Central Tokyo offers many conveniences, but space is at a premium.
Life is all about trade-offs, and one of the most important considerations you can make when choosing where to live in the greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area is whether to select a neighborhood in the heart of the city or settle in the sub- or even ex-burbs.
To help you to make a well-thought-out, balanced decision, please consider the pros and cons of both options.
Pros of Living Right Downtown
There are many advantages to living right “in the thick of things.”
Unless you are comfortable spending a significant percentage of your waking hours riding a packed train, the simple convenience of living downtown is hard to resist.
Convenience
The central wards of Tokyo, such as Chiyoda, Chuo, and Minato, are well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to get around the city.
While more flexible work schedules—including the ability to work remotely on certain days at least a few times per month—certainly have helped to reduce rush hour congestion, living close to work still has its perks and helps to improve overall QOL.
At the very least, it may help to keep your office job from becoming a grind.
Cool Factor
Let’s be brutally honest.
Plenty of people yearn to have a recognizable address (e.g., Azabujuban, Shoto, Hiroo, etc.). Living just a short walk from Harajuku would be cool if you can afford it, or rolling out of bed to head over to a coffee shop in Daikanyama.
Access to Amenities
The central wards have many shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities, so you will not have to travel far to get what you need.
If membership—along with all of its perks—to the Tokyo American Club (TAC) is important for you, then you probably want to be able to spend as much time there rather than just trying to get there either by car or public transportation.
That means living in a neighborhood relatively close to Roppongi.
Cultural Attractions
The central wards are also home to many cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, large-scale festivals, and historical sites, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore Tokyo’s rich history and culture.
Some of the most famous festivals occur in or near Shitamachi on the Eastern edge of Tokyo. These include the Kanda Matsuri, held every two years in mid-May, and feature a procession of portable shrines, taiko drummers, and dancers.
The Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most famous festivals, featuring colorful parades and traditional Shinto rituals. It is also near the best place to see the giant Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which is held in late July or early August.
These are just a few examples, but if traditional festivals are your thing, you might check out Shitamachi between Kanda and Asakusa and the areas on the eastern banks of the Sumida River.
International Community
If you aspire to live near other foreigners, you might want to check out certain areas that attract relatively large numbers of certain nationalities.
In general, some of the wards with larger foreign populations include:
- Taito: Taito Ward has a large number of foreign residents due to its popularity among tourists and students. Many of the foreign residents in Taito are from China, South Korea, and Taiwan.
- Shinjuku: Shinjuku Ward is a popular area for foreign residents due to its central location and employment opportunities. The ward has a diverse population, with significant numbers of Chinese, South Korean, and Filipino residents.
- Minato: Minato Ward has many foreign residents due to its concentration of international businesses and embassies. The majority are from the United States, China, and South Korea. Shibuya and Meguro also attract many of the same groups of foreign nationals.
- Setagaya: Setagaya Ward is a popular residential area for foreign families, and many international schools are located in this part of the city. The largest groups of foreign residents in Setagaya are from the United States, China, and South Korea.
- Chiyoda: Chiyoda Ward is home to many government agencies and cultural institutions, and it has a significant foreign population due to its popularity among diplomats and researchers. The largest groups of foreign residents in Chiyoda are from the United States, China, and South Korea.
Especially depending upon one’s stage in life, household composition, etc., there are, however, a few drawbacks to consider.
Cons of Living Right Downtown
Living in the middle of Tokyo is not all a bed of roses.
High Cost of Living
Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and the central wards are no exception.
You can expect to pay a premium for housing, food, and other expenses. Your cost of living will subsequently increase if you live in Central Tokyo.
A general rule of thumb is that the closer you get to the Imperial Palace, the higher the cost per square meter and rent.
Limited Living Space
Housing in the central wards can be quite small, especially if you are on a budget.
When we say “small,” we are talking about an apartment that may not be more than 80 square meters (approximately 860 square feet), which may be a lot less space than you may be used to.
First, you would be lucky to find anything like this, but apartment sizes of 200 square meters (2,150 square feet) would come at a substantial price premium.
Crowding
The central wards can be crowded, especially during rush hour, making getting around challenging. The rush hour traffic can be a nightmare if you plan to drive a car.
If a visiting dignitary is in town, security measures often lead to road blockages.
Of course, the convenient, relatively clean, and safe subway system provides a convenient, inexpensive solution to such problems.
Limited Exposure to Green Spaces
While there are a few exceptions, relatively large-scale parks suitable for sports, going on a picnic, etc., are few and far between in the city’s center.
In contrast, Setagaya Ward, a quieter residential area, is popular among families, offering a more relaxed pace of life. It is also home to many international schools and parks, some of which are quite large.
Noise Pollution
The central wards are also quite noisy, with busy streets and trains passing through all hours of the day and night. There are many large-scale hospitals right downtown, too.
Thus, be prepared to hear ambulance sirens at all hours. Remember that most road construction downtown tends to take place at night to reduce congestion.
That said, Japanese construction crews are excellent about keeping the noise down—especially at night—but it will certainly not be as quiet as the countryside.
Language Barrier
While many people in Tokyo speak English, you may still encounter language barriers, especially if you venture outside touristy areas.
The suburban and so-called exurban areas of Tokyo may still seem fairly urban, but the further away from the center of the city that you go, you will generally benefit from larger living areas, more park space, less congested traffic, etc.
Consider the Tama Region of Tokyo on the far western edge of the city.
Also, the area between Tokyo and Yokohama—especially near the Tamagawa River, may yield a few more options with a little extra space and not cost an arm and a leg.
Opportunities for Long-Distance Commuting to Central Tokyo
While your company may not be willing to cover the cost, it is now possible to commute into central Tokyo by shinkansen (新幹線), the bullet train, and other high-speed trains.
If you are willing to put up with a commute similar to the average one-way commuting time of 1 hour 16 minutes, it is now possible to live up to 150 km (approximately 93 miles) away from the center of the city by traveling via the Tokaido, Nagano, Joetsu, or Tohoku bullet trains.
That opens up many more possibilities, such as the resort towns of Karuizawa and Nasushiobara in the mountains and Atami on the ocean.
Determining where would be the best place to live in Japan is a highly personal process.
By considering various factors, which often change depending on one’s stage in life, it should be possible to find an ideal home in Japan. Let us help you consider the options.