Japan to Allow Local Power Companies to Supply Renewable Energy Directly to Homes and Factories
The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) plans to set up a licensing system to allow local companies in Japan to supply renewable energy directly to consumers in selected regions, using their own distribution network. This is a major... More
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Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Where should you live in Tokyo? Read our guides to Tokyo residential neighborhoods and find the right one for you!
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Shimbashi is a busy business district located in central Minato Ward, near Ginza and Toranomon. With eight train/subway lines converging at Shimbashi Station, it's one of the major transportation hubs in Tokyo. Shimbashi is a mix of old and new, as it lies next to modern redevelopments like Shiodome Caretta and Toranomon Hills while also retaining ties to history through Hamarikyu Gardens and the streets that convey nostalgic elements of an older Tokyo.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Hiroo is a wealthy neighborhood in Shibuya Ward, home to many international embassies. This gives it a unique international twist that is quite special in Tokyo. Ex-pat families enjoy the livability in the area for its many international schools and English-friendly shops and services. It is distinctly calmer and quieter, but still as stylish as neighboring districts like Ebisu, Azabu Juban, and Minami-Aoyama.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
A foodie's paradise, Ebisu is famous for its wide range of dining options and the beautiful city-in-a-city of Yebisu Garden Place. Consistently ranked as one of Tokyo's most desirable residential neighborhoods, Ebisu is a high-end but laid back area situated near Shibuya and very popular with ex-pat residents. Proximity to the headquarters of many global companies, nearby embassies and ease of livability are major draws.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
The neighborhood of Shirokane is closely connected with wealth and luxury. The name is Japanese for platinum after all! This elegant, high-end residential area in Minato Ward is also well-known for the way natural greenery has been integrated into the city planning. This combination creates one of the most popular residential neighborhoods in Tokyo. Ongoing redevelopment near Shirokane Takanawa Station continues to increase the livability of the area.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Yotsuya is a centrally located residential neighborhood in the southeastern corner of Shinjuku Ward. It has a relaxed, suburban vibe despite being a short train ride to major stations like Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Akasaka. The neighborhood is home to a number of iconic institutions, including Sophia University. For residents, one of the biggest perks of living in Yotsuya is being within walking distance to Shinjuku National Garden, one of Japan's top hanami (cherry blossom viewing) destinations.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Yoyogi is a central Tokyo neighborhood which borders Shinjuku Station to the south and Shibuya Ward to the north. It is most well known for being home to Yoyogi Park and the National Stadium. It was the main venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and will also be the main hub for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Yoyogi also enjoys an enduring location as a high-end, family-friendly residential area that straddles the suburban residential neighborhoods of western and central Tokyo.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Roppongi is well-known as Tokyo's foreigner nightlife district, but major re-development projects, including Izumi Garden Tower, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo MidTown, have transformed it into an upmarket office, residential and cultural center. It's no longer just a night time destination. It's one of Tokyo's most popular expat residential neighborhoods, offering convenient work, play, and English-friendly amenities.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Akasaka is one of Tokyo's most central upscale commercial and residential districts. Located in north Minato ward, Akasaka is known for its expansive shopping, office, and entertainment complexes like Tokyo Midtown and ARK HILLS, but beautiful green spaces, including Hinokicho Park and Hikawa Shrine bring the neighborhood full circle as a highly desirable residential area.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Known as the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo, Omotesando is the capital's beloved zelkova-tree lined luxury fashion destination. Here storefronts for the world's leading luxury fashion brands vie for attention with trendy cafes and restaurants and cutting-edge architecture and design. Just a few streets from the busy main avenue are the subdued, high-end residential neighborhoods of Jingu-mae and Minami Aoyama.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Daikanyama is an upscale neighborhood in Shibuya Ward that boasts an assortment of well-known brand storefronts alongside eccentric, quirky cafes and boutiques. It's earned a reputation as the Brooklyn of Tokyo thanks to its artsy, hip, and stylish vibe.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Takadanobaba exists as a melting pot of two distinct communities: it's a commuter's hub for those in west Tokyo coming in on either the Seibu Shinjuku or Tozai (and Chuo-Sobu) lines and a college town (anchored by Waseda University). This eclectic combination of populations gives the area a unique feel and energy, especially due to the large number of cheap bars and restaurants that you can find.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Ikebukuro is a major entertainment/shopping district anchoring northwestern Tokyo, one of the city's main transportation hubs and the second busiest train station in the world. Sunshine City is Ikebukuro's city-in-a-city, a vertical shopping, dining, and entertainment destination complete with its own aquarium and planetarium! This chic-modern appeal is delicately balanced with Ikebukuro's rich cultural history, making for a lively and energetic area with plenty to see and do.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Hino Station is located between Toyoda Station and Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid). The area right around Hino Station has a very local, small-town feel. This helps keep rent prices low while still providing the essentials, all while being just one station away from a major hub (Tachikawa) and 30 minutes away from Shinjuku (on the Special Rapid Service).
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
It is possible to get from Toyoda Station to Shinjuku station in 34 minutes on the special rapid service. This puts it in commuting distance from downtown Tokyo while being located at a distance where rent is significantly cheaper compared to rent within the 23 special wards of Tokyo. If separating work life from home life is important to you, this might be a location to look into! Or, if you're just curious about lesser-known areas of Tokyo, keep on reading to get the scoop on Toyoda!
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Rent in west Tokyo tends to be cheaper than downtown prices, but Kichijouji is one area where the average rent meets (and possibly exceeds) areas of downtown Tokyo. This has given it an upscale residential atmosphere, and you’ll notice the effect this has on the kinds of stores and restaurants available in the area. The picturesque scenery of Inokashira Park is another reason why this area is so popular. All the conveniences on hand near Kichijoji Station, on top of being only 15 minutes away from Shinjuku, makes it an extremely livable area. Keep reading to get the scoop on this stylish neighborhood!
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Nestled between larger stations like Kokubunji and Tachikawa, It's easy to miss this small residential area in your search for the perfect place in Tokyo. But, Nishi-Kokubunji has plenty to offer for those who prioritize quiet, uncrowded neighborhoods. With the sprawling skyscrapers of Shinjuku just 30 minutes away, you won't feel that far removed from the heartbeat of downtown Tokyo.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Home to Hitotsubashi University, Kunitachi City offers convenience and livability for students and families alike. It is a smaller station compared to Tachikawa or Kichijoji, but if you're looking for a calm environment in Tokyo this might be a fit.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Asagaya is locked in an eternal popularity competition with neighboring Koenji. Since time immemorial, Asagaya and Koenji have been vying for the hearts of Tokyoites. For those looking into moving just west of downtown Tokyo, you’ll find that Asagaya provides a comfortable, safe environment chock-full of interesting food and drink along with fun community events.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Finding an area that really speaks to you on a personal level can be a difficult task. However, if you're seeking a balance between all things considered (rent, transportation, entertainment, shopping, dining, safety, etc.) Kokubunji might fit the bill nicely. It could be this middle-of-the-road inclination that keeps it from being somewhat under the radar - which could play in your favor if you like to keep things simple and relaxed. Keep reading to get a better idea of what to expect from this livable neighborhood in west Tokyo!
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The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) plans to set up a licensing system to allow local companies in Japan to supply renewable energy directly to consumers in selected regions, using their own distribution network. This is a major... More
Living in Tokyo
In this article, we give an overview of the average salary in Tokyo. What is the average salary in Tokyo? The average annual salary in Tokyo for a full-time employee is ¥5,507,040 ($50,655). This works out to a monthly average of... More
Living in Tokyo
Five years sounds like a long time, but it doesn’t feel like it. I’m not sure if I (you?) ever imagined myself (yourself?) staying in Japan for this long. It’s a little hard to remember the exact mix of emotions... More
Living in Tokyo
Starting on July 1, 2020, all retailers in Japan, including supermarkets and convenience stores will be required to charge for plastic shopping bags. A joint panel of Japan’s industry and environment ministries approved a draft plan on November 1st to require... More
Living in Tokyo
Today (November 1, 2019) marks the grand opening of the Shibuya Scramble Square building. The building packs a dizzying array of shops and restaurants, but the pièce de résistance is the awe-inspiring unobstructed view over Tokyo from the rooftop. Observation... More
Living in Tokyo
In this installment in the “what can you buy” series, we take a look at what you can buy around Japan for about $230,000 (¥25,000,000) or less. To put this price point in perspective, the average sales price of a... More
Living in Tokyo
An exhibition and talk on tiny houses will be held at Minami Ikebukuro Park in Toshima Ward, Tokyo from Saturday, November 2nd to Monday, November 4th as one of the pre-events for the Tokyo Biennial 2020. Tiny houses, sometimes built... More
Living in Tokyo
The Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional visa is a working visa designed to attract highly-skilled professionals (scientists, engineers, lawyers, and business executives, among others) to come work in Japan by giving them preferential visa processing and residency benefits. In the past few... More
Living in Tokyo
The number of foreigners residing in Japan as of the end of June 2019 was 2,282,416, up 3.6% compared to the end of 2018. This is according to data recently released by Immigration Services Agency of Japan. This was a... More
Living in Tokyo
============ October 17th Update: The government has said that the Emperor’s enthronement parade will be postponed to November 19th due to the destruction caused by Typhoon 19. ============ On October 22, 2019, Emperor Naruhito will be enthroned as the 126th... More