Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Tokyo: A Guide for Expats

Tokyo is more than just Japan’s capital—it’s a massive, multifaceted metropolis, home to nearly 14 million people spread across 23 special wards and several outer cities. With gleaming high-rises, peaceful residential pockets, lively shopping districts, and quiet parks, the city is a tapestry of contrasts.

If you’re moving to Tokyo for the long term, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is where to live. The right neighborhood can elevate your quality of life, reduce commute stress, support your lifestyle goals, and help you integrate more smoothly into Japanese society.

In this guide, we’ll explore Tokyo’s most popular neighborhoods for foreigners—divided by lifestyle categories like families, professionals, remote workers, and those looking for international communities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur starting fresh or a family with school-age children, there’s a neighborhood that matches your needs.

1. For Families: Safety, Space, and Schools

Relocating to Tokyo with children means prioritizing stability, comfort, and community. You’ll want access to parks, international schools, spacious homes, and child-friendly amenities. These neighborhoods consistently rank high for expat families:

Setagaya (世田谷区)

Setagaya is one of the largest wards in Tokyo and offers a suburban feel while still being well-connected to central areas via train lines like the Odakyu, Den-en-toshi, and Tokyu Setagaya lines.

• Why families love it: Low crime rates, wide sidewalks, excellent playgrounds, and leafy avenues.

• Education: Multiple international schools operate bus routes here. The British School in Tokyo’s Showa campus is nearby.

• Vibe: Quiet, community-oriented, and green. Ideal for families who want a balanced lifestyle.

Meguro (目黒区)

Meguro combines quiet residential streets with stylish cafes, restaurants, and access to English-speaking services.

• Highlights: Near the Meguro River (especially beautiful during cherry blossom season), international supermarkets, easy access to Shibuya.

• Schools: Close to international kindergartens and several bilingual daycare centers.

• Living Style: Classy and tranquil, yet not far from urban excitement.

Kichijoji (吉祥寺 – Musashino City)

Located just outside the 23 wards in Musashino City, Kichijoji is often voted the most desirable place to live by Japanese people.

• Key Features: Inokashira Park, a zoo, shopping arcades, and a welcoming, artsy vibe.

• Transportation: Easy access to Shinjuku and Shibuya via the Chuo and Inokashira lines.

• Perfect for: Families looking for greenery, culture, and a slightly slower pace.

2. For Solo Professionals and Entrepreneurs

If your work demands frequent meetings, events, and networking, you’ll likely want to be near Tokyo’s business hubs and creative districts. These neighborhoods offer fast access, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of coworking options.

Shibuya (渋谷区)

Shibuya is Tokyo’s startup capital. It’s loud, exciting, and always buzzing.

• Good for: Entrepreneurs, developers, marketers, and creatives.

• Coworking Scene: Hive Shibuya, WeWork, and other tech-focused shared spaces.

• After Work: Bars, ramen shops, music venues—endless options.

Minato (港区)

Known as Tokyo’s most international ward, Minato is home to embassies, multinational headquarters, and affluent expats.

• Popular Areas Within Minato: Roppongi, Azabu-Juban, Akasaka.

• Housing: Luxury apartments with concierge services and bilingual support.

• Business Vibe: Professional, sleek, global-facing.

Nakameguro and Ebisu (中目黒・恵比寿)

Trendy but quieter than Shibuya, these neighborhoods appeal to creative professionals and founders looking for charm and convenience.

• Highlights: Independent coffee shops, designer boutiques, riverside walks.

• Commute: Close to Meguro, Shibuya, and Daikanyama.

• Vibe: Relaxed and hip, with a strong local community feel.

3. For Budget-Conscious or Remote Workers

You don’t need to live in the city center to enjoy Tokyo life. Many affordable neighborhoods offer more space, lower rent, and access to calm surroundings—ideal for remote workers and freelancers.

Itabashi (板橋区) and Nerima (練馬区)

These northern wards are often overlooked by newcomers but have plenty to offer:

• Affordability: 20–30% lower rent than central wards.

• Accessibility: Strong train lines (Toei Mita, Tobu Tojo, Seibu Ikebukuro).

• Remote Life: Quieter environments with good Wi-Fi and home office setups.

Ota (大田区)

Located south of Tokyo near Haneda Airport, Ota offers residential quietness with surprising convenience.

• Highlights: Proximity to the sea, parks, and less-crowded neighborhoods.

• Living Space: More square footage per yen compared to Shibuya or Minato.

Kawasaki and Yokohama (川崎・横浜)

These cities are in Kanagawa Prefecture but are within 30–45 minutes of central Tokyo by train.

• Why go here: You get more apartment for your money, and they are vibrant cities in their own right.

• Culture: International scenes, waterfront views, and strong public infrastructure.

• Drawback: Slightly longer commute, but manageable with express trains.

4. For International Communities

If you prefer being surrounded by other expats and having access to English-friendly services, these neighborhoods are your best bet.

Hiroo (広尾 – Minato-ku)

Hiroo is home to embassies, international schools, and Western-style grocery stores.

• Community: Lots of foreign families and long-term expats.

• Services: English-speaking doctors, dentists, and gyms.

• Living Costs: High, but offers unmatched convenience.

Azabu-Juban (麻布十番)

Adjacent to Roppongi, Azabu-Juban has a more traditional Japanese feel but still caters to foreigners.

• Shops: International bakeries, cafes, and boutiques.

• Events: Hosts festivals with both local and expat participation.

Ikebukuro (池袋 – Toshima-ku)

While not traditionally an expat enclave, Ikebukuro is becoming increasingly international.

• Why it’s growing: Affordable rents, access to multiple train lines, and nearby universities.

• Atmosphere: Lively, youthful, and full of surprises.

5. How to Choose: A Practical Checklist

When choosing your neighborhood in Tokyo, ask yourself:

• What is my monthly housing budget?
  Tokyo rents vary drastically. A one-bedroom in Minato might cost ¥250,000/month, while Itabashi offers similar space for half that.

• How long is my commute?
  Use apps like Google Maps, NAVITIME, or Jorudan to simulate rush-hour transit.

• Do I need access to international schools?
  If yes, look at Hiroo, Setagaya, and Kichijoji. Many schools offer bus pickups in these areas.

• Do I want a Western or Japanese-style apartment?
  Older Japanese buildings may lack insulation and central heating. Newer units in expat areas often cater to international expectations.

• What amenities do I need nearby?
  Supermarkets, clinics, gyms, and child care can vary in availability depending on your location.

6. What Locals and Expats Say

• Ana (Spain, Digital Nomad): “I love Nakameguro because I can walk to cool cafes, and it’s peaceful enough to focus on work.”

• Mark (USA, Business Consultant): “Minato was expensive, but I needed to be near my clients. Worth it for the convenience.”

• Yuki & Thomas (Canada-Japan family): “Kichijoji gives our kids space to run and learn. It’s a great balance of Japanese culture and international openness.”

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right neighborhood in Tokyo is a personal decision, shaped by your goals, family situation, and budget. Fortunately, Tokyo is safe, clean, and extremely well connected, so even if you choose a more remote area, you’re never too far from the city’s excitement and opportunity.

Before signing a lease, we recommend visiting the neighborhood at different times of the day, talking to locals or expat groups online (like Tokyo Expat Network on Facebook), and exploring commute routes.

Once you find your place in Tokyo, everything else begins to fall into place.