So you’re thinking about moving to Tokyo with kids, or maybe you’re already here and wondering if you picked the right neighborhood? Tokyo can be fantastic for families with kids if you know where to look.
Sure, you are going to pay more for a home than you would in suburban areas almost anywhere else, and yes, navigating the school system can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded when you first get here. But you’ll also find neighborhoods with more parks than you can count, international communities that actually function like communities, and a level of safety so you don’t have to worry about your kids walking to school alone from elementary age.
This guide is based on what families living in Tokyo have to say, and written from the experiences of families who’ve done it; parents who’ve navigated the apartment or house hunt with strollers in tow, figured out which train lines work with school schedules, and discovered which neighborhoods have the secret playgrounds that aren’t overrun on weekends.
Below are the ten best neighborhoods in Tokyo for families with kids.
1. Hiroo
Hiroo is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Tokyo. Walk around Hiroo and you’ll hear more English than Japanese on some streets, not because it’s touristy, but because this is where embassies and multinational companies house their executives.
Hiroo is the place where the local supermarket stocks maple syrup and peanut butter without marking them up 300%, and where finding a babysitter who speaks your native language isn’t a miracle.
Hiroo doesn’t apologize for being expensive, and honestly, most families living here aren’t looking for bargains anyway. What they’re paying for is convenience wrapped in international comfort, think English-speaking businesses, medical clinics where you don’t need a translator, and schools within walking distance. The neighborhood has this uniquely global atmosphere that feels less like “living abroad” and more like “living in an international city that happens to be in Japan.”
The area centers around a few key streets lined with upscale shops, international restaurants, and the famous National Azabu supermarket, where expat families do their weekly shopping.
Step away from the main drags and you’ll find tree-lined residential streets dotted with low-rise apartments and the occasional embassy compound, all within easy reach of some of Tokyo’s best parks.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- International School of the Sacred Heart and Nishimachi International School within walking distance
- Multiple international school bus pickup points throughout the area
- High-quality Japanese schools for families pursuing bilingual education
Parks & Recreation:
- Arisugawa Park with playground, duck pond, and English-language library
- Easy access to Tokyo Midtown and Imperial Palace East Gardens
- Regular embassy garden events and international community activities
Transportation:
- Hibiya Line direct access plus multiple bus routes
- Walking distance to Roppongi Hills and major business districts
- International school buses and English-speaking taxi services readily available
Cost of Living:
- Premium pricing: 3LDK apartments typically ¥500,000-800,000/month
- Mix of luxury options including famous Hiroo Garden Hills with Western-style layouts
- Higher costs but includes extensive English-language services and international amenities
2. Sangenjaya
If you want that perfect blend of trendy Tokyo energy and actual family livability, Sangenjaya might just be your sweet spot. This area has this wonderful buzzing-but-not-overwhelming vibe where young families mix with creative types, and somehow it all works without feeling forced.
You’ve got the kind of streets where kids can safely walk to the local convenience store, but you’re also surrounded by enough interesting cafés, restaurants, and shops that you never feel like you’re stuck in suburban isolation.
What makes Sangenjaya special for families is how it manages to feel authentically Tokyo while still being practical for daily life with kids. The area around the main station has enough energy to keep things interesting like small live music venues, independent bookshops, casual izakayas, but step a few blocks away and you’ll find quiet residential streets with actual houses (not just apartment blocks) and neighborhood parks where kids can play.
You get excellent access to the rest of the city via multiple train lines, plenty of local amenities within walking distance, and that sense of community that’s getting harder to find in more international or upscale areas.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- Good access to international schools via train connections to central Tokyo
- Quality local Japanese schools with growing international support
- Multiple after-school programs and children’s activities in the area
Parks & Recreation:
- Setagaya Park nearby with large playground and sports facilities
- Multiple small neighborhood parks scattered throughout residential streets
- Close to larger Kinuta Park via short train or bus ride
Transportation:
- Tokyu Denentoshi Line for direct access to Shibuya (11 minutes)
- Tokyu Setagaya Line (tram) for local neighborhood connections
- Multiple bus routes connecting to other parts of Setagaya
Cost of Living:
- Good value: 3LDK family apartments ¥280,000-450,000/month
- More affordable than central international areas while maintaining urban convenience
- Mix of older apartments and newer family-friendly buildings
3. Naka-Meguro
Naka-Meguro is what happens when Tokyo gets gentrification exactly right. This riverside neighborhood has quietly become the darling of young Tokyo families who want to feel like they’re living somewhere special without having to explain to their kids why they can’t touch anything in the local shops.
The area centers around the beautiful Meguro River, which transforms into one of Tokyo’s most spectacular cherry blossom tunnels every spring. The riverside location creates this surprisingly peaceful atmosphere right in the middle of the city. You’ve got tree-lined walking paths perfect for stroller walks, plus enough stylish cafés and boutiques that you actually want to spend time in your neighborhood rather than just sleep there.
What draws families here is the sense that Naka-Meguro figured out how to be cool and practical at the same time. The station area buzzes with energy with independent coffee roasters, design shops, and galleries, and the residential streets feel calm and safe. It’s become a favorite among international families who want urban sophistication without the full expat bubble experience, and Japanese families who prioritize quality of life over maximizing space.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- Easy access to international schools via excellent Yamanote and subway connections
- Strong local Japanese schools with some international support programs
- Growing number of bilingual after-school programs in the area
Parks & Recreation:
- Meguro River cherry blossom promenade (famous throughout Tokyo)
- Naka-Meguro Park with playground and riverside location
- Walking distance to larger Komazawa Olympic Park
- Close to trendy Daikanyama and family-friendly Jiyugaoka
Transportation:
- Yamanote Line (major advantage for getting anywhere in Tokyo)
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line for direct subway access
- Multiple bus routes and very walkable neighborhood
Cost of Living:
- Premium but reasonable: 3LDK family apartments ¥350,000-550,000/month
- Higher than outer areas but good value for the location and lifestyle
- Mix of newer family buildings and converted older apartments
4. Roppongi/Akasaka
Sure, Roppongi still has its nightlife reputation, but during daylight hours it’s also surprisingly family-friendly and we’re talking legitimately good for kids, not just “tolerable if you squint.”
The secret? All those international businesses and embassies that moved in brought their families, and those families demanded the infrastructure to match. Now you’ve got more English-friendly restaurants per square block than anywhere else in Tokyo, plus parks, cultural activities, and services that just work without requiring a Japanese translator.
What makes this area special for families is the sheer density of international amenities. Need a pediatrician who speaks your language? Got it. Want restaurants where your picky eater can actually find something familiar? Sorted. Looking for activities that don’t require you to mime your way through explanations? They’re everywhere.
It’s not cheap, but for families who prioritize convenience and English-language everything, it’s hard to beat. The area feels distinctly cosmopolitan in a way that goes beyond just having international residents.
It’s designed for people from everywhere, which shows in everything from the multilingual signage to the fact that you can get decent Mexican food here.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- Multiple international school bus routes converge here
- Azabu International School nearby, plus easy access to embassy educational programs
- High concentration of international after-school programs and tutoring
Parks & Recreation:
- Beautiful parks and playgrounds including access to Arisugawa Park
- Tokyo Tower, Mori Art Museum family programs, Robot Park for tech-minded kids
- Multiple indoor family entertainment centers for rainy days
Transportation:
- Hibiya, Chiyoda, and Oedo lines with central location advantages
- Excellent taxi availability with English-speaking drivers
- Easy access to all major Tokyo districts
Cost of Living:
- Premium pricing: 3LDK apartments ¥600,000-900,000/month
- Higher restaurant and entertainment costs but unmatched convenience
- Limited availability of larger family apartments due to central location
5. Nishikasai
If you’re looking for international community vibes without the Hiroo price tag, Nishikasai might be the neighborhood for you. This area has quietly become Tokyo’s most diverse neighborhood, where Indian families mix with Chinese expats and the occasional Western family who’s figured out that you can get way more bang for your buck out here.
Nishikasai is not central, sure, but it’s also not complicated. You hop on the Tozai Line and you’re in the heart of Tokyo in less time than it takes to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
What’s fascinating about Nishikasai is how it’s built this genuinely multicultural atmosphere without feeling like an artificial expat enclave. You’ve got authentic Indian restaurants next to Chinese supermarkets next to family-friendly izakayas, and somehow it all just works.
Kids grow up here hearing multiple languages on the playground, which is either your dream or your nightmare, depending on your perspective on raising global citizens.
The families who love it here are typically those who prioritize value and community over location prestige. You get larger apartments, reasonable prices, and a neighborhood that’s actually set up for families with kids; think wide sidewalks, multiple parks, and the kind of local shops where the owners remember your name.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- Growing number of international school options in surrounding area
- Expanding English-language after-school programs and international school bus routes
- Strong Japanese public schools with increasing international support
Parks & Recreation:
- Kasai Rinkai Park nearby with aquarium and beach access
- Multiple modern neighborhood parks with updated playground equipment
- Close proximity to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
Transportation:
- Tozai Line provides 16-minute direct access to Tokyo Station
- Multiple bus routes connecting to major shopping and business areas
- Direct airport connections via train
Cost of Living:
- Excellent value: 3LDK apartments ¥150,000-300,000/month
- Significantly lower restaurant and daily living costs
- Larger family apartments available at very reasonable rates
Here’s Azabu-Juban specifically:
6. Azabu-Juban
Azabu-Juban is where Tokyo’s international families have been living the good life since before most other neighborhoods even knew what “expat-friendly” meant. This is old-school international Tokyo, the kind of place where embassy families set up house, where you can find proper international groceries without hunting through three different stores, and where the local restaurants actually understand what “no spicy” means when you’re ordering for your kids.
What makes Azabu-Juban special isn’t just that it’s international; it’s that it’s been international for so long that all the infrastructure actually works. You’ve got medical clinics where the staff speak multiple languages naturally, not as a special service. The local shops stock Western products because they’ve been serving international families for decades, not because they’re trying to attract tourists.
The area has this established, confident feel that comes from being Tokyo’s original expat neighborhood. The trade-off is obvious: you pay premium prices for this level of convenience and community, but for many families, the peace of mind is worth every yen.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- Multiple international schools within easy reach including Nishimachi International School
- Well-established international school bus routes throughout the area
- Strong network of international tutoring and enrichment programs
Parks & Recreation:
- Beautiful Arisugawa Park with English-language library and playground
- Regular embassy cultural events and international community activities
- Walking distance to Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills family attractions
Transportation:
- Namboku and Oedo subway lines for comprehensive Tokyo access
- Multiple bus routes including international school transportation
- Central location with easy access to business districts and airports
Cost of Living:
- Premium international pricing: 3LDK family apartments ¥600,000-950,000/month
- High-end international services including grocery delivery and bilingual support
- Established international amenities with decades of family-focused infrastructure
7. Kichijoji
Ask Tokyoites to name the most liveable neighborhood in the city, and Kichijoji wins the poll. There’s something about this place that just works; it’s got this perfect blend of quirky local charm and urban convenience that makes both Japanese families and the growing international community feel right at home.
You can grab artisanal coffee from a hole-in-the-wall café, browse vintage shops that actually have good stuff, and still make it to central Tokyo in under 30 minutes when work calls. What makes Kichijoji special for families is that it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard.
The neighborhood has this organic, lived-in quality where street festivals happen naturally, local shop owners remember your kids’ names, and you bump into the same families at the weekend farmers market. It’s the anti-Hiroo: instead of international luxury, you get authentic Tokyo neighborhood life that happens to be incredibly family-friendly.
The crown jewel is obviously Inokashira Park, but the real magic happens in the small moments: watching your kids make friends with Japanese children at the local playground, discovering that tiny ramen shop that becomes your family’s weekly tradition, or stumbling onto a street performance that turns into an impromptu family outing.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- International Christian University nearby with strong educational reputation
- Growing international after-school programs and weekend language schools
- Easy access to central Tokyo international schools via JR Chuo Line
Parks & Recreation:
- Inokashira Park perfect for family picnics, boat rides, and weekend festivals
- Ghibli Museum within walking distance (advance booking essential)
- Active local arts scene with family-friendly galleries and regular street festivals
Transportation:
- JR Chuo Line providing direct access to central Tokyo business districts
- Keio Inokashira Line for easy connection to Shibuya
- Bike-friendly streets and infrastructure throughout the neighborhood
Cost of Living:
- Good value: 3LDK apartments ¥250,000-450,000/month
- Reasonable family dining and entertainment options
- Mix of housing from traditional Japanese to modern family apartments
8. Nakano
Nakano is one of those neighborhoods that surprises a lot of foreigners. It looks ordinary from the outside, but families who live here swear by its combination of urban convenience and unexpected green spaces.
Despite being densely packed (this is Tokyo, after all), Nakano has managed to maintain a surprisingly family-friendly atmosphere with more parks than you’d expect and the kind of local community feeling that’s getting harder to find in the more central districts.
What draws families here is pure practicality: you get good access to central Tokyo without paying central Tokyo prices, plenty of family amenities within walking distance, and a neighborhood that’s set up for daily life with kids. We’re talking multiple train stations so you’re never stuck with just one option, enough medical facilities that you don’t panic when someone gets sick, and the kind of local shopping streets where running errands with a stroller isn’t an exercise in frustration.
The area has this working-family vibe that’s refreshingly unpretentious. You won’t find luxury international services here, but you will find solid public schools, reliable pediatric clinics, and the kind of neighborhood festivals where your kids can participate without feeling like outsiders.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- Quality Japanese schools with growing international support programs
- Multiple international after-school and weekend education programs
- Easy commute to central Tokyo international schools via excellent train connections
Parks & Recreation:
- Tetsugakudo Park (philosophy-themed with unique features that kids love)
- Nakano Central Park with modern playground equipment and open spaces
- Nakano Broadway for unique shopping and family entertainment
Transportation:
- Excellent connectivity with 12 train stations throughout the ward
- JR Chuo Line for direct central Tokyo access plus multiple subway options
- Well-developed bus network for local transportation
Cost of Living:
- Affordable: 3LDK apartments ¥180,000-350,000/month
- Reasonable dining and shopping costs with good family-friendly options
- Excellent value for families prioritizing accessibility and practical amenities
9. Yoyogi
Yoyogi is literally next door to all of Shibuya’s urban energy, but your kids get to grow up with one of Tokyo’s most famous parks as their backyard. It’s the neighborhood choice of families who want the full Tokyo experience without feeling like they’re raising their children in a concrete jungle. Sunday mornings here mean family picnics in Yoyogi Park while street performers and artists create this amazing backdrop that makes ordinary weekends feel special.
What makes Yoyogi work for families is how it balances urban convenience with actual livability. You can walk to Shibuya’s shopping and restaurants in 10 minutes when you want city excitement, but you can also send your kids to play in 134 acres of green space when they need to burn energy. The residential streets have this calm, tree-lined quality that feels surprisingly peaceful considering you’re in the heart of Tokyo’s most famous districts.
The families who thrive here are typically those who see the city as an adventure rather than something to hide from. Your kids grow up thinking it’s totally normal to have world-class museums, concert venues, and cultural events within walking distance, while still having space to ride bikes and play outside. It’s urban family life at its best, though you’ll pay for the privilege.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- Easy access to international schools throughout central Tokyo via excellent transportation
- Quality local Japanese schools with some international programs
- Close to Yoyogi International School and other bilingual education options
Parks & Recreation:
- Yoyogi Park’s 134 acres with playgrounds, sports facilities, and weekend festivals
- Meiji Shrine grounds for quiet nature walks and cultural experiences
- Regular street performances and cultural events throughout the area
Transportation:
- Multiple JR lines including Yamanote Line for access to all Tokyo areas
- Subway connections via nearby Shinjuku and Shibuya stations
- Walking distance to major shopping and business districts
Cost of Living:
- Premium urban pricing: 3LDK family apartments ¥500,000-800,000/month
- Higher costs but exceptional urban convenience and cultural access
- Limited larger family apartments due to prime central location
10. Ueno
Ueno is the neighborhood for families who want culture to be part of their daily lives, not something they schedule for special occasions. This area is essentially Tokyo’s cultural district, wrapped in an accessible and family-friendly package.
Your kids grow up with world-class museums as their local hangouts, pandas as their neighborhood celebrities, and enough cultural activities to keep curious minds busy for years.
The families who choose Ueno tend to prioritize educational opportunities and cultural enrichment over trendy cafés or international amenities. It’s not that those things don’t exist here, they do, but they’re not the main draw. What you get instead is affordable access to some of Tokyo’s most important cultural institutions, a genuine sense of history and tradition, and a community that values learning and exploration.
Ueno works exceptionally well for families with older kids who can appreciate museums, cultural sites, and the kind of experiences that build lifelong interests. It’s also one of the better value propositions in central Tokyo that offers excellent transportation and cultural access without the premium prices of more internationally-focused neighborhoods.
Major Highlights:
Schools:
- Access to international schools via excellent Yamanote Line transportation
- Strong Japanese schools with cultural and educational emphasis
- Multiple cultural education opportunities through world-class museums
Parks & Recreation:
- Ueno Park featuring zoo, museums, and seasonal festivals
- Tokyo National Museum and multiple world-class cultural institutions
- Regular cultural festivals and events throughout the year
Transportation:
- Major transportation hub on Yamanote Line plus bullet train access
- Multiple subway lines providing comprehensive Tokyo connectivity
- Direct airport access and connections to all major business districts
Cost of Living:
- Good value: 3LDK apartments ¥220,000-400,000/month
- More affordable than central international districts
- Reasonable family dining options though fewer international choices
- Excellent value for families prioritizing cultural access and transportation
Key Decision Factors for Families Moving to Tokyo
After talking to dozens of families across Tokyo, certain themes keep coming up in every conversation.
Here’s what parents wish they’d known before signing their first lease.
Transportation
“If you’re near the Yamanote line, it’s really easy to get around”. This came up in practically every family discussion we found. But it’s not just about convenience; it’s about backup options. When one line goes down (and they do), you want alternatives that don’t involve a 45-minute detour through three transfers.
For international families, school bus routes often become the deciding factor. That perfect apartment loses its appeal fast when you realize the international school bus doesn’t run to your area, turning your peaceful morning routine into a daily logistics nightmare.
And here’s something nobody tells you until you’re deep in the stroller-wrestling trenches: elevator access at stations isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
School Expenses
Let’s talk numbers that actually matter. International school fees typically run ¥2-3 million annually per child (often more than rent). Once you factor that in, the neighborhood cost calculation changes completely.
Suddenly, paying extra for Setagaya or Meguro makes sense when you’re getting better space for your money compared to central areas where you’d be cramped anyway.
Nishikasai keeps coming up as the smart money choice for families who want international community feel without the Hiroo price tag. It’s proof that you don’t need to blow your entire budget on location if you’re willing to add 20 minutes to your commute.
Community
The Tokyo Mothers Group (over 2,000 members strong) isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s often the difference between thriving and just surviving as an international family. Every neighborhood we recommend has active area-specific playgroups and meetups that become essential for both kids and parents.
Here’s what veteran expat parents emphasize: language exchange groups aren’t just about maintaining bilingualism; they’re about building the kind of deep community connections that make Tokyo feel like home rather than just a temporary assignment.
Safety
Every single parent we heard from agreed on this: “There are no really dangerous places in Tokyo to stay with children.” This is liberating in a way that’s hard to explain if you’ve never lived somewhere else.
Your biggest safety concern will be teaching your kids to look both ways before crossing, not whether your neighborhood is safe enough for them to walk to school.
The 24/7 convenience stores and koban (small police boxes) scattered everywhere provide a safety net that becomes invisible until you realize how much mental space it frees up to not constantly worry about your kids’ physical safety.
Neighborhoods To Avoid
Based on consistent feedback from families who’ve tried them:
Central Shinjuku gets overwhelming fast with young children. The crowds, noise, and general chaos that make it exciting for adults become exhausting when you’re managing kids and strollers daily.
Asakusa has charm, but the practical family infrastructure just isn’t there—limited playgrounds, fewer family-friendly restaurants, and transportation that requires more planning than busy parents want to deal with.
Odaiba seems family-friendly on paper with its attractions and waterfront location, but the transportation connectivity issues make it feel isolated for daily life. Great for weekend visits, challenging for everyday living.
The Bottom Line
Tokyo can be an incredible place to raise kids, but the neighborhood you choose will make or break that experience. The families who love living here are the ones who picked areas that matched their actual priorities.
Don’t overthink it. Almost anywhere on this list will work if you’re flexible and realistic about trade-offs. The neighborhood matters less than finding a community of families facing the same daily challenges you are. Tokyo has a way of surprising you with how well things can work out, even when they’re not exactly what you originally planned.
Start with your non-negotiables—such as school access, budget limits, and commute requirements, and work from there. The perfect Tokyo neighborhood for your family is probably different from what you think it should be, and that’s perfectly fine.
Ready to find your family’s perfect Tokyo home? Tokyo Portfolio specializes in helping international families navigate Tokyo’s real estate market for rentals, purchases, and sales. Contact us today for a free consultation.
