5 Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Tokyo
Minato, Tokyo
1. Popular Neighborhoods for Expats
Azabu-Juban, Minato: One of Tokyo's most established international residential neighborhoods, popular with executives, professionals, couples and families. Residents enjoy a central location, international dining and convenient access to business districts.
Hiroo, Shibuya/Minato: Particularly popular with international families, diplomats and long-term foreign residents. Hiroo combines greenery, spacious residential buildings and proximity to international schools.
Ebisu, Shibuya: Ideal for young professionals and couples seeking stylish apartments, restaurants, cafés, fitness centers and a walkable lifestyle close to central Tokyo.
Nakameguro, Meguro: A favorite among professionals and couples who enjoy boutique cafés, riverside walks, smaller neighborhood shops and a more relaxed residential atmosphere.
Kichijoji, Musashino: Popular with families, couples and budget-conscious expats wanting more space, parks and a neighborhood community without living in Tokyo's busiest central districts.
A park in Tokyo
2. Dining, Fitness & Lifestyle
Azabu-Juban and Hiroo offer international restaurants, supermarkets, gyms and everyday conveniences suited to expats. Ebisu and Nakameguro are especially popular for dining, coffee shops, independent boutiques and nightlife.
Kichijoji offers a quieter balance of shopping, restaurants and outdoor recreation, including the green spaces surrounding Inokashira Park.
All five areas have rail connections to Tokyo's major employment and entertainment districts.
A balcony view in Tokyo
3. Apartment Rental Prices
Monthly rents vary significantly by building age, location and apartment size:
Azabu-Juban: Studios and 1K apartments approximately ¥130,000–220,000 (US$820–1,390); larger family apartments ¥300,000–550,000+ (US$1,900–3,480+).
Hiroo: Smaller apartments ¥120,000–200,000 (US$760–1,260); larger 2LDK and 3LDK homes ¥300,000–650,000+ (US$1,900–4,110+).
Ebisu: Smaller apartments ¥110,000–180,000 (US$700–1,140); 2LDK homes ¥250,000–450,000+ (US$1,580–2,840+).
Nakameguro: Smaller apartments ¥95,000–160,000 (US$600–1,010); larger apartments ¥220,000–400,000+ (US$1,390–2,530+).
Kichijoji: Smaller apartments ¥70,000–120,000 (US$440–760); larger family apartments ¥160,000–320,000+ (US$1,010–2,020+).
An apartment building in Tokyo
4. Housing Types
Tokyo offers compact studio apartments, 1K and 1LDK homes for singles and couples, and larger 2LDK and 3LDK apartments for families.
Azabu-Juban and Hiroo have a stronger concentration of premium residences, while Kichijoji offers more suburban family housing.
When choosing an apartment in Tokyo, consider the walking distance to the nearest railway station, commute time, building construction, available storage and total move-in costs—not simply the advertised monthly rent.
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