Living in Setagaya: Family-Friendly Tokyo

If you’re moving to Tokyo with your family, one of the top neighborhoods to consider is Setagaya. Located in the western part of the city, Setagaya offers a unique blend of residential calm, green spaces, excellent schools, and convenient access to central Tokyo. Whether you’re an expat family looking for a place to settle long-term or a newcomer seeking a safe and peaceful environment for your children, Setagaya delivers on nearly every front.

This article offers a complete guide to living in Setagaya as a foreign family—including housing, education, daily life, transportation, and more.

1. Overview of Setagaya

Setagaya is Tokyo’s second-largest and most populous ward, known for its leafy streets, suburban charm, and family-oriented lifestyle. It is often considered one of the most desirable residential areas in Tokyo, particularly for professionals and families.

Key Facts:

• Population: Over 900,000

• Area: 58.06 km²

• Popular neighborhoods: Sangenjaya, Yoga, Futako-Tamagawa, Shimokitazawa, Komazawa, Seijo

• Vibe: Peaceful, upscale, community-oriented

2. Why Expats Love Setagaya

✅ Safety and Cleanliness

Setagaya consistently ranks as one of the safest areas in Tokyo. It’s quiet, clean, and very walkable—ideal for families with small children.

✅ Green Spaces

The ward is home to numerous parks, playgrounds, and tree-lined streets. Major parks include:

• Komazawa Olympic Park – great for sports and cycling

• Kinuta Park – cherry blossoms, open lawns, picnic spots

• Setagaya Park – miniature train rides and splash zones for kids

✅ Excellent Education

Setagaya is known for its public and private schools, and it also hosts several international schools (details below). It’s a top choice for families prioritizing quality education.

✅ Community Feel

Unlike the busy, business-focused wards like Shinjuku or Minato, Setagaya offers a true neighborhood atmosphere, with local festivals, shopping streets, and community centers.

3. Housing Options in Setagaya

Types of Properties

• Low-rise apartment buildings (mansions)

• Detached single-family homes (一戸建て)

• Townhouses

• Newly developed luxury condos, especially in Futako-Tamagawa

Rental Prices

While Setagaya is not the cheapest area, it offers better space for the price compared to central wards.

Tip: Areas like Seijo Gakuen-mae and Yoga offer larger homes popular with foreign families.

4. International Schools in Setagaya

Setagaya is home to or near several international and bilingual schools:

Top International Schools:

• Seisen International School (Catholic, girls only, K–12)

• St. Mary’s International School (Catholic, boys only, K–12)

• British School in Tokyo (Showa Campus) – co-ed, primary

• Tokyo International School Group – Setagaya Campus

• Nearby: American School in Japan (in Chofu, not far)

Most of these schools offer IB, British, or American curricula and have dedicated school bus routes within Setagaya.

5. Transport and Access

Setagaya offers great access to central Tokyo without the noise of being in the heart of the city.

Train Lines

• Den-en-toshi Line: Connects Shibuya to suburbs (Sangenjaya, Yoga)

• Odakyu Line: Goes to Shinjuku (Setagaya-Daita, Umegaoka)

• Tokyu Setagaya Line: Local tram line linking neighborhoods

• Keio Line: For northwest areas of Setagaya

Commute to Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Meguro generally takes 15–30 minutes.

Roads & Driving

Many residents choose to own cars in Setagaya due to wider roads and easier parking availability.

6. Healthcare and Family Support

Medical Services

Setagaya has a large number of:

• Clinics (including English-speaking)

• Pediatricians

• Maternity hospitals

Notable facilities:

• Seijo Clinic – bilingual services

• Setagaya Municipal Hospital

• St. Luke’s Med Clinic (Yoga) – expat-friendly care

Parenting Support

The ward offers:

• Childcare centers (保育園)

• Public health checkups

• Subsidized vaccinations

• Parenting classes

• Multilingual guidance offices for new residents

Baby-friendly services are abundant at parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.

7. Shopping and Daily Life

Setagaya balances local charm and modern convenience.

️ Local Markets

• Weekly farmers’ markets (Futako-Tamagawa, Sangenjaya)

• Shimokitazawa’s vintage shops and bohemian vibe

Supermarkets

• Seijo Ishii (premium goods)

• Life, Inageya (budget-friendly)

• Aeon Style, Don Quijote

Malls & Shopping Centers

• Futako-Tamagawa Rise – upscale shopping and cinema

• Carrot Tower (Sangenjaya) – restaurants, observation deck

8. Recreation & Community Life

Parks and Sports

• Komazawa Park: jogging, cycling, skateboarding

• Kinuta Park: picnics, BBQ

• Setagaya Park: popular with toddlers

• Yoga and Sangenjaya offer gym access and swimming pools

Festivals & Events

• Setagaya Boroichi (Old Cloth Market): historic fair held twice a year

• Local shrine festivals in summer

• Halloween parades and community block parties

‍‍‍ For Kids

• After-school activities

• Music and dance lessons

• English-Japanese playgroups

9. Cost of Living in Setagaya

While it’s more affordable than Minato or Shibuya for family-sized housing, Setagaya is still a mid-to-upper-tier district.

10. Pros and Cons of Living in Setagaya

✅ Pros

• Quiet, family-friendly

• Abundant green spaces

• Great international schools

• Larger living spaces

• Safe and clean

⚠️ Cons

• Higher rent than outer suburbs

• Some areas far from major train hubs

• Less nightlife compared to central Tokyo

11. Real Stories from Expat Families

“We moved to Setagaya from Hong Kong, and our son attends Seisen International School. We love the space, the green, and the community vibe. It feels like home.” – Sophie, UK

“Setagaya has given our kids the best of both worlds—Japanese culture and international education. We especially enjoy Kinuta Park on the weekends!” – Marc & Yumi, Canada/Japan

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a safe, spacious, and culturally rich area to raise a family in Tokyo, Setagaya should be at the top of your list. From its excellent schools and parks to its quiet residential streets and international resources, Setagaya offers everything a foreign family needs to feel at home in Japan’s largest city.

Whether you’re moving for work, education, or a new lifestyle, Setagaya is where city living meets family-friendly comfort.