Emperor Naruhito’s Enthronement Ceremony To Take Place on Oct 22: Here’s What You Need to Know
============ 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
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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
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!
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Musashi-Sakai is a relatively quiet and calm station on the convenient JR Chuo Line. Its not-too-far but not-too-close relationship from Shinjuku (just 23 minutes from station to station) lends to this residential vibe, and you'll find that it's very popular for those commuting into downtown Tokyo for work. Although it's primarily thought of as a bedroom community, there is a certain charm about this area of west Tokyo that might be what you're looking for when planning on moving to the suburbs.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Although it is a little quieter and smaller compared to its neighboring station of Kichijoji, you’ll find that Mitaka offers just as much in terms of livability. This area consistently ranks high on a variety of conveniences (transportation, shopping, safety, etc.) according to residents. With great public transportation available, this part of Tokyo just might be the perfect balance between suburb and city for you.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Although not part of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Tachikawa brings a lot of modern conveniences to west Tokyo. You’ll find plenty of department stores and other national chains around the station. If your work/school is located nearby, you might find that Tachikawa offers the perfect blend of city/residential for you.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Although Hachioji City is surrounded by Mt. Takao and Mt. Jinba, living in the area doesn’t have to resemble roughing it in the mountains. You’ll find plenty of city-life amenities close to the station, while also just being a quick trip away from a trek in the mountains. Located almost 50 km to the west of downtown Tokyo, Hachioji Station straddles the line between city and nature. Keep on reading to find out if this is the neighborhood for you!
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Higashi-Koganei Station is located roughly 16 km west of Shinjuku Station. What this station lacks in terms of shopping and dining options it makes up for in being less crowded than larger stations on the Chuo Line. This residential neighborhood provides a calm and quiet area that's still within 30 minutes from Shinjuku - making it a good option for those who are looking for manageable commute. This station is also quite close to Tokyo Gakugei Daigaku so it could be worth a look if you're a student who is looking for a quiet (and affordable) apartment close to school.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Nishi-Ogikubo is a smaller residential area sandwiched between Kichijoji and Ogikubo on the Chuo Line. It’s notable for being home to a large number of antique stores, giving this neighborhood a somewhat reserved, nostalgic charm. Although it might be tucked between larger and busier stations, Nishi-Ogikubo offers its own lifestyle that just might match what you’re looking for.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
If you love all the excitement of Tokyo, but also dread how cramped it can feel, Koenji is an area worth checking out. Koenji is sometimes referred to as an artists’ haven thanks to its surprising number of live music venues and diverse cafes. Only 10 minutes west of Shinjuku, this is a laid back area that's easy to feel at home in, while still providing quick access to downtown Tokyo.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Located on the JR Chuo Line, Ogikubo Station is somewhat of a “hub” for commuters living in Suginami-ku and commuting to downtown Tokyo. With department stores located near the station, you can pick up everyday essentials and household items at your convenience. For those who are interested in suburban living in Tokyo, this is an area to take a closer look at.
Guides to Tokyo Residential Neighborhoods
Nowadays, Nakano is synonymous with anime and Tokyo subculture. But that’s not all there is to this unique neighborhood. This affordable area is conveniently located just 4 minutes away from Shinjuku and 17 minutes away from Tokyo by train. If you enjoy a lively nightlife, Nakano might be an area worth checking out!
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============ 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
Living
Large-scale suspension of train service is planned throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area on October 13th so that railway operators can carry out recovery work, including removal of debris, repair, and safety checks. This follows widespread closures yesterday when Typhoon 19... More
Emergency Preparedness
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a special emergency warning for heavy rain due to Typhoon Hagibis. The warning, the highest on a one-to-five scale, means that there is rainfall with an expected level of intensity observed only once every few... More
Emergency Preparedness
Typhoon 19 is expected to make landfall in the Kanto and Tokai regions in the evening to night of October 12th. The following are the main train, airline, and expressway closures and suspensions planned for October 12th. ============== To see... More
Emergency Preparedness
When it makes landfall in the Tokyo metro region on October 12th, forecasts show that Typhoon 19 will be the most severe tropical storm to ever strike Japan. The government is urging people to prepare themselves and their homes well... More
Emergency Preparedness
JR East may implement planned suspension of trains in the Tokyo metropolitan region on October 12th and/or 13th if the current typhoon forecast holds. Typhoon 19 (Super Typhoon Hagibis) is forecast to slam into Tokyo and Yokohama, bringing extremely heavy wind... More
Emergency Preparedness
A recent survey of large buildings in Japan built prior to 1981 has found that the status of earthquake retrofitting for about 70% of buildings surveyed is either unknown or insufficient. This is according to the results of an audit... More
Emergency Preparedness
In the first seven months of 2019, the average listing price of a pre-owned apartment in Tokyo hit a new all-time high at ¥50,270,000 ($465,600), a year-on-year increase of 2.5%. This is according to a recent report released by Tokyo... More
Emergency Preparedness
The average price of land in Japan climbed 0.4 % year-on-year, the second consecutive year with an uptick. This is according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)’s Standard Land Price (基準地価, Kijun Chika) survey for 2019,... More
Emergency Preparedness
On October 1st, Japan’s consumption tax will increase from 8% to 10%. This is the first rate hike in five and a half years. But it’s not the only thing that will be changing. Below we give an overview of... More