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Best Places to Live in Tokyo (For Expats & Professionals)

Best Places to Live in Tokyo

Choosing the right neighborhood in Tokyo has an outsized impact on your quality of life. For international professionals and families with a comfortable budget, the priorities usually include newer buildings (earthquake safety and insulation), short commutes to business hubs, international schools and services, and a lifestyle that feels both practical and enjoyable. This guide highlights established international areas and newer “executive-friendly” districts—what they feel like day to day, and what you can realistically expect to pay for modern apartments.

What Expats & Professionals Value

  • Safety & Building Quality: Aim for buildings 15 years old or newer with modern seismic standards (look for 耐震 taishin, 制震 seishin, or 免震 menshin structures).
  • Access to Offices: Proximity to Roppongi, Toranomon, Marunouchi/Otemachi, and Shibuya/Omotesando for finance, tech, and consulting hubs.
  • International Conveniences: Bilingual clinics, international supermarkets, embassies, and schools; English-friendly services.
  • Lifestyle Fit: Walkability, dining, cafés, parks, and a community you’ll actually use (gyms, day care, dry cleaning, delivery access).

This guide focuses on the best neighborhoods in Tokyo for expats and where to live in Tokyo as a professional—prioritizing newer, earthquake-resistant apartments and international amenities.

Top Neighborhoods for Expats & Professionals

Rent guidance below covers modern buildings (typically ≤15 years old). Ranges vary by micro-location, building brand, floor, and view.

Hiroo （広尾） — Diplomatic, International, Convenient

Quiet, residential streets a short ride from Roppongi and Azabu. Embassies, international supermarkets (e.g., National Azabu), and bilingual clinics make daily life smooth. A classic favorite for diplomats and international families who want calm but central living.

  • 1LDK: ¥250,000 – ¥400,000
  • 2LDK: ¥400,000 – ¥750,000

Roppongi / Azabu （六本木・麻布） — Global Hub, Luxury Towers, Nightlife

Headquarters, consulates, five-star hotels, and Michelin dining meet high-rise living. Convenience is unmatched; nightlife and traffic are part of the package. Very suitable if you want to be minutes from boardrooms and client dinners.

  • 1LDK: ¥240,000 – ¥420,000
  • 2LDK: ¥420,000 – ¥800,000 +

Toranomon Hills （虎ノ門） — Executive Address, New Urban Core

Tokyo’s modern business district anchored by Toranomon Hills and surrounding redevelopment. Premium residences, direct access to offices, and concierge-level building services. Pricing reflects the prestige and convenience.

  • 1LDK: ¥350,000 – ¥600,000
  • 2LDK: ¥600,000 – ¥1,200,000

Ebisu / Daikanyama （恵比寿・代官山） — Walkable, Stylish, Restaurant-Rich

Both areas offer a European feel with tree-lined streets, cafés, and boutiques. Easy access to Shibuya and Meguro. Popular with executives who want comfort and a social scene without the intensity of Roppongi.

  • 1LDK: ¥220,000 – ¥360,000
  • 2LDK: ¥380,000 – ¥650,000

Nakameguro （中目黒） — Riverside Creative, Modern Low-Rise

Stylish low-rise apartments near the Meguro River, famous for cherry blossoms and a strong café culture. Skews younger executive/creative; quieter side streets provide a retreat with fast access to Shibuya.

  • 1LDK: ¥200,000 – ¥320,000
  • 2LDK: ¥350,000 – ¥580,000

Shirokane / Shirokanedai （白金・白金台） — Quiet, Residential, Upscale

Elegant residential pockets with parks, reputable schools, and newer premium buildings. Great for professionals who want tranquility close to Hiroo and Ebisu. Fewer tourists, more neighborhood life.

  • 1LDK: ¥220,000 – ¥360,000
  • 2LDK: ¥380,000 – ¥650,000

Meguro / Jiyugaoka （目黒・自由が丘） — Livable, Balanced, Family-Friendly

Excellent balance of transport, parks, and daily conveniences. Jiyugaoka adds boutique shopping and cafés; Meguro offers quick links into central Tokyo. Good option if you want comfort without the price spikes of Minato-ku hotspots.

  • 1LDK: ¥190,000 – ¥300,000
  • 2LDK: ¥330,000 – ¥550,000

Kagurazaka （神楽坂） — Historic Meets Modern, Central but Calm

Stone-paved lanes, French influence, and fine dining—close to Iidabashi and Ichigaya offices. A refined choice for professionals who value charm and centrality over tower living.

  • 1LDK: ¥180,000 – ¥280,000
  • 2LDK: ¥320,000 – ¥520,000

Kiyosumi-Shirakawa （清澄白河） — New-Wave Coffee & Art, East-Side Access

Former warehouse district turned art-and-coffee hub. Increasing number of modern apartments and river-adjacent living. More value than Minato or Shibuya addresses, with an increasingly professional crowd.

  • 1LDK: ¥170,000 – ¥260,000
  • 2LDK: ¥300,000 – ¥480,000

Earthquake Safety, Building Standards & Hazard Maps

For long-term comfort and risk management, prioritize newer buildings (ideally built within the last 10 – 15 years) that advertise enhanced seismic design. In listings, look for:

  • 耐震 (Taishin): Modern structural reinforcement meeting current code.
  • 制震 (Seishin): Dampers to reduce shaking.
  • 免震 (Menshin): Base isolation; often found in premium towers.

Before signing, review official hazard information for earthquakes, flooding, and wind/typhoon risk. Tokyo’s government provides an English portal:

Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Disaster Prevention Information (English)

Costs & Housing Types

In executive-friendly districts, you’ll see two broad choices:

  • Tower Mansions: 24/7 security, sky views, amenities (gyms, lounges). Higher management fees are baked into rent.
  • Low-Rise Premium: Larger floorplates, quieter streets, boutique buildings; increasingly popular in Ebisu, Daikanyama, and Nakameguro.

Expect newer 1LDK and 2LDK units to command significant premiums compared to older stock; you’re paying for modern seismic spec, insulation, and layouts that suit remote work and storage needs.

How to Choose the Right Neighborhood

  1. Commute Reality: Map the door-to-door route to the office (or major client sites) at rush hour.
  2. Daily Life: Walk the area at night and on weekends—listen for noise, find supermarkets/dry cleaners, test delivery apps.
  3. Schools & Services: If relevant, shortlist neighborhoods close to your preferred international school or bilingual clinic.
  4. Building Age & Spec: Favor ≤15-year-old buildings with taishin/seishin/menshin; review the building’s management quality.
  5. Hazard Check: Review the official hazard maps before you decide; discuss findings with your agent or landlord.

Related Reading

If you want a full breakdown of rental procedures and fees, read our complete guide on how to rent an apartment in Tokyo without a guarantor. It covers required documents, costs, and practical steps for first-time renters.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or financial advice. Requirements vary by property and agency. Confirm current terms with your agent or landlord.

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