The 10 Best Places to Live in Tokyo for Foreigners
Discover the best Tokyo neighborhoods—Hiroo, Ebisu & more—for home seekers and investors. A complete guide to smart living and real estate investment.
Table of Contents
“Want to buy a house in Japan but don’t know which area to consider?”
“Interested in investing in Tokyo real estate and looking for the best areas?
Tokyo is one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in the world.
From modern skyscrapers and bustling shopping streets to peaceful green parks and quiet, historic neighborhoods, Tokyo offers a diverse range of living environments suited to many lifestyles.
In this article, we will see ten of the most attractive residential neighborhoods in Tokyo.
All of them cater to different segments of the housing market—from ultra-luxury buyers to young professionals and international tenants.
Tokyo
In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2024 Liveability Index, Tokyo was ranked as the 14th most livable city globally.
The Japan Times reports that Tokyo received perfect scores for stability and healthcare, underscoring its strong infrastructure and public services.
Additionally, Tokyo placed 6th in InterNations' 2024 Quality of Life Index, excelling in public transportation and healthcare affordability.
The city also scored highly in safety and digital life, reflecting its well-developed urban environment.
Investors and home seekers who understand Tokyo's neighborhood profiles are more likely to benefit more.
1. Hiroo (Shibuya Ward)
(Image: Luke Robinson on Unsplash)
| Best for: | Families, expats, and quiet upscale living |
| Highlights: | Proximity to international schools and embassies, safety and good living environment |
| Popular Property Types: | Luxury condominiums, low-rise apartments, detached homes |
Located between bustling Shibuya and the nightlife of Roppongi, Hiroo is a quiet and elegant residential area popular with diplomats, executives, and affluent foreign families.
With many embassies in the area, it has a distinctly international feel.
It's also close to international schools, making Hiroo a top choice for foreign families.
Arisugawa Park is one of Hiroo’s crown jewels, offering lush greenery and walking paths right in the middle of the city.
National Azabu, a supermarket catering to international tastes, makes shopping convenient for those craving familiar ingredients from home.
Prices tend to be higher but the properties in Hiroo are highly valued as a safe Property and are suitable for long-term investment.
2. Aoyama (Minato Ward)
(Image: note thanun on Unsplash)
| Best for: | Fashion lovers, professionals, and art enthusiasts |
| Highlights: | Omotesando Avenue, Nezu Museum, high-end boutiques and cafes |
| Popular Property Types: | High-end condominiums, mixed-use buildings |
Aoyama is one of Tokyo’s most fashionable districts.
Omotesando, which is actually an approach to Meiji Jingu Shrine, runs through Aoyama and features a lineup of designer boutiques and contemporary architecture.
Beyond fashion, Aoyama is also known for its cultural sites like the Nezu Museum and its clean, walkable streets.
Though residential options can be limited and pricey, those who live in Aoyama enjoy access to some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and aesthetics.
Properties in Aoyama are known for their strong brand value and are often sought after by overseas investors.
3. Azabu-Juban (Minato Ward)
(Image:James Pere on Unsplash)
| Best for: | A mix of tradition and modern convenience, strong local and expat demand |
| Highlights: | Azabu-Juban Shopping Street, Tokyo Tower views, cafes and bakeries |
| Popular Property Types: | Boutique apartments, luxury low-rise, single-family homes |
Azabu-Juban strikes a unique balance between tradition and urban lifestyle.
It maintains the feel of a local Tokyo neighborhood with small, family-run shops and restaurants while being minutes away from Roppongi and Hiroo.
The area is lively, particularly during festivals like the Azabu-Juban Summer Festival at the end of August every year.
Residents enjoy a village-like atmosphere in the heart of the city, making it a charming yet central location to live in.
Properties in Azabu-Juban rent well to both locals and foreigners.
Due to limited land availability, renovations and redevelopment of existing properties can yield strong return on investment.
4. Roppongi (Minato Ward)
(Image: Moralis Tsai on Unsplash)
| Best for: | Young professionals, nightlife enthusiasts, art lovers |
| Highlights: | Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, international dining and bars |
| Popular Property Types: | Serviced apartments, luxury condos, office-residential hybrid buildings |
Known worldwide for its nightlife and entertainment, Roppongi is also home to several luxury apartment buildings and modern amenities.
Developments like Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown combine offices, residences, museums, and shops in a self-contained urban lifestyle hub and continue to attract high-profile international firms and embassies.
While the nightlife attracts a younger crowd, the area's luxury accommodations and cultural institutions like the Mori Art Museum make it equally suitable for sophisticated urban dwellers.
Roppongi has transformed from a nightlife-centric area into a cultural and business hub.
Roppongi offers attractive returns through short- and medium-term rental strategies, particularly serviced apartments for expats.
5. Ebisu (Shibuya Ward)
(Image: UnsplashのClaudio Pantoniが撮影した写真)
| Best for: | Foodies, urban convenience, casual upscale living |
| Highlights: | Ebisu Garden Place, Michelin-starred restaurants, Yebisu Beer Museum |
| Popular Property Types: | One-bedroom apartments, compact luxury units, residential towers |
Ebisu offers the perfect mix of comfort and style.
With easy access to Shibuya and Meguro and its location next to trendy Daikanyama and Hiroo, this area is highly sought-after by working professionals.
Ebisu is also known for its thriving dining scene, from traditional izakaya to high-end sushi restaurants.
Ebisu Garden Place provides green space, restaurants, and a romantic cityscape view—ideal for relaxed living with a touch of luxury.
Properties mid-range to upper-mid-range units in Ebisu relatively perform well, especially those near Ebisu Station or Garden Place.
Capital appreciation potential is solid due to continued gentrification and rising popularity.
6. Akasaka (Minato Ward)
(Image: Pixabay)
| Best for: | Business professionals, high-end urban living |
| Highlights: | Akasaka Sacas, proximity to government buildings, luxury towers |
| Popular Property Types: | High-rise luxury towers, business-residential dual-use properties |
Akasaka is a central, prestigious neighborhood known for its government buildings and TV networks.
The area appeals to high-income professionals and those who value both convenience and privacy.
Akasaka combines the prestige of a government district with the convenience of an urban residential core.
The area is undergoing steady redevelopment, with modern towers and high-end mixed-use buildings replacing older structures.
Its proximity to Roppongi and Aoyama adds to its appeal, combining business convenience with refined lifestyle amenities.
7. Den-en-chofu (Ota Ward/Setagaya Ward)
(Image: Image by kyo_fukunaga from Pixabay)
| Best for: | Families, retirees, and those seeking suburban tranquility |
| Highlights: | Garden city design, spacious houses, upscale community |
| Popular Property Types: | Detached homes, gated estates, land investment |
Den-en-chofu is Tokyo’s original garden suburb that spans from Ota Ward to Setagaya Ward.
Designed with Western-style city planning in mind, the neighborhood features wide boulevards, large detached homes, and leafy parks, attracting celebrities, politicians, and old-money families.
Den-en-chofu offers a peaceful retreat from the city, all while staying conveniently close—it's just about a 15 minutes train ride from Shibuya.
With top schools and a strong sense of community, it's ideal for families and those who prioritize space and serenity.
8. Shirokane (Minato Ward)
(Image: Property Access staff)
| Best for: | Quiet luxury, green spaces, and sophisticated living |
| Highlights: | Platinum Street, upscale residential areas, international schools, Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum |
| Popular Property Types: | Designer apartments, boutique condos, redevelopment plots |
Shirokane, and its neighboring area Shirokanedai, are synonymous with understated luxury.
The neighborhood is home to elegant apartment complexes, designer cafes, and boutique flower shops, popular among international residents as well.
Platinum Street is the main thoroughfare, lined with high-end stores and eateries that offer a peaceful shopping experience.
Residents appreciate the blend of old-world charm, quiet streets, and premium lifestyle options.
Despite its peacefulness, Shirokane is conveniently located near Hiroo, Azabu, and Ebisu.
9. Toranomon (Minato Ward)
(Image: UnsplashのLeo Okuyamaが撮影した写真)
| Best for: | Urban professionals, modern living, and international business |
| Highlights: | Toranomon Hills, proximity to central Tokyo, new urban developments |
| Popular Property Types: | Mixed-use towers, new-build luxury residences, serviced apartments |
Toranomon is undergoing massive urban transformation in recent years, especially with the construction of Toranomon Hills, a high-rise complex with luxury apartments, hotels, and office space.
The area is positioned as Tokyo’s new global business center.
While historically more commercial, new residential towers and infrastructure improvements are attracting international professionals seeking a cutting-edge urban lifestyle.
Its central location makes commuting to major business districts such as Shimbashi and Akasaka seamless.
10. Kichijoji (Musashino City)
(Image: PropertyAccess staff)
| Best for: | Creative types, families, relaxed Tokyo lifestyle |
| Highlights: | Inokashira Park, Ghibli Museum, vibrant shopping streets |
| Popular Property Types: | Compact condos, family units, small apartment buildings |
Kichijoji consistently ranks as one of the most livable neighborhoods in Tokyo, as it combines the feel of a small town with the amenities of a major suburb.
Located west of the city center, it offers a great balance of natural beauty, shopping, culture, and affordability.
Inokashira Park is a major draw, with a large pond, walking trails, and even a zoo.
The nearby Ghibli Museum adds a whimsical charm to the area, while the covered Sun Road shopping street ensures convenient daily living.
The area appeals to artists, students, and young families looking for an alternative to the high prices of central Tokyo.
Summary
We have seen the 10 best places to live in Tokyo.
Each area on this list provides a distinct experience, from serene suburbs to high-energy city hubs.
- Hiroo
- quiet and elegant residential area popular with diplomats, executives, and affluent foreign families - Aoyama
- one of Tokyo’s most fashionable districts with Omotesando avenue renowned for its designer boutiques and contemporary architecture - Azabu-Juban
- a unique balance between tradition and urban lifestyle, maintaining the feel of a local Tokyo neighborhood while being minutes away from Roppongi and Hiroo - Roppongi
- Known for its nightlife and entertainment while offering luxury apartment buildings and modern amenities - Ebisu
- sought-after among young professionals for its thriving dining scene and easy access to trendy Shibuya, Meguro, Daikanyama and Hiroo - Akasaka
- a central, prestigious neighborhood known for its government buildings, TV networks, and large hotel complexes - Den-en-chofu
- Tokyo’s original garden suburb with wide boulevards, large detached homes, and leafy parks - Shirokane
- High-end residential neighborhood with elegant apartment complexes, designer cafes, and boutique flower shops - Toranomon
- undergoing major redevelopment and positioned as Tokyo’s next global business hub - Kichijoji
- one of the most livable neighborhoods in Tokyo featuring Inokashira Park and Ghibli Museum
Ultimately, choosing the right place to live in Tokyo comes down to your personal lifestyle and preferences.
If you're unsure which area suits you best, visiting properties with a local expert can provide valuable insight and help you make a more informed decision.
Our team of seasoned professionals at Property Access is dedicated to helping you navigate Japan’s real estate market with confidence.
With deep local knowledge and a commitment to personalized service, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
