Top 5 Places Where Foreigners are Renting Apartments in Tokyo: January 2021 Edition

In this post, we present the Top 5 most popular stations for people searching for properties to rent on realestate.co.jp in January 2021. The ranking below is based on an analysis of property listings in the Tokyo 23 Wards that people viewed and inquired about.

#1 Kamata

Coming in at number one this month among people looking for For Rent properties is the Kamata neighborhood!

We currently list more than 350 properties for rent in Kamata, from high-end homes to budget apartments like this furnished apartment listed by Infiniston. This apartment is currently being offered by the agent for a Total Monthly Cost of ¥80,000 ($756), no key money, no deposit, no agency fee. Please contact Infiniston for more information about this property. Click on the photo to see all properties currently available to rent near Keikyu Kamata Station on the Keikyu Main line. Image: Real Estate Japan partner agent

Why Kamata?

Sun Road shopping mall in Kamata. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Kamata is a lively neighborhood located in Ota Ward, just west of Haneda Airport. Keikyu-Kamata Station, one of the two major stations in Kamata, directly connects to the airport, which gives residents very convenient access to both domestic and international flights. Kamata is also located just about halfway between Tokyo and Yokohama, making it perfect for people who want to be located between the two, for work, school, or family obligations.

The three main train lines serving Kamata are JR Keihin-Tohoku, Keikyu Main line, and Tokyu lines. The Keikyu Main line has a reputation for being crowded during rush hours and there’s a good reason this: Kamata is a very convenient place to live if you want to commute to central Tokyo locations in a reasonable amount of time.

Accessibility

Transportation to…  Line Time
Shinjuku Keihin-Tohoku (Shinagawa), transfer to Yamanote 33 min
Shibuya Keihin-Tohoku (Shinagawa), transfer to Yamanote 26 min
Jiyugaoka Tamagawa (Tamagawa), transfer to Toyoko 22 min
Tokyo Keihin-Tohoku, direct 24 min
Shinagawa Keihin-Tohoku, direct 10 min
Roppongi Keihin-Tohoku (Hamamatsucho), transfer to Oedo via Daimon Station 32 min
Yokohama, Kanagawa Keihin-Tohoku, direct 18 min

Livability

There is a high density of izakayas and pachinko parlors near the station, but overall, Kamata is a safe and very livable neighborhood with plentiful shopping, dining, and family-friendly parks and many rental options, from single-family homes to huge apartment complexes. Recent redevelopment projects in the area have given the station a modern look: in 2008 the station was renovated and the Gran Duo shopping mall was opened, and in 2014 renovations were completed on the Tokyu Plaza shopping mall.

Learn more: Kamata Area Guide

See current For Rent listings:

Kamata apartments (JR Keihin-Tohoku line)

Keikyu Kamata apartments (Keikyu Main line)

Kamata apartments (Tokyu Ikegami line)

#2 Jiyugaoka

Coming in at number two this month among people looking for For Rent properties is Jiyugaoka.

We currently list more than 180 properties for rent in Jiyugaoka, including this super spacious 81-sqm 3LDK apartment, with all Western-style rooms. Please contact Tokyo Apartment Inc. for more information about this property. Click on the photo to see all properties currently available to rent in Jiyugaoka.

Why Jiyugaoka?

Jiyugaoka. Photo: iStock

Jiyugaoka is a trendy, sophisticated neighborhood in Meguro Ward, where you can find more stylish bakeries and sweets shops than you could ever imagine. Located near the southern end of Meguro Ward, closer to Setagaya Ward, Jiyugaoka occupies space that makes it very accessible to downtown Tokyo. Connected to public transportation via the Tokyu Toyoko and Tokyu Oimachi Lines, it’s possible to get to ShibuyaYokohama, and Futako-Tamagawa directly from this station. The calm residential streets are very popular with those seeking a quieter yet stylish side of Tokyo.

Learn more: Jiyugaoka Area Guide

See current For Rent listings:

Jiyugaoka apartments (JR Keihin-Tohoku line)

#3 Akasaka

We currently list over 230 properties for rent in Akasaka, including this luxurious penthouse 2LDK apartment in the Park Court AKASAKA the Tower, overlooking the Akasaka Palace grounds. Please contact Tokyo Apartment Inc. for more information about this property. Click on the photo to see all properties currently available to rent in Akasaka.

Why Akasaka?

Akasaka is one of Tokyo’s most central upscale commercial and residential districts. Located in North Minato ward, this area 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.

Learn more: Akasaka Area Guide

See current For Rent listings: Akasaka apartments

#4 Roppongi-Itchome

In 4th place this month (up one from the December 2020 ranking), is Roppongi (more specifically, the Itchome neighborhood of Roppongi!).

Winter illumination in Roppongi. Please click on the photo to see current For Rent listings in Roppongi. Image: iStock

Roppongi is a unique mix of down-market (at night) and up-market (in the daytime), where locals and foreigners go to party after hours. It is also home to Tokyo’s most luxurious urban re-development projects (including Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown), some of the city’s most expensive residential real estate, and a global business district.

Many international companies have offices in the area: Barclays Capital, Goldman Sachs, Google, and SAS Institute, among others. This results in Roppongi’s population being quite global compared to other parts of Tokyo. Expat and international families tend to rate Roppongi rather highly in terms of livability due to the abundance of establishments offering English services.

Learn more: Roppongi Area Guide

See current For Rent listings: Roppongi Apartments

#5 Shirokanedai

We currently list over 170 properties for rent in Shirokanedai, including this well-appointed 1LDK apartment, built in 2020. Please contact HOUSECOM for more information about this property. Click on the photo to see all properties currently available to rent in Shirokanedai.

Even though there are many upscale neighborhoods in Minato Ward, including Minami AzabuHiroo, and Roppongi, the neighborhood of Shirokane stands out above the rest for its unique charm of incorporating green space with luxurious residential living. There is a serious old money side to Shirokane mixed with influence from the worlds of entertainment and politics. Still, the living here is upscale and subdued, with many designer boutiques and trendy cafes along Meguro-dori and tree-lined Platinum-dori.

Learn more: Shirokane Area Guide

See current For Sale listings: Shirokanedai apartments


How to rent an apartment in Japan as a foreigner

How to rent an apartment in Japan from overseas

What documents do you need to rent an apartment in Japan?

Translation of Japanese apartment lease application

How much you should budget for move-in costs to rent an apartment in Japan?

What Japanese real estate agents want foreigners to know about renting an apartment in Japan

Average rent in Tokyo

Japanese Apartment Layout Terms

 


Lead photo: Jiyugaoka via iStock


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