Pick the ward that fits your lifestyle. Each guide covers transit, vibe, nearby amenities, and the best furnished rentals in the area.
Tokyo is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, commute profile, and price tier. Modern Living Tokyo covers 29 wards and districts across Greater Tokyo — from the global business centers of Shinjuku and Minato to the quieter residential pockets of Setagaya and Meguro. Use the guides below to find the area that fits your budget, commute, and lifestyle.
Tokyo's highest-demand residential areas, ideal for first-time renters
Shinjuku is Tokyo's biggest commercial and entertainment hub, anchored by the world's busiest train station — over 12 rail lines converge…
Shibuya is Tokyo's youth-culture, fashion, and tech epicentre — home to the famous Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Sky, and one of Asia's…
Ikebukuro is Tokyo's third-largest commercial district after Shinjuku and Shibuya, located in Toshima ward in the north-west of central…
Meguro ward sits in the south of central Tokyo and is consistently rated one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in the city.…
Nakameguro is one of Tokyo's most photographed neighborhoods, famous for the cherry blossom canopy along the Meguro River and a dense…
Minato is one of Tokyo's three central wards and home to many of the city's most famous business and diplomatic neighborhoods — Roppongi,…
Roppongi is one of Tokyo's most internationally famous neighborhoods, located in the centre of Minato ward. It is anchored by three major…
Nakano sits directly west of Shinjuku and is one of the best-value central Tokyo wards for monthly furnished rentals. Nakano Station is…
Asakusa is the heart of old Tokyo (shitamachi), located in Taito ward on the western bank of the Sumida River. The neighborhood is anchored…
Shimokitazawa — known to locals as "Shimokita" — is one of Tokyo's most beloved neighborhoods for indie music, vintage clothing, small…
Takadanobaba is Tokyo's best-known student neighborhood, located in the north of Shinjuku ward and home to Waseda University, one of…
Ueno is one of Tokyo's most historically rich neighborhoods, located in Taito ward at the eastern edge of the JR Yamanote loop. The area is…
Up-and-coming and well-connected neighborhoods
Ebisu sits in the south of Shibuya ward, just one stop from Shibuya on the JR Yamanote line. The neighborhood is anchored by Yebisu Garden…
Kichijoji is consistently voted the most liveable neighborhood in Tokyo by Japanese residents. Located in Musashino city just west of…
Koenji is one of Tokyo's most distinctive neighborhoods, located in Suginami ward, just 8 minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo line. The…
Azabu-juban is one of Tokyo's most upscale residential neighborhoods, located in Minato ward between Roppongi and Hiroo. The area is famous…
Mitaka sits one stop west of Kichijoji on the JR Chuo line and is best known for the Ghibli Museum, located in the south side of Inokashira…
Shinagawa is one of Tokyo's major business and transport hubs, located in the south of central Tokyo. Shinagawa Station is a critical…
Ginza is Tokyo's most famous luxury shopping and dining district, located in Chuo ward at the heart of central Tokyo. The area is anchored…
Daikanyama is one of Tokyo's most stylish neighborhoods, located in Shibuya ward just one stop from Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko line. The…
Jiyugaoka is a beloved residential neighborhood in the south of Meguro ward, often described as Tokyo's most "European" area thanks to its…
Kagurazaka is one of Tokyo's most atmospheric old neighborhoods, located on the eastern edge of Shinjuku ward near Iidabashi. The area is…
Akihabara is the world capital of electronics, anime, manga, and otaku culture, located on the border of Taito and Chiyoda wards. The area…
Nihonbashi is the historic heart of commercial Tokyo, located in Chuo ward immediately north of Ginza. The neighborhood is anchored by the…
Setagaya is Tokyo's most populous ward and one of the most family-friendly areas of the city. Located in the south-west, it stretches from…
Suginami ward sits west of Nakano and is best known to anime fans as the location of many of Japan's most famous animation studios…
Nerima ward sits in the north-west of Tokyo and is known for its spacious residential character, large parks, and good schools. The ward is…
Edogawa ward sits in the east of Tokyo, between the Arakawa and Edogawa rivers, and is one of the most affordable wards in central Tokyo.…
Bunkyo ward sits in the centre-north of Tokyo and is the city's university district — home to the University of Tokyo (Tōdai), Ochanomizu…
Itabashi sits in Tokyo's northwest, just one stop beyond Ikebukuro on the Tobu Tojo and JR Saikyo lines. It has long been one of the most…
Toshima ward occupies the northwest of central Tokyo and wraps around the busy hub of Ikebukuro, but most of the ward is surprisingly quiet…
Toyosu is Tokyo's newest waterfront district, sitting on reclaimed land in Koto ward just a few minutes from Ginza and Tokyo Station by…
Tachikawa is the commercial capital of western Tokyo, sitting about 25 minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line rapid service. Long…
Chofu is a quiet residential city on the western edge of Tokyo, a direct 15-minute Keio-line commute from Shinjuku. It is best known for…
Yoyogi sits at the exact centre of Tokyo's west side, in the northern part of Shibuya ward, sandwiched between Shinjuku and Harajuku.…
