Blog

Buying land in Japan to build a house: Answering the big questions with Plaza Homes

[SPONSORED CONTENT] If it is your dream to find the perfect piece of land and build your own home in Japan, a big picture view of the process will help you decide whether this is the right path to home... More

Area Guides

Shinjuku Area GuideShinjuku Area Guide

Shinjuku is the name of a ward, neighborhood, and not just one but numerous train stations in Tokyo. In this guide, we focus on Shinjuku's main residential neighborhoods from Okubo's Korea Town to street-wise Kabukicho north of the station to gentrified Shinjuku San-Chome east, then south to the high-end but relaxed areas near Shinjuku National Garden and Yoyogi, and west to Nishi Shinjuku, Tokyo's Skyscraper District.

Saitama Prefecture GuideSaitama Prefecture Guide

The prefecture just north of Tokyo. Saitama itself is large, covering a massive area of Eastern Tokyo. The areas closest to Tokyo are popular as bedroom communities for those commuting into Tokyo for work. These areas tend to have rent... More

Akihabara Area GuideAkihabara Area Guide

This famous neighborhood is jam-packed with stores displaying anime and video game goods, but you don't have to be an anime fan to live in Akihabara. Located on the northeastern edge of Chiyoda Ward, Akihabara Station is a transportation hub that offers great access to the rest of Tokyo through a variety of train and subway lines. Those who enjoy a lively Tokyo city life experience will likely feel at home in this neighborhood.

Akabane Area GuideAkabane Area Guide

Akabane is a neighborhood in Kita Ward, towards the northern edge of the 23 wards of Tokyo. Bordered by Saitama Prefecture to the north, the station is traversed by many commuters coming in from Saitama Prefecture. Until recently, Akabane was infamous for its narrow alleys, late-night izakayas, and general seediness. Redevelopment and modernization in the area has transformed most of it to a livable, convenient neighborhood.

Okubo Area GuideOkubo Area Guide

Okubo is a neighborhood just north of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. It provides residents with very quick direct access to Shinjuku, while also being just far enough away from the excitement of downtown. This balance between convenience and residential livability is a great feature of the neighborhood. In addition, for those who enjoy authentic ethnic cuisine, the international population in Okubo own and operate different restaurants and shops in the area. It's a unique, charming neighborhood for those seeking something close to Shinjuku!

KochiKame-Character-Statues-in-Front-of-Kameari-Station-in-Katsushika-Ward-Tokyo-Kae-Lu-Picture-of-the-Day-Real-Estate-Japan.jpg

Kameari Area GuideKameari Area Guide

Kameari is a residential neighborhood in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. What it lacks in name recognition it makes up for in charm and convenience. This traditionally working-class area of Tokyo retains much of the old-school look and feel of bygone Tokyo, and new modern shopping malls have injected style and fashion back into the area.

Tokyo Station Area GuideTokyo Station Area Guide

Contents Location Key Stats Orientation Around the Station Livability Useful Info at a Glance Tokyo Station Apartments Location Tokyo Station is found just east of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. There’s almost no comparison to this centrally located,... More

Shin-Okubo Area GuideShin-Okubo Area Guide

Shin-Okubo is renowned as Tokyo's Koreatown. This popular and trendy area offers an international vibe close to Shinjuku. An added benefit of this diverse environment is the selection of import supermarkets! While the streets around the station tend to be quite lively, even well into the night, it is possible to find calmer parts of the neighborhood.

Toranomon Hills Area GuideToranomon Hills Area Guide

Contents Location Key Stats Orientation Around the Station Livability Useful Info at a Glance Toranomon Hills Apartments Location Toranomon Hills Station can be found in the northern section of central Minato Ward. The Toranomon district is a primarily business district,... More

Jujo Area GuideJujo Area Guide

Jujo is a neighborhood in Kita Ward, Tokyo. It's located just north of the major transportation hub of Ikebukuro, making it a convenient area for commuters seeking options for quick and easy transportation into downtown Tokyo. Ease of transportation isn't the only convenience provided by this neighborhood, nearby Jujo Ginza is a local shopping street with a variety of shops, making picking up daily necessities easy.

Kachidoki Area GuideKachidoki Area Guide

Kachidoki is a newer addition to Tokyo's list of residential neighborhoods. Located in Tokyo Bay, residents enjoy a mix of modern conveniences (shopping malls, high-rise apartment complexes, beautiful waterfront parks) close to Tokyo's commercial districts. As the area becomes more developed, an increasing number of families are moving to the area because of the calm and family-friendly environment!

Hatagaya Area GuideHatagaya Area Guide

Hatagaya is a calm and livable neighborhood located on the Keio New Line just west of downtown Shinjuku. This convenient location makes it a great option for commuters, and the distance away from the crowds of downtown Shinjuku gives the area a more relaxed feeling.

Yutenji Area GuideYutenji Area Guide

Yutenji is a residential neighborhood found close to central Meguro Ward, Tokyo. It has a reputation as a very livable neighborhood that has easy access to some of Tokyo's most famous and stylish areas like Daikanyama and downtown Shibuya. What Yutenji might lack in terms of nightlife it more than makes up for in providing a calm and quiet environment.

Sangubashi Area GuideSangubashi Area Guide

Sangubashi is a quiet residential neighborhood located on the outskirts of Yoyogi Park. This gives residents a huge backyard of sorts for picnics, gatherings, and exercise. On top of this, Sangubashi Station is connected to Shinjuku via the Odakyu Line, making commutes into downtown Tokyo very easy and quick. Apartment seekers looking for a convenient residential neighborhood close to Shinjuku should definitely give Sangubashi consideration!

Kodaira Area GuideKodaira Area Guide

Kodaira City is a residential neighborhood located in west Tokyo on the Seibu Shinjuku Line. Its location in the suburbs of Tokyo offers a very quiet and calm environment which is very popular with families. Plenty of space and few crowds make living more comfortable, and with only a roughly 30 minute train ride to Shinjuku, this might be a great balance for those looking for a local vibe in Tokyo.

Ikejiriohashi Area GuideIkejiriohashi Area Guide

Ikejiriohashi resides where three different neighborhoods collide: Ikejiri, Ohashi, and Higashiyama. It straddles the border of Setagaya Ward and Meguro Ward, creating an area that has a very livable urban feel. Plenty of restaurants and bars in the area for exploring a vibrant nightlife, while wide sidewalks along the main roads and plenty of supermarkets for daily necessities make it easy to live in.

Nogizaka Area GuideNogizaka Area Guide

Nogizaka is a high-class residential neighborhood located in central Minato Ward, Tokyo. Within walking distance from Nogizaka you can get to Aoyama, Omotesando, Akasaka, or Roppongi. This is a terrific convenience for those who love the idea of having a wide variety of destinations close to home! Great for being able to explore different neighborhoods of Tokyo on your feet!

Mita Area GuideMita Area Guide

Contents Location Key Stats Livability Mita Apartments Location You’ll find the neighborhood of Mita located quite centrally in Minato Ward, Tokyo. Thanks to this geographical position, it actually offers a nice mid-point between a few different business/commercial districts around Tokyo... More

Nakai Area GuideNakai Area Guide

Nakai is a cozy and quiet residential neighborhood in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. This little gem of a neighborhood gives residents fantastic transportation access to business districts. It's also much more relaxed compared to the downtown glitz and glamor of Shinjuku.

Sendagi Area GuideSendagi Area Guide

Sendagi is a residential neighborhood found in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. A great choice for those looking for a little quiet tucked away in the dense Tokyo cityscape. In fact, Sendagi and its surrounding neighborhoods are a popular destination for those who want to take a leisurely stroll through the calmer, traditional side of Tokyo. Thanks to its nearby shrines and old-school, local shopping streets, there is a lot of nostalgic appeal in this neighborhood that also translates to a unique livability that could be your cup of tea.

Sections

News

Stay informed about the Japanese real estate market.

Buy

Essential information for buying your dream home or investment property in Japan.

Rent

Tips and insights to help you navigate the unique process of renting a home in Japan.

Housing Service Blog

A comprehensive subleasing service for English-speaking foreigners. It's the easiest way to rent a home in Japan!

Seminars

Expert Insights To Renting, Buying and Investing in Japan

Services

Helping International Investors In Japan

Guide

Real Estate Japan's step-by-step guides

Buy

Buying land in Japan to build a house: Answering the big questions with Plaza HomesBuying land in Japan to build a house: Answering the big questions with Plaza Homes

[SPONSORED CONTENT] If it is your dream to find the perfect piece of land and build your own home in Japan, a big picture view of the process will help you decide whether this is the right path to home... More

Niseko PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards

Introducing the 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko)Introducing the 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko)

PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards will be returning to Greater Niseko for its 2024 edition to honor the area’s best in resort development and design. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism numbers to Japan have been skyrocketing. In addition... More

Buy

Buying property in Atami: One of Japan’s Top Onsen ResortsBuying property in Atami: One of Japan’s Top Onsen Resorts

As one of Japan’s leading onsen (hot springs) resorts, Atami is a popular getaway destination for Tokyo residents, since it is less than an hour away by shinkansen from the capital. In the last few years, it has also become... More

Buy

Buying a Home or Investment Property in Niseko: Pros and ConsBuying a Home or Investment Property in Niseko: Pros and Cons

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Niseko is famous worldwide as Japan’s number one ski resort. It has also earned a reputation for being one of the most desirable places for foreigners hoping to buy a second home or investment property in Japan. Real... More

Buy

Getting a housing loan in Japan as a foreigner: Video interview with a resident AmericanGetting a housing loan in Japan as a foreigner: Video interview with a resident American

[SPONSORED CONTENT] One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Real Estate Japan is how a foreigner can buy a property in Japan by taking out a home loan from a local bank. In this video presentation, Ms.... More

Buy

House Renovation in Japan Before and After: Video InterviewHouse Renovation in Japan Before and After: Video Interview

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Have you ever considered buying a pre-owned home in Japan and renovating it into your dream home? This is the ultimate property dream for many people who have visited Japan or have resided here for a while, but... More

Mobal Services for Expats Buying Homes in Japan

Making Your Move to Japan Feel Like Home

5 Great Services for Expats Buying Homes in Japan5 Great Services for Expats Buying Homes in Japan

Becoming a homeowner in Japan is exciting but brings unfamiliar challenges for newer expats. Accessing the right services for expats is crucial for a smooth transition. Settling as a new homeowner in Japan has its hurdles, but it can be fulfilling... More

Buy

Tips for Choosing an Earthquake Resistant Property in Japan: Video Guide by Plaza HomesTips for Choosing an Earthquake Resistant Property in Japan: Video Guide by Plaza Homes

[SPONSORED CONTENT] In this video presentation, Ms. Yasuko Suzuki , a bilingual real estate agent from the Purchase and Sales division of Plaza Homes, gives an overview of the advantages that foreigners can enjoy by purchasing properties in Japan and... More

View of Sagami Bay and Kamakura

Featured For Sale Property

Classic mansion for sale in Kamakura, JapanClassic mansion for sale in Kamakura, Japan

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Imagine waking up to a gorgeous view from a spacious hilltop home in one of Japan’s most historic cities.  Dream homes come in many shapes and sizes but it’s not easy to find a pre-existing home for sale... More

Buy

5 Reasons to Invest in Wooden Apartment Buildings in Japan5 Reasons to Invest in Wooden Apartment Buildings in Japan

[SPONSORED CONTENT] Wooden apartment buildings in Japan are considered one of the best options for students, young workers starting out in life, and generally, anyone looking for a rental bargain. Investors new to the Japanese residential real estate market, however,... More