Tokyo Guide

Tokyo consists of 23 wards, or “Ku,” which are as varied as those who live in them.  Some are particularly popular with expats due to their available services and conveniences, such as easy access to international schools or common expat companies. The majority of people living in city areas in Japan use the closest station’s name to refer to their neighborhood. For example, those with an address in Minami-Azabu in Tokyo would say that they lived in Hiroo as this is the closest station to their home.

Having trouble working out, which area is best suited to the type of lifestyle you would like to lead in Japan? See our guide for information on the popular expat areas to live in Tokyo.  

The area around Roppongi station is considered Tokyo’s nightlife capital and is bustling after dark along Roppongi street and Gaienhigashi street. There are many restaurants and bars, and two large city-within-a-city style shopping malls, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are conveniently connected to the station. That being said, Roppongi is also popular with families due to attractive larger housing options in the quiet, residential pockets away from the two famous nightlife streets and proximity to several international schools.

The Hiroo station area (which includes Minami-Azabu on the Minato-ku side and Hiroo on the Shibuya-ku side) is otherwise known as “expat central” due to its high percentage of foreign residents. This area has many facilities available to foreigners, including embassies and consulates, international preschools and kindergartens, international supermarkets, and parks. Arisugawa Park is a very popular place to visit for those with small children. The Shibuya-ku west side of the station is populated with brick mid-rise apartments, lots of greenery, and the Japan Red Cross Hospital. 

Azabu Juban’s main street is an interesting mix of traditional Japanese shops and international cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Many local-style stores have been there for hundreds of years, and you will often find long lines of people who have come from afar to experience their delicacies. Conveniently located within walking distance to Hiroo and Roppongi Hills.

These areas are most popular for families with children attending the American School in Japan (ASIJ) due to the shorter bus ride than from other areas. Larger western-style housing is easier to come by, and most of the surrounding neighborhoods are quiet and relaxed, giving the area a suburban feel. Yoyogi Park is located nearby, and events often take place here on the weekends.

Shoto is a rather small and exclusive area located not far from Shibuya station. While the Shibuya station area is bustling with activity day and night, Shoto is a peaceful residential area just a stone’s throw away from all the action. Convenient access to department stores and shopping and access to many different train and subway lines make this area a popular choice for expat living.

Located just a short walk from Harajuku station, Omotesando is known as the “Champs-Elysees” of Tokyo. There is a beautiful tree-lined avenue with plenty of upscale boutiques, the famous Omotesando Hills shopping mall, restaurants, and cafes. People from all over Japan come to visit, and it is particularly busy with shoppers on weekends. While it is a great environment convenient to many Tokyo areas, housing options are rather limited here.

The Hiroo station area (which includes Minami-Azabu on the Minato-ku side and Hiroo on the Shibuya-ku side) is otherwise known as “expat central,” owing to its very high percentage of foreign residents. This area has many facilities available to foreigners, including embassies and consulates, international preschools and kindergartens, international supermarkets, and parks. Arisugawa Park is a very popular place to visit for those with small children. The Shibuya-ku west side of the station is populated with brick mid-rise apartments, lots of greenery, and the Japan Red Cross Hospital.

Jiyugaoka is a fashionable town nestled within an affluent residential area and is most noted for its many home goods stores and boutiques. The narrow streets, quaint and unique shops, and village-like atmosphere of Jiyugaoka are popular with those wanting to be in a convenient location to both Shibuya and Yokohama.

Nakameguro is a trendy but peaceful downtown area popular with music, fashion, and art lovers. The area has a quiet and traditional feel, making it difficult to believe that you are just a hop away from bustling areas such as Shibuya. Narrow 3 story structures are common in this area, and other interesting housing styles, including “designer’s mansions,” which are characterized by stylish minimalism and industrial building materials.

These areas are popular with the more established foreign community and those who want to get a real taste for life in Japan. Conveniently located on the JR Yamanote loop line, the areas are relatively quiet on the weekends. They have a residential feel to them, except the lively Meguro station area, which has many bars, restaurants, and cafes. A variety of housing is available for much less than in some other traditional expat areas.

These areas are popular with the more established foreign community and those wanting to get a real taste for life in Japan. Conveniently located on the JR Yamanote loop line, the areas are relatively quiet on the weekends. They have a residential feel to them, except the lively Meguro station area, which has many bars, restaurants, and cafes. A variety of housing is available for much less than in some other traditional expat areas.

Shinjuku is the busiest station in Japan, with some 7 million people passing through it each day. The area constantly has a crowded feel to it with an abundance of office buildings, department stores, and hotels. While several upscale apartment towers are popular with expats within a short walk, many people who work here choose to live in relatively more residential areas with a convenient commute, such as Yoyogi Uehara Roppongi.

These areas are split between Chiyoda-ku to the south and Shinjuku-ku to the north. They tend to be favorites with the European community, especially French residents, due to the proximity to French school bus stops. Kagurazaka is a charming area known for having many French restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. At the same time, Iidabashi and Ichigaya are mixed commercial and residential districts with offices and shops near the stations and lots of housing in close walking distance. There is some availability of upscale, expat-style apartments in this area, and the rent is less than Minato-ku.

These areas are split between Chiyoda-ku to the south and Shinjuku-ku to the north. They tend to be favorites with the European community, especially French residents, due to the proximity to French school bus stops. Kagurazaka is a charming area known for having many French restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. At the same time, Iidabashi and Ichigaya are mixed commercial and residential districts with offices and shops near the stations and lots of housing in close walking distance. There is some availability of upscale, expat-style apartments in this area, and the rent is less than Minato-ku.

Ginza has been popular with middle-aged Japanese women for decades and is one of Japan’s most exclusive and expensive shopping areas. Besides shopping, there are many restaurants and hostess bars, and you can also experience Kabuki at the beautiful Kabuki-za Theatre. The availability of housing in this area is limited due to the high price of land.

Home to Asia’s largest fish market, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day, this is a must-visit area for tourists. Recently the availability of newer Japanese-style housing is on the increase; however, larger western-style housing is scarce.

Yoga is a quiet area sometimes chosen by families with children attending one of the two Catholic international schools near the station. The neighboring Futako-Tamagawa (commonly shortened to “Nicotama,” which uses the alternative reading of the first kanji character) is a developing mixed commercial and residential area thought of as a “little Shibuya,” which is very popular with young professionals. There is a large shopping mall called Rise connected to the station with popular local and international brand shops. These areas are a bit far west but under 15 minutes to Shibuya via subway.

Parks and leisure facilities abound along the Tama river, a popular place for barbecues and picnics in the summertime. Denenchofu is a popular neighborhood choice for families with children at the German school, which has school bus stops here. A range of properties, including detached houses with gardens and large apartments, are available.