the busiest station in world. Due to its accessibility, everyday about three million people come and go from various places in Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures. Including the famous Robot Restaurant, East Exit is one of Tokyo’s liveliest streets filled with entertainment. Oppositely, the West Exit is surrounded with high-rise buildings, home to a variety of business companies.
Access to Shinjuku Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Chuo Rapid Line to Shinjuku Station (15 minutes)From Shibuya Station: -Take the JR Yamanote Line Sotomawari (outer circle) to Shinjuku Station (10 minutes)-Take the JR Saikyo Line to Shinjuku Station (15 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Shinjuku Station is 8.68 million yen per square meter.
5. Azabu-Juban - Experience a global and high-class lifestyle
Azabu-Juban’s Characteristics
Within the elegant Minato-ward resides Azabu, a district known for its high-end residential area. Its downtown ambiance blends harmoniously with its recently adapted modern taste, which enables you to live in a unique environment. As Azabu-Juban Station connects to Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line and Toei-Oedo Line, you can easily commute to various parts of the city. In addition, due to being near Roppongi and the embassies of countries such as Pakistan and Austria, the area is ethnically diverse. Azabu-Juban is highly recommended for families wishing to relocate to Tokyo.
Access to Azabu-Juban Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Chuo Rapid Line to Yotsuya Station, and transfer to Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line to Azabu-Juban Station (25 minutes)From Shibuya Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Tameike-Sanno Station, and transfer to Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line to Azabu-Juban Station (20 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: Take the Toei-Oedo Line to Azabu-Juban Station (11 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Azabu-Juban Station is 1.8 million yen per square meter.
6. Nakameguro - View beautiful cherry blossoms of Meguro River during spring
Nakameguro’s Characteristics
Due to the district’s recent emphasis on creating a better neighborhood, Meguro Ward has been gaining popularity. Within the area, Nakameguro has been receiving the most attention. It’s easy access to areas such as Shibuya and Yokohama is one of the reasons of its popularity. Surrounding the Nakameguro Station are trendy-looking shops and restaurants. Its active nightlife attracts even celebrities. In the north resides a high-class residential area, and in the south, an area with beautiful old-fashioned houses. A classy lifestyle awaits you in Nakameguro.
Access to Nakameguro Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza Station, and transfer to Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Nakameguro Station (25 minutes)From Shibuya Station: Take the Tokyu-Toyoko Rapid Line to Nakameguro Station (5 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line Uchimawari (inner circle) to Shibuya Station, and transfer to Tokyu-Toyoko Rapid Line to Nakameguro (20 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Nakameguro Station is 1.45 million yen per square meter.
7. Koenji - A relaxed downtown neighborhood near Shinjuku
Koenji’s Characteristics
Two stations apart from Shinjuku is Koenji, popular for its low prices despite being within Tokyo. For this reason, the neighborhood is suitable for those living individually or with family, and for all generations. Outside Koenji Station is a shopping street, and within ten minutes walking distance in the north and south are residential areas. Foreigners favor the area as they can live in a house within Tokyo, but it is especially popular among Indians.
Access to Koenji Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Chuo Rapid Line to Nakano Station, and transfer to JR Sobu Line to Koenji Station (30 minutes)From Shibuya Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line Sotomawari (outer circle) to Shinjuku Station, and transfer to the JR Sobu Line to Koenji Station (20 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Sobu Line to Koenji Station (10 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Koenji Station is 0.61 million yen per square meter.
8. Omotesando - Live within the trendiest area of Tokyo
Omotesando’s Characteristics
While Omotesando is known for its fashionable shops and office buildings, behind Omotesando Hills lies a tranquil residential area. The area has recently been considered a favorable place to live within Tokyo, popular due to the peaceful atmosphere inside the heart of the city. Surrounding Omotesando are equally fashionable areas with residential areas, such as Aoyama and Jingu-mae, home to big name celebrities as well. It is a location perfect for those who dream of a luxurious lifestyle.
Access to Omotesando Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station, and transfer to Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Omotesando Station (15 minutes)From Shibuya Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Omotesando Station (2 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line Uchimawari (inner circle) to Shibuya Station, and transfer to Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Omotesando Station (15 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Omotesando Station is 3.77 million yen per square meter.
9. Roppongi - Home to Tokyo’s best nightlife district
Roppongi’s Characteristics
While high-rise, contemporary buildings surround Roppongi Station, within walking distance is a residential area popular among foreigners as well. Away from the lively streets is an international neighborhood, suitable for raising children. In addition, the area is close to various entertainment facilities, such as Roppongi Hills and Roppongi Midtown, and is beside the classy Azabu-Juban. As two subway lines connect with the station, it is easy to go to various areas of Tokyo. Roppongi has a unique atmosphere, combining Japan’s culture to that of the west.
Access to Roppongi Station
From Tokyo Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza Station, and transfer to Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Roppongi Station (20 minutes)From Shibuya Station-Take the JR Yamanote Line Uchimawari (inner circle) to Ebisu Station, and transfer to Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Roppongi Station (20 minutes)-Take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Station, and transfer to Toei-Oedo Line to Roppongi Station (15 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: Take the Toei-Oedo Line to Roppongi Station (10 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Roppongi Station is 2.53 million yen per square meter.
10. Shirokane - The high-class neighborhood reminiscent of the old times
Shirokane’s Characteristics
For decades, Shirokane has been the favored residential area among the upper class. However, due to number of embassies located nearby, it is also popular among foreigners. Shirokane is also surrounded by well-known schools, a desirable condition for parents passionate about education. In order to maintain the “good old days” ambiance, the surrounding natural environment is heavily protected. For instance, The Institute for Nature Study is within walking distance, providing an oasis in Tokyo. Shirokane residents will be able to raise children in a relaxed environment.
Access to Shirokane-Takanawa Station
From Tokyo Station: Walk to the connected Otemachi Station, and take the Toei-Mita Line to Shirokane-Takanawa Station (25 minutes)From Shibuya Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line Uchimawari (inner circle) to Meguro Station, and transfer to Toei-Mita Line to Shirokane-Takanawa Station (15 minutes)From Shinjuku Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Tameike-Sanno Station, and transfer to Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line to Shirokane-Takanawa Station (20 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Shirokane-Takanawa Station is 1.59 million yen per square meter.
Conclusion
Despite all being within Tokyo, the areas introduced above have their own unique atmosphere and their own charm. Why not go see them for yourself?
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing, please feel free to contact us!
