Gotanda Area Guide

The neighborhood of Gotanda in Shinagawa Ward has a complicated past as one of Tokyo's red light districts. However, redevelopment projects in the area have attracted many businesses to the area. This has led to Gotanda becoming a modern business district with high livability for Tokyoites.

Contents

Location

Gotanda is primarily a business district in Shinagawa Ward. It’s important to indicate that “primarily business” is used to describe this neighborhood, as it also does have a reputation as one of Tokyo’s older red light districts. Even today you’ll find a section of the area is made up of love hotels and other adult entertainment establishments. However, that is just a part of the history of the area. Ongoing redevelopment projects in the area (between Gotanda and Osaki) have been drawing in many companies to open offices nearby.

These modern updates to the neighborhood have resulted in creating a very livable, slightly upscale residential side to Gotanda. The neighborhood’s stigmatized past is something that lingers today, but in all honesty, it’s quite easy to avoid these parts of the area.

Key Stats

Average Rent in Gotanda

Apartment Type Average Rent ($1 = ¥110)
1R 1K ¥117,000/month ($1,060)
1LDK 2K 2DK ¥187,100/month ($1,770)
2LDK 3K 3DK ¥254,200/month ($2,310)

Apartments For Rent in Gotanda

Train Lines

JR/Subway/Other Line
JR East  Yamanote
Tokyu  Ikegami
Toei  Asakusa

Accessibility

Transportation to…  Line Time
Shinjuku Yamanote, direct 15 min
Shibuya Yamanote, direct 8 min
Tokyo Yamanote, direct 19 min
Shinagawa Yamanote, direct 6 min
Roppongi Yamanote (Ebisu), transfer to Hibiya 20 min
Yokohama, Kanagawa Yamanote (Osaki), transfer to Shonan-Shinjuku 26 min

Livability

Without a doubt, the neighborhood of Gotanda has an urban, business-like atmosphere. Its location close to the Meguro River adds a touch of natural scenery and helps break up the monotony of the concrete jungle. The paths along the river are especially beautiful during spring when the cherry trees are blossoming. Even in winter, there are special lights that decorate the riverside, mimicking the splendor of the spring season. This winter display is aptly called “winter’s cherry blossoms” (冬のサクラ).

The area tends to attract single apartment hunters looking to live close to business districts in Tokyo. However, with the redevelopment projects being carried out in the area, there is a good chance that large luxury apartment buildings in the area will offer more family-friendly living spaces.

Gotanda Apartments

Apartments for rent near Gotanda Station:

If you want to take advantage of the location of Gotanda while still prioritizing affordability, it is possible to find studio apartments in the area starting at approximately ¥60,000 per month! Or, use our site to sort by “Year Built” to find the newest apartments in Gotanda, stay ahead of the curve and you can get be among the first to know about new listings as the redevelopment projects increase the livability of this neighborhood!

Apartments For Rent in Gotanda

Where should you live in Tokyo? Check out our Japan Area Guides to find the perfect place!

Dive Deeper

  • Shinagawa –  Shinagawa is part international business hub, part upscale shopping/dining district, and part quiet residential neighborhood. There really is a difference in overall atmosphere depending on what area of Shinagawa you visit. Near the station you’ll find many offices and even company headquarters, along the waterfront is redeveloped commercial/residential area that is known for its beautiful views of Tokyo Bay, and inland just a little bit you’ll find pockets of calm neighborhoods that are within commuting distance to many business districts in Tokyo. Read the in-depth guide to Shinagawa here!

Lead photo: iStock stock photography

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