Mizuho is a beautiful town on the western side of Tokyo, with a population of over 33,000. It is part of the peaceful Nishitama district, known for its easy-going, suburban atmosphere. 

"Mizuho Town Office" by Katttin is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Rural but Well Connected

Here, people live right on the foothills of the Okutama Mountains, meaning that they can easily pop over to Saitama Prefecture to the north, yet are still very connected to central Tokyo. A train to Shinjuku takes just twenty minutes.

Mizuho has earned the title of the greatest producer of Sayama tea in Tokyo. It’s a type of green tea known for its thick leaves and robust flavor. Consequentially the town is filled with cafes and traditional restaurants serving this insanely good tea. Many of the local shops also sell handmade sweets that go perfectly with tea, leading Mizuho to be known as an excellent destination for those with a sweet tooth.

Being right on the edge of Tokyo has its advantages. Mizuho is next to Saitama prefecture’s beautiful Lake Sayama. The lake is one of the reservoirs used for Tokyo’s water supply. It’s not ideal for swimming, but many people enjoy walking along the water, where you can appreciate the surrounding forests. The forest is large enough to explore and is especially attractive in the autumn when couples stroll through the area, watching the leaves change. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji overlooking Lake Sayama and its neighbor Lake Tama. It’s quite the photogenic area.

Breathe in the Fresh Air

"Tokyo Mizuho Trail" by Zachary Smith is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Mizuho also has very clean air. Being surrounded by nature and being far less built up than many other parts of Tokyo, has done wonders for the local air quality. Many people who live or work in the inner city take day trips to Mizuho and the surrounding areas to help their lungs escape the polluted and stuffy air of places like Shibuya.

Benefits to Living in Mizuho for Foreigners

"Tokyo Mizuho Town" by Zachary Smith is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Houses in Mizuho are very reasonably priced, despite the area being very well connected to the rest of Tokyo. This town is great for commuters who don’t want to pay the heady prices of the city center, yet still want to live and work in the capital. You can rent a spacious and modern apartment for between $450 to $700 a month. You can buy a modest three-bedroom house for around $400,000.

Mizuho has plenty of schools for those looking to start a family in the area. There are five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, as well as several kindergartens. There is also a special education school for children with learning disabilities or other special needs. The town is, of course, very well connected through Hakonegasaki station, as well as various bus stops. 

Conclusion

"Tokyo Mizuho Hill Path" by Zachary Smith is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Mizuho is a very easy place to live. Here you can have the best of both worlds, easy access to the city and plenty of wide-open natural spaces to relax in. It is an excellent location for a family or someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo while remaining within easy commuting distance of the main business sectors. 

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