If you're coming to Tokyo from overseas and looking for a new place to live, the first thing you should focus on is the “location.” If you only pay attention to low rent and choose an area based on that, you might end up living in a somewhat inconvenient location with poor transportation access or few restaurants and supermarkets open late into the night.

However, in Tokyo, most well-known spots have properties with high rents. Alternatively, even if you find a low-rent property in a famous area, you could end up in an apartment that is “small,” “old,” or “not very clean.” If possible, since you’re moving to Tokyo anyway, you’d probably want to choose a stylish, convenient, and comfortable neighborhood. But if this is your first time moving to Tokyo, you might find it challenging to pick such an area.

So then, which areas in Tokyo are comfortable to live in (with rent that isn’t too high) and are also popular?

Kichijoji

The JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, and Keio Inokashira Line all run through this area, providing excellent transportation access to places like Shinjuku and Shibuya. In addition, there are many station buildings, department stores, and flagship stores for fashion brands, not to mention numerous well-known restaurants and cafés. Nearby Inokashira Park is within walking distance of the station, offering a relaxing environment with plenty of greenery at any time. Loved not only by young people in Japan but also by families, this area is quite popular.

Properties located very close to the station tend to have higher rents, but if you walk a bit farther from the station, you should be able to find more reasonably priced options. You can choose from condominiums and apartments, or you could consider sharing a room with friends or living in a share house—options that many people find appealing.

＞Search for share houses in the Kichijoji area

Musashi-Kosugi

With access to Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, and Shin-Yokohama Station all within 15 minutes, this area is known to be very convenient for not only students but also office workers. You can also reach Tokyo Station in about 20 minutes, so it’s relatively easy to get to any spot in the city. This area is especially recommended for those who travel abroad frequently.

In addition, the area is undergoing redevelopment, becoming cleaner and more convenient day by day. There is also a lot of greenery, with the banks of the Tama River just around the corner. Strolling on weekends is great for relaxation, or you can keep fit by running or walking.

Another charm of Musashi-Kosugi is its diverse range of dining options. You can find places to stop by on your way home from work or school, so even those who work late can enjoy a leisurely dinner. Rents seem to be on the rise, but as the area becomes increasingly more comfortable to live in, it might be a good idea to find a nice place now and move in.

＞Search for share houses in the Musashi-Kosugi area

Shimokitazawa

This area is known for its easy access to Shibuya and Shinjuku via the Odakyu Line and Keio Inokashira Line. Alongside Kichijoji and Jiyugaoka, it’s considered one of the most popular neighborhoods where young people want to live. One of Shimokitazawa’s distinct features is the wide range of stores offering daily necessities, such as supermarkets and drugstores, as well as numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars. The cafés here are particularly famous; their unique menus and interiors are often featured on TV and in magazines, and they are said to be very popular among women.

In addition, there are many theaters and live music venues, so a lot of band members and theater troupe members live in this area. With many vintage clothing stores as well, it may be a great place to live for those who love fashion. Because it’s a highly sought-after location, be cautious when selecting from the many available properties. If you want to save on rent, share houses are recommended. There are even women-only share houses in Shimokitazawa, so if you’re a woman who wants to keep costs down but is concerned about safety, this type of residence could be a good option.

＞Search for share houses in the Shimokitazawa area

Finally, we'd like to share the TOP 26 “Most Desirable Places to Live in Tokyo” ranking as announced by Suumo. Please note that this is a ranking of places people want to live, not necessarily a ranking of how comfortable they are to live in. For instance, Ebisu, which ranks 2nd, is a regular in the top spots, but it also has high living costs, so whether it’s comfortable to live in is another matter entirely.

＞＞　Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking　＜＜

Aside from these, there are many other neighborhoods in Tokyo that are comfortable to live in and offer reasonable rents. Why not find a neighborhood that suits your preferences?