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Area Guide

Where to live
in Tokyo.

Every neighborhood has a different character. Here's an honest guide — based on experience working inside Tokyo's foreign company world, not just as an agent.

The neighborhoods
エリアガイド
Minato — 港区
Hiroo · Azabu Juban · Roppongi · Azabudai Hills
Top Pick

Tokyo's diplomatic and expat heartland. Home to most embassies, international schools, and the densest foreign professional community. Hiroo and Azabu Juban offer village-like atmospheres with world-class English infrastructure.

Yasuhiro's take

Minato is the default for C-suite expats. Inventory is tight and some landlords are selective about foreign tenants — knowing which buildings genuinely welcome internationals is where local expertise matters most.

Monthly rent from
¥350,000
Int'l schools nearby
ASIJ · NIST · Deutsche
Shibuya — 渋谷区
Daikanyama · Ebisu · Nakameguro
Trending

Premium residential with exceptional dining, retail, and access. Daikanyama and Ebisu attract international professionals who want urban sophistication without Minato's formality. Nakameguro is popular with younger executives.

Yasuhiro's take

My personal favorite for clients without school-age children. Lifestyle quality rivals anywhere in the world, and you typically get more space per yen than comparable Minato properties.

Monthly rent from
¥250,000
Shinjuku — 新宿区
Yotsuya · Ichigaya · Kojimachi
Best Value

Often mischaracterized as purely commercial. Yotsuya and Ichigaya are quiet residential pockets with exceptional transport links — popular with finance professionals commuting to Marunouchi or Otemachi.

Yasuhiro's take

Underrated. Clients who choose Yotsuya over Hiroo often get a larger, newer apartment for 20–30% less — with a shorter commute to many central Tokyo offices.

Monthly rent from
¥200,000
Chiyoda — 千代田区
Bancho · Kojimachi · Kudanshita
Understated Luxury

The quietest of Tokyo's premium wards. Near the Imperial Palace, favored by senior diplomats and embassy families. Properties tend to be spacious and low-density — a genuine rarity in central Tokyo.

Yasuhiro's take

If you value peace and space over nightlife, Bancho is unmatched. The best properties here rarely appear on public portals — they require direct relationships with owners.

Monthly rent from
¥300,000
Setagaya — 世田谷区
Den-en-chofu · Yoga · Sangenjaya
Families

Tokyo's most popular family ward. Residential streets, parks, and a relaxed pace of life. Den-en-chofu is Tokyo's garden suburb — spacious houses, low traffic, strong community of established expat families.

Yasuhiro's take

Best value for families. A house in Den-en-chofu that would cost ¥800K/month in Minato can often be found for ¥350K here. Commute time is very manageable from most of Setagaya.

Monthly rent from
¥180,000
Int'l schools nearby
Tokyo Intl · YIS
Koto / Sumida — 江東区・墨田区
Toyosu · Shinonome · Tatsumi
Modern High-Rise

Tokyo's newest residential corridor. Luxury high-rises with modern amenities, bay views, and excellent access to central business districts. Popular with professionals who want contemporary living at competitive pricing.

Yasuhiro's take

Best-value modern living in central Tokyo. These buildings are often newer and better-equipped than comparable Minato properties at 60% of the rent.

Monthly rent from
¥200,000
Not sure which area?
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