If you’re thinking about moving to Tokyo or investing in a property here, safety is probably at the top of your mind. The good news? Tokyo is one of the world’s safest major cities, but some wards stand out even more.
Based on 2025 crime statistics, I’ve put together this guide to Tokyo’s 10 safest neighborhoods, perfect for families, professionals, or anyone looking for peace of mind alongside their morning coffee.
1. Bunkyo Ward
Bunkyo leads Tokyo’s safety rankings with a 0.34% crime rate. The ward is home to prestigious universities including Tokyo University, medical institutions like Juntendo University Hospital, and cultural treasures such as Rikugien Garden.
Located within the Yamanote Line loop, Bunkyo offers exceptional educational opportunities in neighborhoods like Hongo and Hakusan. The area around Koishikawa features the historic Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and proximity to Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex.
With no JR stations but six subway lines providing access to major business districts in under 10 minutes, Bunkyo attracts affluent families seeking quality schools and professionals valuing convenient commutes. Average annual household income ranks fifth among Tokyo’s 23 wards at 5.44 million yen.
2. Suginami Ward
Recording a 0.35% crime rate, Suginami balances residential tranquility with creative energy. The ward spans from artistic Koenji, known for vintage shops and the massive Koenji Awa Odori festival attracting 1.2 million visitors annually, to family-oriented Ogikubo with its renowned ramen shops.
Home to over 70 animation studios including Bones and Sunrise, Suginami has earned its reputation as an anime production hub. The JR Chuo Line provides direct access to Shinjuku in 15 minutes, while the Keio and Tokyo Metro lines serve other neighborhoods.
Areas like Asagaya offer jazz venues and traditional shopping streets, while Nishi-Ogikubo attracts antique collectors. With approximately 582,000 residents, housing remains relatively affordable compared to central Tokyo.
3. Nerima Ward
Nerima maintains a 0.38% crime rate while offering Tokyo’s most spacious residential environment. As the birthplace of Japanese animation, hosting Toei Animation Museum and over 100 animation companies, Nerima combines cultural significance with family appeal.
The ward provides 48 square kilometers of land, second only to Ota Ward, with 61.9% designated as residential. Notable areas include Oizumi-gakuen with its upscale housing, Shakujii Park area offering 58 hectares of green space, and Hikarigaoka featuring modern apartment complexes.
Eight railway lines serve the ward, including four Seibu lines and the Toei Oedo Line. Property prices average 30-80 million yen for pre-owned condominiums, making Nerima attractive for families seeking space without sacrificing urban access.
4. Setagaya Ward
Setagaya is Tokyo’s most populous ward with 940,000 residents, which recorded a 0.42% crime rate. The ward has diverse neighborhoods from trendy Shimokitazawa with its theaters and vintage shops to upscale Futako-Tamagawa featuring riverside parks and shopping complexes.
Sangenjaya attracts young professionals with its dining scene, while prestigious Seijo maintains its exclusive residential character. International families favor areas near The British School and St. Mary’s International School. Transportation includes the Odakyu, Keio, and Tokyu lines, placing Shibuya and Shinjuku within 5-30 minutes.
The ward offers abundant sports facilities, with Kinuta Park and the Tama River providing recreational space. Property values remain stable in luxury areas, with family-sized rentals characterizing the market.
5. Shinagawa Ward
With a 0.43% crime rate, Shinagawa balances business as well as the residential appeal. The waterfront district features modern developments around Tennozu Isle and the Konan area, home to corporate headquarters including Sony, Adobe Systems, and Siemens.
Traditional neighborhoods like Gotenyama and Ikedayama maintain their high-end residential status, while areas around Oimachi and Togoshi offer more affordable options. The ward’s 17,413 residents per square kilometer include 12,526 foreign residents. Shinagawa Station, though technically in Minato Ward, serves as a major transportation hub with Shinkansen access.
Future development includes the Chuo Shinkansen maglev terminal by 2027. Shopping streets like Togoshi Ginza and waterfront parks enhance livability for the ward’s 390,397 residents.
6. Itabashi Ward
Itabashi recorded a 0.44% crime rate through community-focused urban planning. Located on Tokyo’s northern edge, the ward attracts families and students with affordable housing options averaging 600,000 yen per square meter.
Recent transportation improvements and ongoing redevelopment projects signal growth potential. The ward features multiple shopping centers, parks, and a strong community atmosphere that appeals to long-term residents.
Proximity to Saitama Prefecture provides additional residential options while maintaining access to central Tokyo. Local initiatives focus on creating family-friendly public spaces and improving infrastructure. The mix of older apartment buildings and new developments offers housing choices across price ranges.
7. Ota Ward
Ota Ward combines industrial heritage with residential growth and has a 0.45% crime rate. As Tokyo’s largest ward by area at 59.46 square kilometers, Ota encompasses Haneda Airport and diverse neighborhoods.
The manufacturing sector remains strong, supporting local employment and economic stability. Kamata serves as a major commercial center, while quieter residential areas provide family housing. The ward’s role as Tokyo’s gateway through Haneda Airport drives infrastructure investment and international connections.
Parks and community facilities balance industrial zones, creating livable neighborhoods for working families. Transportation options include multiple JR and private railway lines connecting to central Tokyo.
8. Adachi Ward
Adachi Ward shows significant improvement with a 0.46% crime rate, reflecting successful urban renewal efforts. New residential developments and community projects transform formerly industrial areas into family-friendly neighborhoods.
The Adachi Fish Market and Nishiarai Daishi Temple preserve traditional Tokyo culture while modern amenities attract younger residents. Transportation improvements connect the ward to central Tokyo more efficiently than before. Green spaces and recreational facilities support the growing population of families and elderly residents.
Affordable housing options and increasing commercial development make Adachi an emerging residential choice. Community safety initiatives and infrastructure upgrades continue to enhance the ward’s appeal.
9. Koto Ward
Koto Ward demonstrates urban evolution with a 0.48% crime rate. The Tokyo Bay waterfront features contemporary architecture and large-scale developments transforming former industrial land. Traditional neighborhoods preserve historical sites while new residential towers attract international residents.
The ward hosts Olympic legacy facilities and expansive parks along the bay. Transportation infrastructure includes multiple subway lines and proximity to business districts. Mixed-use developments combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The balance between preservation and modernization creates diverse living options for various demographics.
10. Edogawa Ward
With a 0.49% crime rate, Edogawa Ward prioritizes family living. Educational institutions range from elementary schools to universities, supporting multi-generational households. Kasai Rinkai Park offers 80 hectares of waterfront recreation including Tokyo Sea Life Park aquarium.
The ward’s eastern location provides more affordable housing while maintaining urban connectivity. Rivers and green spaces create a suburban atmosphere within Tokyo’s boundaries. Community programs and public facilities serve the ward’s family-oriented population. Strategic location near both Chiba Prefecture and central Tokyo offers residential flexibility.
Conclusion
Tokyo presents distinct residential options for various lifestyles and budgets. From Bunkyo’s academic atmosphere to Edogawa’s family focus, each ward offers specific advantages for residents and investors.
Crime rates below 0.5% across these ten wards demonstrate Tokyo’s overall safety, while individual characteristics like transportation access, educational facilities, and housing costs create unique investment opportunities.
