The best places to live in Tokyo
Expats can choose from a vast array of areas and suburbs in Tokyo, each with its own distinct character. Tokyo is a massive metropolis made up of many small, distinct neighbourhoods, several of which form a ward or ku.
There are 23 wards in total within Tokyo. Minato, Shibuya, and Meguro are particularly popular with expats. These areas are ideal if you prefer a locale that offers plenty of international interaction as well as supermarkets and shopping options that stock familiar items from home.
Most people living in Tokyo don't own a car, so living in an area with good access to public transport will be a priority. It's also vital to consider the commute to and from work or school if you have children. Most international schools in Tokyo are located in the heart of the city.
When choosing an area, ensure that the type of housing you're looking for is available in that location. For instance, Akasaka comprises mainly high-rise buildings, but it's possible to find some very nice homes in Shirokanedai, Hiroo and Moto Azabu.
City living in Tokyo
Akasaka
Located in central Tokyo's Minato Ward, Akasaka is home to numerous embassies and multinational companies. This thriving business area has an array of top-notch restaurants and exciting bars. There are also pockets of serenity to be found, like the peaceful grounds of the Hikawa shrine.
Akasaka is right on the doorstep of the metro, making travel around the city a snap. State-of-the-art high-rises with breathtaking city views can be found throughout Akasaka. While it's by no means a cheap place to live, Akasaka offers residents an endless array of entertainment options and the convenience of living at the heart of the action.
Daikanyama
Walking around in charming Daikanyama feels different to other areas in Tokyo. The architecture is eclectic, the people are eccentric, and the shops and restaurants are quirky. Known as 'Little Brooklyn' as a reference to the New York City borough, it's said to be one of Tokyo's best-kept secrets, tucked between the bustling areas of Shibuya, Ebisu, and Nakameguro.
Omotesando
Omotesando resembles the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Fifth Avenue in New York City. It's a beautiful tree-lined street – quite unique to Tokyo – and filled with high-end designer shops. Many smaller boutiques can also be found in the backstreets of Omotesando and the neighbouring area of Harajuku. Although Omotesando is primarily a commercial area, residential pockets are tucked away among the boutiques and cafés.
Family life in Tokyo
Azabu
The quiet, ancient streets of the Azabu area twist and turn up hills and down alleys, winding around parks. You'll find numerous embassies tucked away in streets adjacent to large homes and small apartment buildings. Azabu lacks the massive high-rises typical of other expat areas, which opens up some interesting options.
If you're looking for an authentically Japanese neighbourhood, Azabu has it all, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. It is, however, one of the most expensive areas to live in Tokyo, so you'll need an ample budget if you intend to live here.
Shirokane and Shirokanedai
Shirokane and Shirokanedai (two areas divided by Meguro-dori) are good neighbourhoods to consider if you'd prefer to live in a house rather than an apartment. This area is primarily residential and not as commercial as the other expat neighbourhoods surrounding it. It's also home to Platinum-dori, the main shopping street in the area, which features high-end shops and cafés.