10 Best Places to Live in Tokyo for Expats in 2025
更新日
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a city where tradition meets modernity. For expats moving to this vibrant metropolis, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial to making the most of their experience. Each district in Tokyo offers its own unique vibe, catering to diverse lifestyles, preferences, and budgets. Here are the top 10 neighborhoods in Tokyo that are perfect for expats.
1. Shinjuku (新宿): The Heart of Tokyo’s Action
- Atmosphere: Vibrant, lively, central
- Highlights: Kabukicho, skyscrapers, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Transportation: Shinjuku Station (JR Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Toei Oedo Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Professionals, night owls, and city lovers
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥130,000 - ¥150,000
2. Shibuya (渋谷): The Trendsetter’s Paradise
- Atmosphere: Trendy, youthful, vibrant
- Highlights: Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Omotesando, Yoyogi Park
- Transportation: Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, Fukutoshin Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Young professionals, creatives, and students
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥140,000 - ¥160,000
3. Roppongi (六本木): International and Upscale
- Atmosphere: Cosmopolitan, upscale, nightlife-focused
- Highlights: Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, high-end dining
- Transportation: Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Oedo Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Expats, diplomats, and luxury seekers
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥180,000 - ¥200,000
4. Meguro (目黒): Family-Friendly and Relaxed
- Atmosphere: Suburban, green, family-oriented
- Highlights: Meguro River, excellent schools, quiet streets
- Transportation: Meguro Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Families and professionals looking for a quieter lifestyle
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥120,000 - ¥140,000
5. Ebisu (恵比寿): Stylish and Convenient
- Atmosphere: Trendy, sophisticated, foodie haven
- Highlights: Yebisu Garden Place, upscale dining, vibrant nightlife
- Transportation: Ebisu Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Food lovers, professionals, and those who enjoy a stylish city vibe
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥150,000 - ¥170,000
6. Kichijoji (吉祥寺): A Balance of Urban and Nature
- Atmosphere: Creative, relaxed, community-focused
- Highlights: Inokashira Park, quirky shops, vibrant local markets
- Transportation: Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Creatives, families, and those who want a mix of nature and urban life
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥100,000 - ¥120,000
7. Akasaka (赤坂): Business Meets Leisure
- Atmosphere: Central, professional, upscale
- Highlights: Embassies, luxury hotels, high-end restaurants
- Transportation: Akasaka Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Professionals, diplomats, and those who work in Tokyo’s business districts
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥160,000 - ¥180,000
8. Nakameguro (中目黒): Hip and Artistic
- Atmosphere: Trendy, artistic, bohemian
- Highlights: Cherry blossoms along the Meguro River, art galleries, cozy cafes
- Transportation: Nakameguro Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Young professionals, artists, and those who love a creative atmosphere
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥140,000 - ¥160,000
9. Asakusa (浅草): Historical and Cultural
- Atmosphere: Traditional, tourist-friendly, cultural
- Highlights: Senso-ji Temple, Sumida River, traditional shopping streets
- Transportation: Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Expats who love history and tradition, budget-conscious renters
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥90,000 - ¥110,000
10. Shinagawa (品川): Gateway to Tokyo
- Atmosphere: Modern, convenient, practical
- Highlights: Major transport hub (Shinkansen access), family-friendly parks, corporate offices
- Transportation: Shinagawa Station (JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Tokaido Shinkansen, Keikyu Main Line)
- Who Should Live Here: Professionals, frequent travelers, and commuters
- Average Rent for 1LDK: ¥120,000 - ¥140,000
Comparison Table: Best Places to Live in Tokyo
| Neighborhood | Best For | Average Rent (1LDK) | Key Features | Transportation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku (新宿) | Nightlife, professionals | ¥130,000 - ¥150,000 | Entertainment, skyscrapers, Shinjuku Gyoen | Shinjuku Station (JR Yamanote, Marunouchi Line) |
| Shibuya (渋谷) | Young expats, creatives | ¥140,000 - ¥160,000 | Shopping, fashion, nightlife | Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote, Ginza Line) |
| Roppongi (六本木) | Luxury, international community | ¥180,000 - ¥200,000 | Upscale apartments, nightlife, business hubs | Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line, Oedo Line) |
| Meguro (目黒) | Families, quiet living | ¥120,000 - ¥140,000 | Green spaces, excellent schools, peaceful environment | Meguro Station (JR Yamanote, Namboku Line) |
| Ebisu (恵比寿) | Food lovers, professionals | ¥150,000 - ¥170,000 | Gourmet restaurants, stylish city vibe | Ebisu Station (JR Yamanote, Hibiya Line) |
| Kichijoji (吉祥寺) | Families, nature lovers | ¥100,000 - ¥120,000 | Inokashira Park, community markets | Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo, Inokashira Line) |
| Akasaka (赤坂) | Business professionals, diplomats | ¥160,000 - ¥180,000 | Corporate offices, embassies, luxury hotels | Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line) |
| Nakameguro (中目黒) | Artists, young professionals | ¥140,000 - ¥160,000 | Hip cafes, cherry blossoms, boutique shops | Nakameguro Station (Hibiya Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line) |
| Asakusa (浅草) | Culture lovers, budget renters | ¥90,000 - ¥110,000 | Traditional Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple, local markets | Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Asakusa Line) |
| Shinagawa (品川) | Commuters, professionals | ¥120,000 - ¥140,000 | Major transport hub, Shinkansen access | Shinagawa Station (JR Yamanote, Keikyu Main Line) |
Which neighborhood choose to live in Tokyo ?
Whether you prefer the bustling nightlife of Shinjuku, the trendy atmosphere of Shibuya, or the suburban calm of Meguro, Tokyo has a neighborhood that fits every lifestyle. Looking for an apartment? See our essential article on 4 things to know before renting an apartment
