In this post, we cover the Top 3 most popular stations in Tokyo for people searching for properties for sale on realestate.co.jp this month. The ranking below is based on an analysis of property listings in the Tokyo 23 Wards that people viewed and inquired about.
#1 Roppongi
Train Line(s): Tokyo Metro Hibiya, Toei Oedo
Ward: Minato
Coming in number one this month is Roppongi, a neighborhood that frequently takes the top spot in rankings of “most popular” areas on Real Estate Japan.
Surrounded by the foreign embassy and ex-pat dense neighborhoods of Azabu to the south and Akasaka to the north, Roppongi is the central Tokyo district known for its iconic nightlife scene and more recently the upmarket, international standard Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown mega-complexes. For many in the international community, Roppongi is also considered Tokyo’s premiere upscale shopping, arts, entertainment and residential district.
Roppongi’s character changed significantly starting in the early 2000s when the Izumi Garden Tower and Roppongi Hills complexes were completed in 2002 and 2003, respectively. These developments brought high-end office and condominium space to Roppongi for the first time.
Roppongi has also developed a reputation as a cultural center. The National Art Center is Japan’s largest art museum, and together with Roppongi Hills’ Mori Art Museum and Tokyo Midtown’s Suntory Museum of Art form the Art Triangle Roppongi.
These complexes, along with Tokyo Midtown, which opened in 2006, has changed the face of Roppongi from not just a nighttime entertainment district but to an upmarket retail, leisure and residential neighborhood that is home to some of the city’s top international companies.
For an in-depth guide to Roppongi, please see: Roppongi Area Guide.
#2 Kita Ayase Station
Train Line(s): Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line
Ward: Adachi
Coming in number two this month is Kita Ayase, a residential neighborhood with a working-class vibe, in Adachi Ward and the north terminus of the Chiyoda subway line. The Chiyoda line has stops along many of Tokyo’s major downtown stations, including Otemachi, Hibiya, Omotesando, and Yoyogi Koen. From Kita Ayase it is a direct shot to Otemachi Station in about less than 30 minutes.
The neighborhood has especially grown in popularity as a residential area since Kita Ayase Station was directly connected to the Chiyoda line in March 2019. Previously, the line only extended directly to Ayase Station. In July this year, the ward has announced a project to improve livability, shopping, and pedestrian safety around the station area. It is also home to one of the top rated onsen (hot spring baths) in Tokyo, Oyata Onsen (Myojin no Yu).
Kita Ayase is also just two stops north of Kita Senju, which is one of the main train hubs in northeast Tokyo and branches of many major chain and department stores and restaurants.
#3 Hiroo
Train Line(s): Tokyo Metro Hibiya
Ward: Minato
Why Hiroo so popular with foreign residents?
— Blend of Japanese and international influences due to the many international embassies located in the area.
— Many English-friendly services and international schools and pre-schools. A popular choice for international families and embassy staff.
— Many high-end housing options.
— Direct train access to major business districts like Roppongi, Kamiyacho, and Hibiya on the Hibiya line.
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Lead photo: Roppongi Hills winter illumination via iStock 1177930390