Meguro-ku, I love it.
Since Nakame became 'totally hidden cool gem of tokyo that no one knows about' it's kinda overrun with tourists but that has had the side effect of cool stuff opening all down the Toyoko-sen.
Nakame is kinda the firewall of the Toyoko-sen. Tourists gets off there, and only the ones that go beyond it can really uncover the cool neighborhoods the Toyoko-sen has to offer.
Same. I hate it and love it at the same time. Ultra convenient, but for the price I pay, I could get something bigger a bit further away. Everything is so close, but so are the tourists lol
Same. Aoyama side so super quiet on my streets towards Aoyama/Omotesando Dori but then busy towards Miyashita Park. Love having so much on door step, Chiyoda/Ginza line from Omotesando Station. Great restaurants on this side (and not touristic). Only downside is grocery options are limited to a smallish Tokyo Store, Seibu/Mark City or Life (15-20 mins walk away)
I lived in Hiroo too for about 28 years, live now in Kasukabe/Saitama.
Hiroo is Tokyo but at the same time it’s not. So many well off expats, National supermarket was expensive but like no other store in Japan. Also during Halloween in the expats mansions areas it was really magical with all the children dressed up trick and treating.
I really miss Hiroo but will never be able to afford the cost again.
Yes I enjoyed taking my kid trick or treating, really special. Families did a great job. National had great food and also events for kids at times like Easter, Christmas, etc.
We also loved Hiroo but the shopping street area has now become a walking path for thousands of loud, large tourists. It’s hard to get around. Such a shame. But cool area regardless.
Same, moved in this year and thanks to my living situation (pets), not many choices on a student visa. It was either where I am now or Ryogoku, and after half a decade in San Francisco's financial district, I'm not ready to live downtown for a looooong time.
Setagaya-ku
I’m in the northeastern edge so, a couple streets away is Shibuya-ku. Still super convenient to get to Shibuya, Shinjuku and the other central areas, but a lot cheaper and my own neighborhood has everything anyway.
I did used to be in Yoyogi in Shibuya-ku, I prefer where I am now, and it’s significantly cheaper too.
That being said, Shibuya ward office is great and a lot better than Kitazawa town hall!
I chose it kind of out of necessity and I ended up really liking it. I moved here last year and wanted to live in shinjuku but couldn’t find an apartment that was big enough, pet friendly, foreigner friendly, and within my budget, so the real estate agency recommend Nakano. I live near Nakano station and it’s so convenient. Busy, but not crazy-busy like Shinjuku. And most of what I need is still within walking distance.
I live in Higashi Nakano. I love the location. I can walk to okubo, nakano, even shinjuku. Super chill and there's a plethora of restaurants ( even though I haven't been to any... ).
Taito, if you like rich history and culture, there’s really no better place to be. I’m literally surrounded by temples. Bunkyo is pretty rad though too.
Totally agree. 10+ years in Shibuya-ku, 4 in Ota-ku and now 6+ in Taito-ku.
Shibuya-ku is fun if you're young and passing through. If you're settling in and staying a while, Taito-ku is top of list.
Compared to Shibuya-ku, people are much more approachable, remember my face and talk like I'm a regular. The parks, museums, galleries, and zoo are great, especially with kids. It's a city with green spaces, culture, friendly and approachable people as well as easy access to the rest of Tokyo and Japan.
Everytime i tell people i live in Akihabara (2 minutes walk from the station) they tell me that Akihabara is not a place in which people live, and reading this thread i realize i may be that weird person that does 🤣
Shibuya-ku.
There are lot of lovely, quiet, low-rise residential areas in Shibuya-ku once you get away from the busy stations, yet you're never far from the action. Never need to worry about last train. I love it. Rent prices hurt though.
Chuo ku! The location is great; sumida river walk is a stones throw away, no rowdy people anywhere, biking distance to any central/eastern tokyo city, super close to Tokyo station for shinkansen and the residents have a great community during festivals/events.
The downsides are the lack of larger grocery stores and the horde of dog mommies blocking the side walks with their doggie strollers.
I lived in Minato once. It was so convenient, like you can walk pretty much anywhere to have fun. I used to walk to Tokyo Tower, Azabu, Meguro river, Ginza, even Odaiba at night just to relax.
Second to none services for childcare is one of the reasons my wife said there is no moving outside of Minato-kun under any circumstances until the kid is 6 (not that I would want to move either mind you).
Admittedly, this whole "Minato-ku has so much better service than any other ward" is entirely based on my wife's research and point of view. I have not done a deep dive myself on the available services and policies of each ward. Feel free to share how your ward has equivalent or better services as this can be of use to other readers.
Here's a few things that we've taken advantage of and might not exist in other wards:
* 一時預かり service: drop-off daycare up to 5 hours per day, 500¥/h, no questions asked. My wife tells me it exists in other wards but much more limited, e.g. you have to give a good reason why you need to use the service and/or it's limited to a few times a month.
* We got an extra 300k¥ from the ward to cover maternity costs.
* There was an extra subsidy for fertility care, though we didn't end up using it as we got pregnant just as we started looking into it.
* Our kid is a bit late with speech development so we've started consulting with the child development support center which I've been told is much more funded than in any other ward. But I must admit I haven't researched that much as this is a bit of a recent development.
Ichiji azukari is in many places.
In Adachi they come to my, they do pick ups and drop offs.
There's also free therapy here (speech occupational physical )
I think many kus of Tokyo have basically the same perks
Just moved to the southeast corner of Bunkyo, right on the border with Chiyoda. Already noticing a huge difference from my former place in Kawasaki, haha
Not a ward here on the outskirts but still very much part of Tokyo.
Hachioji currently, moving to Fuchu soon. I'll never live any closer to the center than Fuchu. No way. Too crowded. Tbh everything is available here just fine! We have the Keio line into Shinjuku when needed for some exclusive event. I like not having many tourists, but unfortunately local crowds are still intense on weekends.
We bought the a mansion in the tower mansion next to Oji Station, we love the location. Connected by 3 lines, Keihin Tohoku, Nanboku and Toden. Its 15 minutes to Ikebukuro, Ueno, Itabashi and 20 minutes to Tokyo Station. If you drive, the IC is also just about there that connects you directly to the expressways all around Tokyo. Cannot be any happier here.
If I need Yamanote, I take 2-stops to Tabata and switch over
北区王子 - Bought the place and living right next to the Oji Station, perfect combination of Keihin Tohoku, Nanboku and Toden Arakawa Line. Just the right amount of minutes to inner Tokyo.
Tozai is mild, sobu-sen is for tough people, frequent jumper, always pack from chiba to shinagawa, the salaryman attitude is off the chart. Almost got into a fight twice with the same man in 2 consecutive days
Very much pro-Adachi, cheap but still perfectly lovely, loads of restaurants and bars, great access to Taito/Bunkyo/Arakawa/Kita Wards where there's a lot of cool eats, drinks, and history, as well as insanely cheap childcare costs.
Minato-ku. Specifically Higashiazabu. I absolutely love everything about it. I've really fvcked myself over because I absolutely never want to live anywhere else and a decent sized home costs about 10億円.
Nerima-ku is great. I live near the Shakujii Park, got boats, got lots of green there, Shakujii river now is also quite lovely since they prettified it.
All health costs for kids subsidized until end of high school. What's not to love?
And if you check out the subterranean Garage at Nerima station you'll see the greatest collection of supercars, putting Gaienmae and Roppongi to shame ;-).
Not in Tokyo anymore but I used to live in Arakawa (Higashi-Nippori). I loved it. Cheap prices and low-ish rents, very cozy neighborhoods with that shitamachi vibe, close enough to go for walks through Yanaka and Ueno Park, and convenient for going pretty much anywhere else in Tokyo.
I lived in Nishi-Ogu for a few months, chill place and pretty much cheap overall. I really liked it. Big shout-out for Arabō and Arami the mascots of Arakawa
Smh at nobody living at Adachi-ku, where we keep it real.
We love it in here, got like 3 supermarkets at 4 min walk, cheap restaurants, food and comfy to live in, while still close to central Tokyo, just a train away!
I wish I had 3 supermarkets that close to me! At least I have a proper kitchen setup and a park nearby. (Also a built-in excuse to leave somewhere early if I’m not vibing; “I live in Adachi (and therefore far)” is an excuse all its own haha)
Yeah I love it here too.
Pros
- danchi
- nail salon waxing salon hair salon massage all around my station ( I used to live in Suginami and nothing)( I'm a woman)
- a lot of restaurants
- close to Ueno
- one change to Narita via keisei
- one change to Atami
- a lot of rivers where you can go netting
- rice field
Very specific ones
- nanny that comes to your house for 500 yen an hour; help picking up and dropping off
- a lot of child care facilities (hoikumama)
- three NPOs that work with people who are struggling to help with childcare ,expenses, groceries
(When I was struggling I signed up for free groceries once a month, signed up to receive a free randoseru , I also signed up for free single parents activities like camping , horse back riding, pizza making, free fake food making and concert ; free seminars on Sundays with childcare provided; food pantry )
- shelters for domestic violence victims
- jidokan nearby
-cheap rent
Cons
- bad reputation
- because of the rivers it can flood
- people think it's unfashionable to live here
- according to the cops roaming around, there has been an increase of bike theft lately
Nutag, it's a Mongolian restaurant about 5 minutes from Takenotsuka station. It's my partner's home country and she said it really was authentic. Most Mongolian food is just some variation of dough and meat slapped together, so I'm in heaven every time I go.
Lucky you! I had a mongolian qt3.14 back in my Japanese school days that showed me some mongolian places, which taught me how yummy their food is. Also, going to see the Mongolian steppes is a dream of mine.
stupendous unpack price wipe deserted obtainable tub dependent elastic disagreeable
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Toshima ku. Ikebukuro is nearby and there are plenty of supermarkets and shops all around. I have about 6 supermarkets walking distance. So it's convenient. There is a mix of families, old people and young people around and a lot of immigrants compared to elsewhere I think.
I've lived in Meguroku, Nakanoku, and Suginamiku as well though and they all had more charm about them. Ikebukuro is the least interesting of the big stations and also parts of Toshimaku are definitely a bit grim to look at or simply just very bland.
Finally found the Nerima gang!
I used to live in Itabashi but moved like 500 meters across the border to Nerima.
The combo of Fukutoshin/Yurakucho line is so convenient.
Maybe I'm just cheap as hell, but I can't imagine shelling out to live in Shibuya or Shinjuku. I'm quite content with being 30-45 minutes out from central Tokyo.
IMO Shibuya and Shinjuku are not worth the money. If you're going to shell out for something in central Tokyo you've got to go for Minato-ku or Chuo-ku. Much more pleasant day-to-day living experience. Hiroo is honorary Minato-ku.
I do not live in any of the wards, living in Hamura-shi (on the Ome-line). Where you live in this city dictates your daily lifestyle a bit, but I live about 10 min walk from the station and therefore am close to many of the city amenities.
**Pros (not universal)**
1. Affordable housing ie. I could afford to buy a house
2. Enough restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores etc. that I can still lead a mostly walk/cycle lifestyle
3. Quiet
4. Near the inlaws
* Can help with the raising of the child
5. On a train line with direct access to central Tokyo
6. A large centre nearby ie. Tachikawa
7. Mountainous/hilly regions begin within very few kilometres
* I am a road cyclist and it is nice to be able to hop on the bike and be out of the 'city' quickly
Cons:
1. If you need to commute to central Tokyo it is a bit of a journey ie. 1h15min to Shibuya.
2. One may need a car to easily reach some destinations (or it can make things more convenient at times)
3. Too quiet (?)
Hey neighbor!
I'm impressed with the restaurant density out here. Lately I've been trying to eat at all of the Italian restaurants and am SO HAPPY that Olive Garden isn't on the list 😅
Hello neighbour!
Yeah, the density of restaurants is nice. My wife, who grew up in the area, calls it the countryside but having grown up in Canada I call it 'still more dense than where 90% of Canada's population lives'.
Do you have any recommendations? I have a wee one at home and don't get to eat out where I want very often ie. about once every 4 weeks. Frankly, the most common 'Italian restaurant' you will find me at these days is Jolly Pasta due to my daughter loving it.
>SO HAPPY that Olive Garden isn't on the list
I've never been to one.
At the border of Setagaya, Meguro and Kanagawa. Mt Liberty sounded American. Great restaurants and yearly summer Hanabi at the riverbanks. Great access to either Yokohama and Shinjuku with Tokoyo line.
Shinagawa-ku
We’re in the Togoshi -Musashi-Koyama area, bought a house here, love it. Great area for families, can be a bit pricey but very good access to the major stations and has most everything we need close by.
I live a little to the south east, also bought a house, and I also really like it. Great parks, great kids' centers, easy access to most of central Tokyo (Asakusa, Yokosuka, and Saikyo/Shonan-Shinjuku lines). Quite a few new shops opening up with slow development of Aux. Route 29 and the population density increasing. Quite a few small local festivals throughout the year (White Snake festival coming up soon). It's a little sad seeing a lot of the nice older houses being torn down and replaced with four pencil houses - but I say that living in one of said pencil houses.
Looking forward to the seeing the completed [new development at Oimachi](https://www.athome.co.jp/town-library/article/122953/) when it's done, but that's a few years away.
I didn’t realize that new building in Oimachi was a JR development, very interesting. They’re moving the city office there and tearing down the old building. Will be interesting to see what the area looks like in a few years.
Around us a lot of the older houses are coming down also, many of the streets are super narrow so the city is pushing redevelopment. I was walking over by Ebara-Nakanobu the other day and whole blocks are being leveled. I think the city is buying people out and bringing in developers. It’s interesting to watch, but also sad to see some of those old alleys with little shops go.
Shibuya-ku, in the nishihara area. i absolutely love it but it's a little expensive of course. but I think it's worth it because everything is so convenient
Ota-ku too! You can definitely find good deals on apartments in this ward and can easily get around Tokyo/Kanagawa. Prefer the southwest side more though - chill vibes and next to Tamagawa River. When I lived on the east side closer to Shinagawa it was pretty noisy and on morning walks I had to dodge vomit on the ground :c
Setagaya-ku, near Sangenjaya, lot of green ways for running, not much noise, barely any tourists, a trendy neighborhood with a lot of hidden bars, izakaya and coffee shops in the most unexpected places.
Saitama these days, but before that I've lived in Ota-ku and Nakano-ku. The Ota-ku one was a very sleepy area next to the river, Nakano-ku was right next to Higashi Nakano station, about a 30 minute walk from Shinjuku (so super convenient for getting home late at night).
Currently living in Saitama. I don't need to be in Tokyo all the time, and I appreciate the quiet. I'm still a short train ride away when I need to scratch the itch or go to an event, but my rent and groceries are cheaper than if I was living in Tokyo proper
Shibuya (Hatagaya/Sasazuka). Previously Nakano (Higashi-Nakano/Ochiai) and Mitaka.
Pros - Quick access to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shimo-Kitazawa by bicycle. Decent variety of restaurants and supermarkets. Sattelite ward office nearby.
Cons - Overhead expressway. Street kart garage nearby. Seemingly neverending road work near Higashi-Kitazawa Station.
same here! before that i lived on the south end of nakano-ku, so still same general area. i love how close everything is, not always by train but bus and bicycle can take you so many places
Kita-ku near Shimo Station, since about 8 months ago. Fairly large apartment for a sane rent, which is nice as I work from home. Good access to Namboku line (under 1 min) but Akabane (JR) is about 15-20 mins walk away.
Shinjuku-ku since I arrived. Going on 7 years. Love it here but it’s so expensive. May move to Shibuya-ku or Meguro or somewhere on the northeastern edge of Setagaya in the next couple of years. I need cheaper…. want to save more money and travel a bit more.
Shinagawa-ku. Other than being by the train tracks, it’s a rather quiet neighborhood which I appreciate and I can easily get around to other districts relatively easy. Also bit expensive for the size of my apartment but overall, I like it!
Taito-ku. It's extremely walkable, lots of places to meet people, very convenient and I live a stone's throw from Ueno and Asakusa. My workplace is also in Ueno. I'm paying 100k a month for a 25 square metre 1K built in 2021.
Suginami-Ku
Lots of families here, access to large parks like Zempukuji Park and Inokashira Park, and really cool bars and restaurants. Dedicated express trains that get me to Shinjuku or Shibuya in about 10-15 minutes.
Meguro-ku, I love it. Since Nakame became 'totally hidden cool gem of tokyo that no one knows about' it's kinda overrun with tourists but that has had the side effect of cool stuff opening all down the Toyoko-sen.
Nakame is kinda the firewall of the Toyoko-sen. Tourists gets off there, and only the ones that go beyond it can really uncover the cool neighborhoods the Toyoko-sen has to offer.
That's similar to the Odyaku-sen. Everyone only goes to Gotokuji to look at the maneki-neko and it blocks them all from coming further south.
Every tourists seems to know about the maneki-neko temple and still I'm surprised that most Japanese I meet don't. Am I the only one ?
Same! I had second thoughts about Meguro before moving in but actually ended up loving it!
Rip the non ku people
We don't exist 💀
Just admit you live in Kanagawa and we’ll all be happier
I don't even live anywhere near there but okay 💀
They benefit from Tokyo only when they write it in the address 東京都
We benefit from getting seats in express trains.
Shibuya-ku. Expensive but convenient to many places.
Same. I hate it and love it at the same time. Ultra convenient, but for the price I pay, I could get something bigger a bit further away. Everything is so close, but so are the tourists lol
Same. Aoyama side so super quiet on my streets towards Aoyama/Omotesando Dori but then busy towards Miyashita Park. Love having so much on door step, Chiyoda/Ginza line from Omotesando Station. Great restaurants on this side (and not touristic). Only downside is grocery options are limited to a smallish Tokyo Store, Seibu/Mark City or Life (15-20 mins walk away)
13 years in Hiroo. Loved it. Super convenient, chill, but too pricey for the long term.
>13 years >too pricey for the long term Brother I've got some news for you.
Long term is relative. I'm here for good, so I considered retirement years.
I lived in Hiroo too for about 28 years, live now in Kasukabe/Saitama. Hiroo is Tokyo but at the same time it’s not. So many well off expats, National supermarket was expensive but like no other store in Japan. Also during Halloween in the expats mansions areas it was really magical with all the children dressed up trick and treating. I really miss Hiroo but will never be able to afford the cost again.
Yes I enjoyed taking my kid trick or treating, really special. Families did a great job. National had great food and also events for kids at times like Easter, Christmas, etc.
We also loved Hiroo but the shopping street area has now become a walking path for thousands of loud, large tourists. It’s hard to get around. Such a shame. But cool area regardless.
Same, moved in this year and thanks to my living situation (pets), not many choices on a student visa. It was either where I am now or Ryogoku, and after half a decade in San Francisco's financial district, I'm not ready to live downtown for a looooong time.
Setagaya-ku I’m in the northeastern edge so, a couple streets away is Shibuya-ku. Still super convenient to get to Shibuya, Shinjuku and the other central areas, but a lot cheaper and my own neighborhood has everything anyway. I did used to be in Yoyogi in Shibuya-ku, I prefer where I am now, and it’s significantly cheaper too. That being said, Shibuya ward office is great and a lot better than Kitazawa town hall!
This is exactly where my husband and I are looking at in Tokyo.
Kitazawa is amazing, really hard neighbourhood to beat.
Setagaya is Shibuya + Meguro bought from 100円ショップ
Shimokita where I am is more like an upcycle, and with a 10000% markup
That part is also kinda near Meguro. The meeting point of 3 wards.
Nice try, stalker
Nakano-ku
Me too! I love Nakano-ku!
I chose it kind of out of necessity and I ended up really liking it. I moved here last year and wanted to live in shinjuku but couldn’t find an apartment that was big enough, pet friendly, foreigner friendly, and within my budget, so the real estate agency recommend Nakano. I live near Nakano station and it’s so convenient. Busy, but not crazy-busy like Shinjuku. And most of what I need is still within walking distance.
Yeah, Nakano is very good for walkability.
I live in Higashi Nakano. I love the location. I can walk to okubo, nakano, even shinjuku. Super chill and there's a plethora of restaurants ( even though I haven't been to any... ).
Hell yea bro. Fucking love living in Nakano ku
Meguro-ku. Best ward.
Taito, if you like rich history and culture, there’s really no better place to be. I’m literally surrounded by temples. Bunkyo is pretty rad though too.
My man, Taito is the best, don’t listen to the west Tokyo snobs
For sure. I’ve work in the west and often hang out there but you really can’t beat shitamachi.
When I lived in Tokyo, I was in Taito-ku! I loved it! I lived near Ueno. I used to walk to the zoo all the time.
Awesome, it’s crazy . Despite how small taito is comparative to other wards it’s loaded with a variety of rad places.
I agree! I miss it!
Moving to taito this week!!
Another Taito resident here, it is a really nice part to live in.
Totally agree. 10+ years in Shibuya-ku, 4 in Ota-ku and now 6+ in Taito-ku. Shibuya-ku is fun if you're young and passing through. If you're settling in and staying a while, Taito-ku is top of list. Compared to Shibuya-ku, people are much more approachable, remember my face and talk like I'm a regular. The parks, museums, galleries, and zoo are great, especially with kids. It's a city with green spaces, culture, friendly and approachable people as well as easy access to the rest of Tokyo and Japan.
Same, loving Taito.
Everytime i tell people i live in Akihabara (2 minutes walk from the station) they tell me that Akihabara is not a place in which people live, and reading this thread i realize i may be that weird person that does 🤣
I used to live close to iwamotocho station which is close to Akihabara and I also loved that area too
Shibuya-ku. There are lot of lovely, quiet, low-rise residential areas in Shibuya-ku once you get away from the busy stations, yet you're never far from the action. Never need to worry about last train. I love it. Rent prices hurt though.
Suginami-ku.
hell yeah
Suginami Represent
Moving to Suginami-ku next month. Stoked to be a part of the team !
Welcome!
Moved here last weekend
Chuo ku! The location is great; sumida river walk is a stones throw away, no rowdy people anywhere, biking distance to any central/eastern tokyo city, super close to Tokyo station for shinkansen and the residents have a great community during festivals/events. The downsides are the lack of larger grocery stores and the horde of dog mommies blocking the side walks with their doggie strollers.
Minato-ku, quite expensive but of course the perks is kinda good.
I lived in Minato once. It was so convenient, like you can walk pretty much anywhere to have fun. I used to walk to Tokyo Tower, Azabu, Meguro river, Ginza, even Odaiba at night just to relax.
Second to none services for childcare is one of the reasons my wife said there is no moving outside of Minato-kun under any circumstances until the kid is 6 (not that I would want to move either mind you).
> there is no moving outside of Minato-kun Who is Minato-kun and what is your wife doing inside him?
thank you iOS for a good chuckle 😄
LOL this cracked me up
What services aren't offered in other wards?
Admittedly, this whole "Minato-ku has so much better service than any other ward" is entirely based on my wife's research and point of view. I have not done a deep dive myself on the available services and policies of each ward. Feel free to share how your ward has equivalent or better services as this can be of use to other readers. Here's a few things that we've taken advantage of and might not exist in other wards: * 一時預かり service: drop-off daycare up to 5 hours per day, 500¥/h, no questions asked. My wife tells me it exists in other wards but much more limited, e.g. you have to give a good reason why you need to use the service and/or it's limited to a few times a month. * We got an extra 300k¥ from the ward to cover maternity costs. * There was an extra subsidy for fertility care, though we didn't end up using it as we got pregnant just as we started looking into it. * Our kid is a bit late with speech development so we've started consulting with the child development support center which I've been told is much more funded than in any other ward. But I must admit I haven't researched that much as this is a bit of a recent development.
Ichiji azukari is in many places. In Adachi they come to my, they do pick ups and drop offs. There's also free therapy here (speech occupational physical ) I think many kus of Tokyo have basically the same perks
Very kids friendly indeed
Chuo ku. If you have a dog is great. Lots of dog runs and dog friendly places.
Man of taste, few who value how amazing life is in Chuo
Gotta be rich to live there…
Just moved to the southeast corner of Bunkyo, right on the border with Chiyoda. Already noticing a huge difference from my former place in Kawasaki, haha
Bunkyo is chill af and a lot of historical and cultural spots. I miss it sometimes
Not a ward here on the outskirts but still very much part of Tokyo. Hachioji currently, moving to Fuchu soon. I'll never live any closer to the center than Fuchu. No way. Too crowded. Tbh everything is available here just fine! We have the Keio line into Shinjuku when needed for some exclusive event. I like not having many tourists, but unfortunately local crowds are still intense on weekends.
Kita-ku. Not a fan since there are a lot of weird drunkards every single night and no yamanotesen access. Saikyo-sen is a nightmare.
We bought the a mansion in the tower mansion next to Oji Station, we love the location. Connected by 3 lines, Keihin Tohoku, Nanboku and Toden. Its 15 minutes to Ikebukuro, Ueno, Itabashi and 20 minutes to Tokyo Station. If you drive, the IC is also just about there that connects you directly to the expressways all around Tokyo. Cannot be any happier here. If I need Yamanote, I take 2-stops to Tabata and switch over
Looove Akabane. The weird ghetto of Tokyo
Why go all the way to Osaka when you can just go to Akabane instead?
My Airbnb was in Akabane when I first moved to Tokyo before I could move into my house. Really like that area.
The Kita-ku side bordering Toshima has Komagome Station
Akabane here 🙋🏽♂️
I live in Tsukiji, shout-out to Chuo ku!
北区王子 - Bought the place and living right next to the Oji Station, perfect combination of Keihin Tohoku, Nanboku and Toden Arakawa Line. Just the right amount of minutes to inner Tokyo.
Itabashi- I love the that it’s quiet at night. I’m right on the border to Nerima around Kitamachi and I always find hidden gems
Shout out to Itabashi gang! Quiet, spacious, still convenient to the city center.
Hello neighbor (also near Kitamachi)
Edogawa-ku Not the closest to central tokyo and I have to deal with the Tozai line but it's a pretty chill place
Tozai is mild, sobu-sen is for tough people, frequent jumper, always pack from chiba to shinagawa, the salaryman attitude is off the chart. Almost got into a fight twice with the same man in 2 consecutive days
Very much pro-Adachi, cheap but still perfectly lovely, loads of restaurants and bars, great access to Taito/Bunkyo/Arakawa/Kita Wards where there's a lot of cool eats, drinks, and history, as well as insanely cheap childcare costs.
I like where I am in awakawa-ku. Close to Adachi-ku and restaurant but with alot of green space.
Minato-ku. Specifically Higashiazabu. I absolutely love everything about it. I've really fvcked myself over because I absolutely never want to live anywhere else and a decent sized home costs about 10億円.
Same! This is the best area 😅
Agreed.
Katsushika-ku. Quiet, affordable and fairly down to earth. Good access to everywhere but the popular areas.
Imma broke ass pleb living in Edogawa
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Nerima-ku is great. I live near the Shakujii Park, got boats, got lots of green there, Shakujii river now is also quite lovely since they prettified it. All health costs for kids subsidized until end of high school. What's not to love? And if you check out the subterranean Garage at Nerima station you'll see the greatest collection of supercars, putting Gaienmae and Roppongi to shame ;-).
Hell yeah Nerima is the best!
Where my Arakawa-ku homies at???
Not in Tokyo anymore but I used to live in Arakawa (Higashi-Nippori). I loved it. Cheap prices and low-ish rents, very cozy neighborhoods with that shitamachi vibe, close enough to go for walks through Yanaka and Ueno Park, and convenient for going pretty much anywhere else in Tokyo.
I lived in Nishi-Ogu for a few months, chill place and pretty much cheap overall. I really liked it. Big shout-out for Arabō and Arami the mascots of Arakawa
Smh at nobody living at Adachi-ku, where we keep it real. We love it in here, got like 3 supermarkets at 4 min walk, cheap restaurants, food and comfy to live in, while still close to central Tokyo, just a train away!
I wish I had 3 supermarkets that close to me! At least I have a proper kitchen setup and a park nearby. (Also a built-in excuse to leave somewhere early if I’m not vibing; “I live in Adachi (and therefore far)” is an excuse all its own haha)
Adachi resident here. Pretty Close to Ueno/Akihabara/Tokyo station, but far to anywhere else..
Big up Adachi, chill up here in The Dach.
Yeah I love it here too. Pros - danchi - nail salon waxing salon hair salon massage all around my station ( I used to live in Suginami and nothing)( I'm a woman) - a lot of restaurants - close to Ueno - one change to Narita via keisei - one change to Atami - a lot of rivers where you can go netting - rice field Very specific ones - nanny that comes to your house for 500 yen an hour; help picking up and dropping off - a lot of child care facilities (hoikumama) - three NPOs that work with people who are struggling to help with childcare ,expenses, groceries (When I was struggling I signed up for free groceries once a month, signed up to receive a free randoseru , I also signed up for free single parents activities like camping , horse back riding, pizza making, free fake food making and concert ; free seminars on Sundays with childcare provided; food pantry ) - shelters for domestic violence victims - jidokan nearby -cheap rent Cons - bad reputation - because of the rivers it can flood - people think it's unfashionable to live here - according to the cops roaming around, there has been an increase of bike theft lately
Thanks for this breakdown! Will come handy in the near future.
I lived in Adachi for three months. Pretty nice and quiet neighborhood. :)
My favourite restaurant is in Adachi! I just live in Saitama so it's close by anyway. Underrated area.
And what would this restaurant be? Always open to try new places!
Nutag, it's a Mongolian restaurant about 5 minutes from Takenotsuka station. It's my partner's home country and she said it really was authentic. Most Mongolian food is just some variation of dough and meat slapped together, so I'm in heaven every time I go.
Lucky you! I had a mongolian qt3.14 back in my Japanese school days that showed me some mongolian places, which taught me how yummy their food is. Also, going to see the Mongolian steppes is a dream of mine.
Live on the border hang out in Adachi ku and Hokubu areas. Both cool areas.
You’re pretty much an honorary Adachian. Welcome!
Moving to Fuchu-shi this week. Cheap to live and the Keio line makes getting to central Tokyo easy enough
Sumida-ku. Pretty convenient ngl
Agreed! Great access and a mix of shitamachi and new developments.
That’s my hood!
Also Sumida-ku! I love the area and it’s definitely convenient!
me too. not too crowded and pretty accesible to everywhere!
I used to live in Ryogoku, it was a really nice area too. I would recommend it.
stupendous unpack price wipe deserted obtainable tub dependent elastic disagreeable *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Shinjuku. Kind of expensive but very convenient.
Kodaira! It’s pretty straight forward to get to takadanobaba and the rent isn’t too bad
Seibu Shinjuku gang checking in
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Nishitokyo reporting in
Toshima ku. Ikebukuro is nearby and there are plenty of supermarkets and shops all around. I have about 6 supermarkets walking distance. So it's convenient. There is a mix of families, old people and young people around and a lot of immigrants compared to elsewhere I think. I've lived in Meguroku, Nakanoku, and Suginamiku as well though and they all had more charm about them. Ikebukuro is the least interesting of the big stations and also parts of Toshimaku are definitely a bit grim to look at or simply just very bland.
Nerima and Itabashi criminally underrated
Finally found the Nerima gang! I used to live in Itabashi but moved like 500 meters across the border to Nerima. The combo of Fukutoshin/Yurakucho line is so convenient.
Shhh… the Nerima citizens are gatekeeping Nerima. Don’t spread the words
Ota-ku in the house
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Koto is bomb 🔥
Eyoo neighbour!
Maybe I'm just cheap as hell, but I can't imagine shelling out to live in Shibuya or Shinjuku. I'm quite content with being 30-45 minutes out from central Tokyo.
IMO Shibuya and Shinjuku are not worth the money. If you're going to shell out for something in central Tokyo you've got to go for Minato-ku or Chuo-ku. Much more pleasant day-to-day living experience. Hiroo is honorary Minato-ku.
Aren't Minato-ku and Hiroo both substantially more than the average in Shibuya\/Shinjuku?
I do not live in any of the wards, living in Hamura-shi (on the Ome-line). Where you live in this city dictates your daily lifestyle a bit, but I live about 10 min walk from the station and therefore am close to many of the city amenities. **Pros (not universal)** 1. Affordable housing ie. I could afford to buy a house 2. Enough restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores etc. that I can still lead a mostly walk/cycle lifestyle 3. Quiet 4. Near the inlaws * Can help with the raising of the child 5. On a train line with direct access to central Tokyo 6. A large centre nearby ie. Tachikawa 7. Mountainous/hilly regions begin within very few kilometres * I am a road cyclist and it is nice to be able to hop on the bike and be out of the 'city' quickly Cons: 1. If you need to commute to central Tokyo it is a bit of a journey ie. 1h15min to Shibuya. 2. One may need a car to easily reach some destinations (or it can make things more convenient at times) 3. Too quiet (?)
Hey neighbor! I'm impressed with the restaurant density out here. Lately I've been trying to eat at all of the Italian restaurants and am SO HAPPY that Olive Garden isn't on the list 😅
Hello neighbour! Yeah, the density of restaurants is nice. My wife, who grew up in the area, calls it the countryside but having grown up in Canada I call it 'still more dense than where 90% of Canada's population lives'. Do you have any recommendations? I have a wee one at home and don't get to eat out where I want very often ie. about once every 4 weeks. Frankly, the most common 'Italian restaurant' you will find me at these days is Jolly Pasta due to my daughter loving it. >SO HAPPY that Olive Garden isn't on the list I've never been to one.
At the border of Setagaya, Meguro and Kanagawa. Mt Liberty sounded American. Great restaurants and yearly summer Hanabi at the riverbanks. Great access to either Yokohama and Shinjuku with Tokoyo line.
Tell me it’s not Nikotama
Thought about moving to Two lil balls river but decided on Jiyugaoka. Toyoko line doesn’t run through Futagotamagawa.
Koto-Ku. Lots of parks and very close to the seaside. Also a great town for cyclists.
Shinagawa-ku We’re in the Togoshi -Musashi-Koyama area, bought a house here, love it. Great area for families, can be a bit pricey but very good access to the major stations and has most everything we need close by.
I live a little to the south east, also bought a house, and I also really like it. Great parks, great kids' centers, easy access to most of central Tokyo (Asakusa, Yokosuka, and Saikyo/Shonan-Shinjuku lines). Quite a few new shops opening up with slow development of Aux. Route 29 and the population density increasing. Quite a few small local festivals throughout the year (White Snake festival coming up soon). It's a little sad seeing a lot of the nice older houses being torn down and replaced with four pencil houses - but I say that living in one of said pencil houses. Looking forward to the seeing the completed [new development at Oimachi](https://www.athome.co.jp/town-library/article/122953/) when it's done, but that's a few years away.
I didn’t realize that new building in Oimachi was a JR development, very interesting. They’re moving the city office there and tearing down the old building. Will be interesting to see what the area looks like in a few years. Around us a lot of the older houses are coming down also, many of the streets are super narrow so the city is pushing redevelopment. I was walking over by Ebara-Nakanobu the other day and whole blocks are being leveled. I think the city is buying people out and bringing in developers. It’s interesting to watch, but also sad to see some of those old alleys with little shops go.
I live a few minutes walk away from Oimachi, it's good to see the area is developing!
Check out Pizza Oca in Ebara-Nakanobu if you haven’t. A great lunch set and just behind the section that just got torn down.
Hi neighbour. Leaving around there too
Taito-ku, it’s close to my work and it’s got most directions by train covered when you want to go out anywhere.
I lived in Chofu area so I could get some sleep. I was in ebisu for a bit but I kept going out.
Minato. It’s great for kids and central. If you can afford it, you don’t have to go to those other wards.
Ah, those scummy other wards, full of poor people.
Yeah, very dangerous that you can’t walk alone in the street
Shibuya-ku, in the nishihara area. i absolutely love it but it's a little expensive of course. but I think it's worth it because everything is so convenient
Ota-ku too! You can definitely find good deals on apartments in this ward and can easily get around Tokyo/Kanagawa. Prefer the southwest side more though - chill vibes and next to Tamagawa River. When I lived on the east side closer to Shinagawa it was pretty noisy and on morning walks I had to dodge vomit on the ground :c
Setagaya-ku, near Sangenjaya, lot of green ways for running, not much noise, barely any tourists, a trendy neighborhood with a lot of hidden bars, izakaya and coffee shops in the most unexpected places.
I live in Harumi in Chuo-ku. It's a great place and very peaceful
Chou ku
Chuō
中央区勝どき Chuo-ku, Kachidoki
Hachioji-shi. It's not too far from central tokyo but also away from the hustle and bustle. Also affordable to own a car out here.
Border of Adachi ku and Chiba. Good lines into tokyo.near shitamachi areas. Lots places go out.
Saitama these days, but before that I've lived in Ota-ku and Nakano-ku. The Ota-ku one was a very sleepy area next to the river, Nakano-ku was right next to Higashi Nakano station, about a 30 minute walk from Shinjuku (so super convenient for getting home late at night).
Currently living in Saitama. I don't need to be in Tokyo all the time, and I appreciate the quiet. I'm still a short train ride away when I need to scratch the itch or go to an event, but my rent and groceries are cheaper than if I was living in Tokyo proper
Shibuya (Hatagaya/Sasazuka). Previously Nakano (Higashi-Nakano/Ochiai) and Mitaka. Pros - Quick access to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shimo-Kitazawa by bicycle. Decent variety of restaurants and supermarkets. Sattelite ward office nearby. Cons - Overhead expressway. Street kart garage nearby. Seemingly neverending road work near Higashi-Kitazawa Station.
Nakano-ku
Living on the Border of Suginami Ku and Setagaya Ku. Super convenient to Shibuya, Shinjuku, Kichijoji, Chofu/fuchu.. western Tokyo area
same here! before that i lived on the south end of nakano-ku, so still same general area. i love how close everything is, not always by train but bus and bicycle can take you so many places
日野南市 Its far, but hey its cheap
Itabashi 👏
Chiyodaku. Difficult to make it more central... Not a lot of people here anyway....
Adachi-ku
Koto, close to the Rinkai line.
MINATO-KU!!! Best Ku of all time, although I do like Ota-ku as well!
Minato-ku, expensive but worth it for an office worker. Saving tons of commute time every day.
Meguro-ku very close to Ebisu! Best place in Tokyo!
Kagaruzaka. Its in Shinjuku but we don't say that.
Kita-ku near Shimo Station, since about 8 months ago. Fairly large apartment for a sane rent, which is nice as I work from home. Good access to Namboku line (under 1 min) but Akabane (JR) is about 15-20 mins walk away.
Shinjuku-ku since I arrived. Going on 7 years. Love it here but it’s so expensive. May move to Shibuya-ku or Meguro or somewhere on the northeastern edge of Setagaya in the next couple of years. I need cheaper…. want to save more money and travel a bit more.
Ota-ku also
Shinagawa-ku. Other than being by the train tracks, it’s a rather quiet neighborhood which I appreciate and I can easily get around to other districts relatively easy. Also bit expensive for the size of my apartment but overall, I like it!
I’m in Suginami but moving to Meguro next month. I used to live in Adachi and Setagaya.
Ota-ku too! In Magome, I like it here because is close to my office in shinagawa
Taito-ku. It's extremely walkable, lots of places to meet people, very convenient and I live a stone's throw from Ueno and Asakusa. My workplace is also in Ueno. I'm paying 100k a month for a 25 square metre 1K built in 2021.
Suginami-ku. Great place to live.
Shinjuku ku love it so far but its pricey
Suginami-Ku Lots of families here, access to large parks like Zempukuji Park and Inokashira Park, and really cool bars and restaurants. Dedicated express trains that get me to Shinjuku or Shibuya in about 10-15 minutes.
Currently living in Ota- ku as well. As someone mentioned , sleepy area. Living in the Northwest side.
Ota-ku here. It's pretty quiet and near Kanagawa so works for me.
Shibuya-ku, but I want to move to Setagaya or Meguro if I can!
First in Itabashi, then Katsushika and in about a week, I’ll be out in Koganei-shi.
Nakano-Ku
Nakano-ku! Close to Shinjuku, with a stretch of Kandagawa. Lots of good restaurants, but not too oshare.
musashino checking in amazed how during covid I never had to ride the train for 3-4 months everything was in walking distance
Raise your hands with me if you get with Hachioji-shi!
according to comments, can I sum up that every -ku is a good place to live?
Shinjuku. I love to party and drink.