The 8 Best Places To Live In Tokyo For A Relaxing And Fun Life

Imagine you just got off the boat and arrived in Tokyo. In only one week you have to face many problems such as getting used to the culture, and living environment, and finding the best beautiful places to live in Tokyo. That place must ensure that you have a happy life and a convenient location for you to commute to work, as well as utilities for other services.

Japan is an extraordinary destination, boasting a unique and multifaceted culture. From its varied cuisine to its beautiful temples and shrines, Japan has captivated travelers for generations. And Tokyo is the heart of Japan, there are many international companies, foreigners looking for job opportunities. Therefore, the need to find the best beautiful places to live in Tokyo is increasing more and more. Tell us, are you one of them?

A little thing about Tokyo

According to Statista, apart from the war years 1940 and 2020 the COVID-19 epidemic in Tokyo decreased. Up to now, Tokyo’s population has been constantly increasing, in the Japanese capital Tokyo has approximately 13.5 million. The numbers prove that Tokyo’s population density is the largest in Japan.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange is one of the largest exchanges in the world, owned by JPX. Therefore, Japan is always the focus of attention whenever the exchange has significant volatility.

The whole world always thinks that Japan is a country whose discipline and efficiency in work are highly appreciated. Foreign tourists visiting Tokyo have increased steadily over the years. They want to learn how to work and discover new things and this place is new.

Living in Tokyo will not disappoint you with a variety of attractive jobs, many beautiful places to live, delicious food, diverse services, and convenient transportation.

Best Places to live in Tokyo

1. Ebisu

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Enjoy art and food at Ebisu. (Source: Internet)

Ebisu is known as a large district, located between Shibuya and Roppongi. A vibrant city with many shops, and bars. The brasserie at Yebisu Garden Place is a great location, offering a wide variety of dishes and beers. In addition to eating, you can go to the market at peacock and some small parks and art museums.

Nightlife in Ebisu

The atmosphere is lively in Ebisu Yokocho, many pubs with Japanese style have gathered here. Stir up the atmosphere, get busy and experience Japanese food like Yakitori, Oden, Kushiage, Teppanyaki, and pub culture.

Art Museum

The place displays a large collection of photographic techniques, and historical, works of leading Japanese and international photographers.

Job Opportunity

Here is also many jobs for you to search for. For example, with a restaurant, the salary for a maid is $19.98/hour; waiter: is $20.22/hour; sushi chef: is $19.49/hour.

Cost

Living in Tokyo is quite expensive, so finding a place to stay and the right cost of living is not easy. For households, the average monthly spending is 7265 JPY (~$54.09). Along with countless services you have to pay extra. The amount of monthly spending will increase.

Price comparison table:

In any place, there are different amenities, densely populated areas, and satisfaction with the cost of living. There are suggestions for you to refer to, through the above comparison table, where you can live well such as Kugayama, Senkawa, Hatagaya, and many others. It offers nearby shopping malls, to cater to your individual needs.

Transport

There are 3 different train lines running through it so you can get pretty much anywhere in Tokyo.

2. Shinjuku

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The center is crowded with people and many shops in Tokyo. (Source: Internet)

When it comes to Shinjuku, some people will know because it is the administrative center of Tokyo, or is also one of the busiest commercial areas in Tokyo. But not because of that, the name Shinjuku also gradually disappeared. It’s better known for its skyscrapers and high-rise condominiums, showing the bustle you love.

Mall

Meeting the needs of many passengers, or the people here, the chain stores in Shinjuku would like to introduce: Isetan, Takashimaya, Keio, and Odakyu. Or big bookstores like Bic Camera, Yodobashi, Labi,…

Nightlife

All-night parties are held in Kabukicho. An entertainment spot, a dining street that visitors cannot miss. You will have many choices and experiences with more than 4000 bars, restaurants, and convenience stores,…

Shinjuku Gyoen

A peaceful retreat, suitable for those who do not like the bustle of the city. A large garden is an attractive location for many people to find and visit. Do you like to see cherry blossoms? There’s nothing more exciting than experiencing the hanami (cherry blossom viewing) festival here. A truly fascinating experience when you yourself are immersed, immersed in it.

Job opportunities

  • Daily cleaning staff at Ginza: JPY 1300/hour (~ $9.68/hour)
  • Working at Izakaya restaurant: 1100 JPY – 1450 JPY/hour (~ $8.19/hour – $10.80/hour)
  • Hotel work: 1350 JPY/hour (~$10.05/hour)

Transport

  • There are many separate trains running from through Shinjuku Station up to 12. And Shinjuku is also a stop for bullet trains to Tokyo.

3. Kichijoji

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Coming to Kichijoji you will be going to the park, and some of the centers are very crowded. (Source: Internet)

If you are a married person, then Kichijoji should not be overlooked. It is a place suitable for families with children, with the large Inokashira Park and many suitable shopping areas. Come to enjoy the many entertainment venues, as well as enjoy the many dishes on the boat.

Marui, Parco, Tokyu, and Uniqlo, directly connected to Kichijoji Station, offer many choices for shopping and choosing delicious food. Standing in front of the Kichijoji sky, you will get lost in the maze of shopping streets.

Shopping street

The two most worthwhile shopping streets are Sun Road and Daiyagai. Small and large shops, selling daily necessities, clothes, popular restaurants, … The narrow road is like going into an endless maze.

Footsteps silently walk north of the station, Harmonica Yokocho appears right in front of your eyes. Bars and eateries are ready to come alive when it is dark. On a bustling evening, the sound of people calling for drinks, and people eating grilled skewers resounded.

Tourist destination

Inokashira Park

The large park, with an area of ​​​​up to 400,000 square meters, has a history of nearly 100 years. Around the area look about 250 cherry blossom trees. Every spring, it will come to bloom, and petals fall into the lake bed like a “flower river”.

Increase the feeling of experience and enjoyment when you can see the space more clearly with a boat quietly floating in the river. The cost of the boat is 700 JPY/ 30 minutes (~ $5.21); the pedal boat is 600 JPY/ 30 min (~ $4.47); the rowing boat is 700 JPY / 60 minutes (~$5.21). The whole sky is covered by cherry blossoms, a gentle pink color.

Ghibli Museum

In the city of Mitaka, Tokyo, there is Ghibli Museum, a famous unique architectural art museum, which displays Japan’s top childhood animations. Going to the Ghibli museum is also very simple, tram or bus people can move very quickly.

Transport

  • Take the JR Chuo Line Kaisoku Train from Shinjuku Station. It costs JPY 220 (~$1,64) and takes about 15 minutes.
  • Take the Kei Inokashira line Kyuko train from Shibuya Station. Cost 200 JPY (~$1.64) and takes about 18 minutes.

4. Asakusa

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Asakusa Kannon Temple is one of the symbols of Tokyo. (Source: Internet)

Asakusa is the thriving city of Tokyo. The old and the new combine to create the beauty of Asakusa. It includes the Nakamise shopping street and Sensoji Temple. Therefore, it attracts a large number of tourists to live and visit.

Sensoji Temple

The sacred smoke at Tokyo’s iconic temple. Coming here, you can’t miss the 700 kg cages at the Kaminarimon gate. It’s a surprise, isn’t it? Sure, you’ve never seen a lantern this heavy, so it’s the center of attention. At night, the temple will light up until 11 pm.

Going through the Hozomon gate, you are like being bathed in smoke, which is considered to be healing wounds, improving body functions.

Nakamise Street

The neighborhood is very busy, you will notice the cotton kimonos printed with patterns and the aroma of Japanese confectionery. Ningyoyaki – Red bean sponge cake, shaped like the famous landmark of Asakura. Succulent deep-fried potato buns, sweet melon bread.

Turn to the shopping street, and freely explore the modern shopping district in the Rokku neighborhood. Many shops, department stores, entertainment, and clubs sell alcohol,…

Visit location

  • Asakura Jinja Shrine
  • Ootori Shrine
  • Asakusa Hanayashiki
  • Tokyo Sky Tree
  • Mokuhan Kan

Transport

  • Travel by train to Tokyo Metro Ginza. The trip costs 1290 JPY (~ $9.60) and takes about 57 minutes.
  • Travel by train to Keikyu Airport. The trip costs 660 JPY (~$4.91) and takes about 35 minutes.

See more: 

5. Koenji

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Have you ever attended a festival in Koenji? (Source: Internet)

Koenji is a great neighborhood to live in Tokyo located west of central Tokyo. It’s a very convenient place for commuting or going to work and it’s also very good to not only go to Tokyo but also go to Chiba Koenji. Famous for its subculture, the town’s second-hand clothing shops and houses are gathered in front of the unique transmitter station.

Shopping

The Shotengai shopping district and the alleys around Koenji Station have plenty to shop and eat. By noon, vintage clothing, 1950s women’s fashion, and sports shoe stores are up and running, allowing you to explore them even more.

Local party

The street is not empty in the evening but it is full, the sound of shops delivering goods, the sound of people laughing, and buying cheap food. The music also came to life. Club UF0- a venue for garage music, punk, and psychedelic music.

Awa-Odori. Festival

It is a dance performance held annually in August every year. An opportunity to gather, and blend unique, interesting atmospheres into a friendly, vibrant communal atmosphere.

Transport

  • Traveling by train from Haneda Airport takes about 1 hour.
  • It takes about 15 minutes by express train on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station.
  • It takes about 30 minutes on the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo Station.

6. Azabu

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The cold of winter is taking over the air in Azabu. (Source: Internet)

Azabu is an area in Minato, known for its high-end, expensive Tokyo neighborhoods for its many artists, business people, and celebrities.

What does Azabu Juban have?

Love Japanese food, you also can’t miss the potato and mustard bread for JPY 220 (~$1.64); Camembert Walnut Cake for 189 JPY (~$1.41); spinach bacon quiche for 210 JPY (~1.56).

Have you tried matcha yet? If not, this is a rare opportunity for you. A short match latte for 330 JPY (~$2.46); a glass of matcha float for 510 JPY (~$3.80).

Events are held at the Azabu Juban Noryo Matsuri at the end of August every year. The event lasted for 2 days with more than 150,000 people in the same atmosphere.

Azabu Hikawa Shrine

People who like to pray, pray for peace, luck, prosperity, happy marriage, favorable conditions… This temple will also become familiar to those who have ever known the story of Sailor Moon. It shows up a lot in movies.

Transport

  • Take the Metro Tokyo Metro Namboku line and walk for about 10 minutes.

7. Daikanyama

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This place can shop, buy books, and many other things. (Source: Internet)

Daikanyama is a trendy district in Tokyo, different from Shibuya, Ebisu. It’s relatively quiet, the buildings are mostly low-rise. In a fairly small area, you can move on foot, or a leisurely walk on the street to see famous places.

Daikanyama is famous for its high-fashion boutiques, and the best brunch spot in Tokyo. Search for quiet places under the shade of trees and it’s impossible not to go to Saigoyama Park.

Log Road Daikanyama has many bakeries and cafes, and breweries. Dining at a coffee shop or brewery is also a good idea. This place is designed like a wooden cottage, there is something very special.

Having enough shopping, and enjoying delicious food will be the next need for everyone when coming here. The dishes from the Vermicular restaurant are cooked with enameled cast iron, showing ingenuity and class.

Traditional beauty in Daikanyama is still preserved, believe it? If you don’t believe it, take the time to visit Kyu Asakura’s house. The house is centuries old, the owner is a rich man. There is also a park on Saigoyama Hill. See the city in spring, filled with cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Transport

  • Traveling by train from Haneda Airport takes about 55 minutes.
  • It takes about 20 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku Station.
  • It takes about 35 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line from Tokyo Station.

8. Ikebukuro

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Interesting things when you come to Ikebukuro in Tokyo. (Source: Internet)

Ikebukuro has established itself as a bustling cultural and commercial hub in Toshima, Tokyo. With a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it’s an ideal destination for shoppers, diners, and sightseers alike.

You can’t miss watching seals frolicking in a donut-shaped tank hanging overhead, or strolling through the classic Rikugien garden.

Sunshine Aquarium

Habitat of marine and aquatic animals. Bringing dramatic explorations, close to the ocean. Schools of jellyfish float in colorful tanks and even marine animal feeding shows. Along with the turtle, the frog cast. A truly memorable experience!

Kyu-Furukawa Garden

The garden is designed in Western style, attracting visitors to visit. The garden was built in the early 20th century and welcomed visitors in 1956.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theater

Move on the train towards the theater. Concerts, plays, musicals, etc. take place at this venue. Enjoy classical music and captivating arts.

Visit location

  • Sunshine City
  • SEIBU Department Store Ikebukuro
  • TOBU Department Store Ikebukuro
  • Don Quijote

Transport

  • Travel by subway and some other train lines to get to Ikebukuro.

FAQs

Is living in Tokyo a good choice?

Tokyo is a good place to live. As a vibrant city, there are many job opportunities, and many places to visit, bringing extremely interesting experiences. Whether you are going for a short or long term, going to Tokyo you can also consider.

Is it dangerous for foreigners to come to Tokyo?

According to the Safe Cities Index 2021, the 5th safest city in the world is Tokyo. Standing in front of New York City, Washington DC, London. Every city has some degree of crime, you can’t ignore it, always be careful even if you’re safe.

What are the problems Tokyo is facing?

Perhaps it is the limited area of ​​land used in the granary. Because the Tokyo residential area is the most crowded in the world. When people go out during rush hour, overcrowding happens immediately. The space and the street was packed full of people.

Is the recession in Japan a serious problem?

The proportion of young women who are married is low, so the birth rate in Japan has decreased. In the 1970s, a high percentage of unmarried women of reproductive age ranged from 25 to 34. The age group 25-29 is the age of single women, this percentage has increased from 21% to 66% respectively from 1975 to 2020.

 Is eye contact a common problem in Japan?

In Japanese culture, eye contact is very limited. They may consider eye contact disrespectful. Unlike Westerners, it is rated as positive.

Conclusion

The best places to live in Tokyo are not always crowded, there are many places to visit. It’s a place where people can live happily, can work, and have stable costs, and services that suit most people’s needs. Through this article, have you found yourself a place worth living in Japan? Share with us!

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About Hayami Mori

Hayami Mori is an awesome travel blogger & photographer. She was born and raised in Tokyo and have been here for nearly 25 years. She loves traveling and always wants to introduce her beautiful Japan to travelers from all over the world. Therefore, her blog is a great source of information for people looking for what to do in Japan as well as provides some tips to make their trips unforgettable.

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