Tokyo is the biggest and one of the busiest and most sought-after places to live in the world. With all the delicious food, a convenient public transport system and endless things to do, Tokyo certainly doesn't disappoint. That said, there are so many places to choose from when it comes to finding accommodation. But don't worry, we've got a few tips for you. For those of you who are visiting and looking to experience Tokyo's grandeur, there are numerous top-notch accommodations to choose from. You can find some of the Best Hotels here at tophotels.com. Let's take a look at some of the best areas to live in Tokyo, as well as their relative price ranges!
1. Ebisu
Located right between two of the main nightlife areas Shibuya and Roppongi, Ebisu is a lively district with lots of good restaurants. Ebisu Garden Place is a huge multi-purpose complex with offices, restaurants and bars, and during the colder winter months they make an impressive illumination. If the name Ebisu rings a bell, it may be because you're familiar with the premium beer that originated in the region. The Yebisu Beer Museum is a popular attraction for visitors to the area. While the central area of Ebisu is bustling, the residential lanes are wonderfully quiet and peaceful, making life here very easy and comfortable. This balance of exciting city life and tranquil home life makes Ebisu a highly desirable area to stay during your visit to Tokyo. If you're considering a trip to this dynamic part of Tokyo and would like a suitable place to stay, there is a variety 3-star hotels in Tokyo offering comfort and accessibility for your journey. With their proximity to the hotspots of Ebisu, these hotels provide a convenient base for you to truly immerse yourself in the unique culture and vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Price range: ¥¥¥¥
2. Kichijoji
Although Kichijoji is not very central, it has repeatedly been voted one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods by its residents. Located about 12 kilometres west of Tokyo's westernmost central district, Shinjuku, Kichijoji has everything you need and more to live comfortably. The neighbourhood has a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, and the large and famous Inokashira Park is not only popular with locals, but also attracts visitors from the rest of Tokyo and Japan. The area is close enough to central Tokyo to get around comfortably or to visit. Should you decide to take a trip to Kichijoji from another part of Tokyo, like the bustling area around the Shibuya Excel Hotel, you'll find that the journey is both quick and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Needless to say, because of its location, it's more affordable than most areas in central Tokyo, but because of its popularity, it's not very cheap either.
Price range: ¥¥
3. Nakameguro
Not far from Ebisu is Nakameguro, one of the most popular areas for temporary expats. Nakameguro is a chic, trendy area with lots of cute little cafés, trendy boutiques and a wide variety of delicious little restaurants. There aren't many tall buildings in the area, so you almost feel like you're in a small town as you stroll along the peacefully flowing Meguro River. Let's also not forget that Nakameguro is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms once the season arrives, especially the illuminated evening event is a sight to behold. It tends to be more expensive, but if you can afford it, Nakameguro is a great place to live!
Price range: ¥¥¥¥
4. Shinagawa
If you want to live in a very affordable area, then Shinagawa is an excellent choice. Shinagawa is just 15 minutes by train from Haneda airport and is also a shinkansen stop. However, accessibility isn't the only thing the area has to offer. While it was once a fairly industrial area, it has slowly changed over the last few decades, and new developments and gentrification have made the riverside neighbourhood much more attractive and pleasant to live in.
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5. Shinjuku
Shinjuku is best known for its Kabukicho nightlife district, but it also has a greener and much more soothing side that includes Shinjuku Gyoen. In the past, Shinjuku was considered a bit seedy and not necessarily a family area, but this has changed a lot since the local government has made considerable efforts to clean up the area. As one of Tokyo's most central districts, rent in Shinjuku is high, but living here has the obvious advantage that there are plenty of entertainment and dining options within walking or cycling distance. Shinjuku station is huge and offers easy access to Mount Takao, Hakone, Kawaguchiko, various western prefectures and of course the rest of Tokyo.
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6. Ikebukuro
You could think of Ikebukuro as the new Shinjuku in a way, as it's also a district that's known for having a slightly seedier image. But just like Shinjuku, the metropolitan government has made great efforts to clean up the area over the last decade. It's still not as posh as, say, Nakameguro or Ebisu, but there are great advantages to living in central northwest Tokyo. There are huge shopping centres and entertainment complexes, including Sunshine City and the Seibu department stores', and if you're into Japanese subculture there are plenty of cool underground shops and cafes. Outside the central area around the station, the streets are much quieter and residential, and rents aren't that expensive.
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7. Shibuya
Famous for the busiest intersection in the world, a very active nightlife and countless (fashion) boutiques, you can imagine that Shibuya is a very lively district in which to live. Many recent developments have given Shibuya a clean, fresh face, with even more neon and LED lights illuminating the night sky, making it even more vibrant and active. If you want to live in the middle of it all or within walking distance, then Shibuya is the place to be. Heading a few blocks beyond the main area of the district will give way to a surprisingly quiet residential neighbourhood that is surprisingly comfortable for everyday living (and sleeping at night).
Price range: ¥¥¥¥
8. Jiyugaoka
Easily accessible from central Tokyo and Yokohama via the Toyoko express line, Jiyugaoka combines accessibility with comfortable living. Jiyugaoka exudes a sophisticated atmosphere and attracts trendy day-trippers who want to relax in one of the many cute cafés or enjoy a leisurely lunch in a pleasant, relaxed environment. And if you're a dessert lover, you'll be in heaven here with a plethora of incredible dessert places. The streets will remind you a little of Italy with their southern European inspired architecture, making it a very easy and relaxed place to live.
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9. Nakano
Nakano is a well-kept secret that adjoins the much more expensive Shinjuku. Just one express train stop from Shinjuku, Nakano combines a more residential atmosphere with proximity to the city centre. Even though it's quite densely populated, it doesn't really feel that way. One of the best things about living in Nakano, as well as being close to central Tokyo, is Nakano Broadway and its adjacent shotengai shopping street, where people of all ages will find what they're looking for, whether it's food, clothing or cultural goods. Restaurants in the area tend to be old-fashioned Japanese, so if you like a bit of Showa era atmosphere, you'll love it here.
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10. Futakotamagawa
Futakotamagawa's high-rise apartment blocks were built fairly recently, and since then more and more wealthy families have started to move into the area, making it a popular place to live. The area around the station has everything you need to make life easy and comfortable; there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafés. Residents of Nikotama, as it's also known, love the spacious, leafy parks by the river, and if you really want to feel like you're away from the city without even leaving your neighbourhood, the beautiful Todoroki Valley is sure to become one of your favourites. places to visit.
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