If you’ve considered renting or moving apartments in Tokyo for the first time, chances are the different neighborhoods around and beyond the 23 wards are unfamiliar to you. Given how much time, energy and money moving requires, you’ll need to make hard and fast decisions. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo to live in that might suit your lifestyle.
Apart from the famous and notoriously expensive areas of Shinjuku, Kichijoji, Shibuya and Roppongi, there are plenty of hidden gems just a stone’s throw from the main city hubs, where rent can cost much less. Here are just a handful of areas worth considering next time a move is on the table.
1. Gakugei Daigaku
Train line: Tokyu Toyoko
At times overlooked but growing in popularity with those in the know, Gakugei Daigaku is an understated pocket of the city just six minutes from Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko line. This former university town is surrounded by some of Tokyo’s more trendy and expensive suburbs, such as Jiyugoaka to the south or Daikanyama and Nakameguro to the north. Though it’s only four stops from the tourist hub of Shibuya, Gakugei Daigaku has a much more suburban hometown feel with its winding roads dotted with second-hand stores and well-established, family-run restaurants.
2. Hatagaya
Train line: New Keio Line
Close enough to visit Shibuya and Shinjuku on a whim but without the manic energy, the peaceful atmosphere of Hatagaya makes it the ideal location for those who want the best of both worlds.
The area’s accessibility, combined with its relatively more affordable rent, means it’s the perfect place for more experimental business endeavors like craft beer and artisanal coffee shops. The area is also a 30-minute walk from the hanami (cherry blossom) heaven of Yoyogi Park.
3. Kiyosumi Shirakawa
Train line: Hanzomon (subway) and Oedo (subway)
Kiyosumi Shirakawa is dubbed Tokyo’s “Coffeetown.” Over the past few years, this traditionally working-class neighborhood has become home to flagship outlets of some of the world’s most respected coffee companies. Allpress and Arise coffee roasters also call this area home.
Thanks to its less densely populated streets, apartments are a little bigger. So, if you’re looking for more for less, chances are you’ll find it in Kiyosumi Shirakawa. The area also boasts the stunning Kiyosumi Garden landscape, a classic Meiji-era rock garden, and is only 11 minutes from the charming “Booktown” of Jimbocho. Sitting on the Hanzomon line, a trip to Shibuya will take you a cruisy 25 minutes direct.
4. Musashi Koyama
Train line: Tokyu Meguro
Similar to Gakugei Daigaku, what Musashi Koyama really has going for it is its proximity to Tokyo’s most sought-after areas. It’s a three-minute trip to Meguro station, making Musashi Koyama within arms reach of Tokyo’s major arteries. For shopping, it has everything you need as it’s home to Musashi Koyama Palm, the longest-covered shotengai (shopping arcade) in Japan.
For a suburban, family-friendly area, you would be forgiven for assuming it lacked a vibrant nightlife — but you’d be wrong. Slip down one of the chochin (red lantern) dotted alleyways connected to the shopping strip, and you’ll find a neighborhood full of traditional izakaya (Japanese pub) ready to become your new local.
5. Nakano
Train line: Chuo (JR), Tozai (rapid transit), Marunouchi (subway) and Oedo (subway)
Tucked a few minutes west of Shinjuku, Nakano is an area that has it all. Thanks to its proximity to Tokyo’s bigger hubs, people have flocked to the neighborhood to take advantage of its location and cultural diversity.
After Akihabara, this area also has a reputation for being a nerd and otaku epicenter, but given its broad cross-section of inhabitants, Nakano doesn’t adhere to one cultural niche. The suburb is home to Nakano Broadway and also some of the longest-running independent establishments in the city. For night owls, it’s also close to the hip live music hubs of Koenji and Kichijoji.
6. Nishi Nippori
Train line: Yamanote (JR)
For those wanting a dose of traditional Japan, Nishi Nippori is an ideal location to set up a base. The station is connected to the Yamanote line and is a direct 20 minutes from Shinjuku. Rich with old-world charm, the area has everything from restaurants and bars to museums and shopping malls, all within walking distance. Though it can be a little more subdued, it certainly isn’t lacking in attractions. The famous Ueno Park, home to some of the city’s best museums, is just a 30-minute journey by foot.
7. Meidaimae
Train line: Keio and Keio Inokashira
Just a six-minute train ride from Shibuya and seven minutes away from Shinjuku, Meidaimae is perhaps one of the most strategic neighborhoods to commute from. Aside from getting to central Tokyo, living here means easy access to western Tokyo, with Kichijoji less than ten minutes by train.
While arguably there isn’t too much to do around the station in terms of entertainment compared to Shimokitazawa next door, there are enough shops and supermarkets that can fully support your day-to-day needs.
8. Todoroki
Train line: Tokyu Oimachi
Todoroki is one of Setagaya Ward’s best-hidden gems. It offers a much slower-paced environment while just minutes away from Futakotamagawa and Jiyugaoka by train. The area isn’t busy by any means, so it’s ideal for those who want some peace and quiet.
Nature lovers will enjoy the stretch of greenery that Todoroki Valley, a popular autumn foliage viewing spot has to offer. Located within the valley are Todoroki Fudosan Temple and Setsugetsuka, a traditional Japanese tea house. Here, anyone can truly feel like a local and forget that they’re living in one of the biggest cities in the world.
9. Asagaya
Train line: Chuo-Sobu (JR), Chuo (JR) and Marunouchi (subway)
A few minutes past Nakano on the same train line is the charming neighborhood of Asagaya. Not especially known for anything aside from its annual Tanabata and jazz festivals, the area surrounding the station has everything you would need for daily life.
There are bakeries, clinics and supermarkets just a few steps away from the station ticket gates, making it a convenient place to live. There are a few jazz bars in the area and Koenji is right next door for thrifting and more drinking options.
10. Gotokuji
Train line: Odakyu, Tokyu Setagaya
Ever wonder where the famous cat temple in Tokyo was? Well, it’s in the heart of Gotokuji. This part of Tokyo is right in between Sangenjaya and Shimokitazawa, both well-loved nightlife spots but with enough space to breathe. Love jogging or cycling? Check out the two-kilometer Kitazawa River Green Way or head to Hanegi Park to see plum blossoms bloom in winter. While it isn’t an express stop, a short walk to nearby Kyodo station will get you to Shinjuku in under 20 minutes.
What did you think of our list of best Tokyo neighborhoods to live in? Let us know in the comments!
This post was originally written by Lucy Dayman in 2017.
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