This is the place for foreigners to live in Tokyo! Top 5 Most Popular Residential Areas for Rent
Many of you may be thinking, "Of all the places in Japan, I want to live in Tokyo!" Many of you may be thinking, "I want to live in Tokyo! If you want to start a new life in a big city like Tokyo, we recommend you to choose an area where many foreigners in the same position live. You will not have to worry about language and cultural barriers, and you will be able to make many reassuring friends.
This article introduces the wards in Tokyo with the largest number of foreign residents in a ranking format. It contains a lot of useful information such as characteristics of each area, rent rates, the number of foreign residents and their countries of origin. If you are having trouble finding a place to live in Tokyo, please take a look at this article.
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No. 1 in Tokyo in terms of number of foreign residents: Shinjuku Ward (Shinjuku, Takadanobaba, etc.)
As of January 1, 2023, Shinjuku City ranks first in the number of foreign residents in Tokyo. With a total foreign population of 40,279, the largest number of foreign residents are from China with 15,414 (38.31 TP103T), followed by South Korea with 8,966 (22.31 TP103T) and Nepal with 2,501 (6.21 TP103T). Vietnam, the United States, Taiwan, Myanmar, and Thailand are also among the top countries of origin.
The most attractive feature of Shinjuku City is its convenience. The transportation network is well developed, and access to major spots in Tokyo is excellent. It is an area that can satisfy all your needs for shopping, play, and work. Multilingual information displays and foreign language services are available, so even those with language barriers can live here with peace of mind.
Turning to the housing situation, it is encouraging to note that the area is dotted with real estate agencies that handle many rental properties for foreigners. The market rent for a studio apartment in Shinjuku City is a little high at approximately 115,000 yen, but there are many properties in the area, so if you search carefully, you should be able to find a room within your budget.
No. 2 in Tokyo in number of foreign residents: Edogawa Ward (Koiwa, etc.)
In second place is Edogawa Ward, with a total foreign population of 38,446. China tops the list with 15,046 (39.11 TP103T), Taiwan is second with 6,116 (15.91 TP103T), and Korea is third with 3,895 (10.11 TP103T). Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are also represented, with a high percentage of people from Asia.
Edogawa-ku is a bedroom community located in eastern Tokyo, a short distance from central Tokyo. Access to the city center takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour by train, but the rent is relatively reasonable. The area is popular among families, as it has a lot of greenery and is safe.
The rent for a studio for a single person is about 70,000 yen. It takes time to get to the city center, but it is recommended for those who want to lead a relaxed life.
Edogawa Ward is not only home to a large number of foreign residents, but also to many attractive tourist attractions. Please refer to the following article for more information on the highlights and recommended places to visit in the ward.
▶︎ Popular among foreigners! Explanation of Edogawa's attractions and recommended spots.
No. 3 in Tokyo in terms of number of foreign residents: Adachi Ward (Kitasenju, etc.)
Adachi Ward is in third place, with a total foreign population of 36,048. China accounted for 15,404 (42.71 TP103T), South Korea for 6,839 (19.01 TP103T), and the Philippines for 3,753 (10.41 TP103T), with these three countries accounting for over 70% of the total. Vietnam, Nepal, and the United States also have a certain number of residents.
Adachi-ku, like Edogawa-ku, is a bedroom community located in eastern Tokyo. Access to central Tokyo is 30 minutes to 1 hour by train. Adachi Ward has an image of being somewhat unstable in terms of public safety, but the ease of living in Adachi Ward is improving year by year as the entire ward is involved in crime prevention activities and environmental improvement.
The rent for a studio apartment is about the same as in Edogawa Ward, and the standard rent is about 70,000 yen.
No. 4 in Tokyo by number of foreign residents: Koto Ward (Kameido, Toyosu, etc.)
In fourth place is Koto-ku, with a total foreign population of 33,391. China accounted for almost half of the total with 16,297 (48.81 TP103T), followed by South Korea with 4,474 (13.41 TP103T) and India with 3,470 (10.41 TP103T). The Philippines, Vietnam, and Nepal are also among the top countries of origin.
Koto-ku is a ward with a waterfront area facing Tokyo Bay. In recent years, redevelopment has been progressing, and fashionable cafes, stores, and high-rise condominiums are increasing. Access to central Tokyo is relatively easy, taking only 20 to 30 minutes by train.
The rent for a studio apartment is around 90,000 yen, which is a medium level among the 23 wards. This area is recommended for those who want to combine the convenience of being close to the city center with an open environment facing the sea.
No. 5 in Tokyo by number of foreign residents: Toshima Ward (Ikebukuro, etc.)
In fifth place is Toshima Ward, with a total foreign population of 28,933. China accounted for 13,811 (47.71 TP103T), Myanmar for 2,540 (8.81 TP103T), Vietnam for 2,544 (8.81 TP103T), and Nepal for 2,339 (8.11 TP103T), with these four countries accounting for over 70% of the total. South Korea, the United States, and Taiwan also have a certain number of residents.
Toshima-ku is characterized by a commercial area centering on Ikebukuro, with Sugamo and Otsuka also located in the same ward. The number of stores is the largest in the 23 wards, and this is an area where fashion, dining, and entertainment can be enjoyed to the fullest. The area is lined with multinational restaurants, making it a center for cross-cultural exchange. Access to central Tokyo is very good, only 15 to 20 minutes by train.
The rent for a studio apartment is slightly higher, at around 100,000 yen. This area is recommended for those seeking convenience and a multicultural atmosphere.
Ikebukuro, the central area of Toshima Ward, is home to many share houses popular among foreigners. Please check out the following article for information on finding a share house in Ikebukuro.
▶︎ 5 recommended share houses for foreigners in Ikebukuro and rent rates
List of Tokyo cities ranked 6th or lower in number of foreign residents
The following are the municipalities in Tokyo ranked 6th or lower in the number of foreign residents. (up to 50th place)
| order | ward, city, town or village name | Foreign Population | order | ward, city, town or village name | Foreign Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th place | Itabashi Ward | 28,372 persons | 26th | Bunkyo Ward | 12,390 persons |
| 7th place | Ota Ward | 25,034 persons | 27th | Shibuya Ward | 10,847 persons |
| 8th place | northern district | 24,307 persons | 28th | Meguro Ward | 9,718 persons |
| 9th place | Katsushika Ward | 23,925 persons | 29th | Chuo Ward (esp. Tokyo) | 9,324 persons |
| 10th place | Setagaya Ward | 23,094 persons | 30th place | Machida City | 8,072 persons |
| 11th | Nerima Ward | 20,813 persons | 31st | Fuchu City | 5,665 persons |
| 12th place | Harbour Ward (e.g. in Tokyo) | 19,339 persons | 32nd | Kodaira City | 5,458 persons |
| 13th | Arakawa Ward | 19,134 persons | 33rd | Tachikawa City | 5,124 persons |
| 14th place | Nakano Ward | 18,272 persons | 34th | Nishitokyo City | 4,981 persons |
| 15th | Suginami Ward | 16,921 persons | 35th | Chofu City | 4,833 persons |
| 16th | Taito Ward | 16,026 persons | 36th | Mitaka City | 3,977 persons |
| 17th | Hachioji City | 14,196 persons | 37th place | Fussa City | 3,576 persons |
| 18th | Sumida Ward | 13,758 persons | 38th place | Hino City | 3,510 persons |
| 19th | Shinagawa Ward | 13,720 persons | 39th | Chiyoda Ward | 3,353 persons |
| 20th place | Bunkyo Ward | 12,390 persons | 40th place | Musashino City | 3,304 persons |
| 21st place | Shibuya Ward | 10,847 persons | 41st | Higashimurayama City | 3,292 persons |
| 22nd | Meguro Ward | 9,718 persons | 42nd place | Tama City | 3,058 persons |
| 23rd | Chuo Ward (esp. Tokyo) | 9,324 persons | 43rd | Koganei City | 2,974 persons |
| 24th | Machida City | 8,072 persons | 44th | Akishima City | 2,913 persons |
| 25th | Fuchu City | 5,665 persons | 45th | Kokubunji City | 2,655 persons |
Itabashi, Ota, and Kita wards, which are at the top of the ranking, are all bedroom communities located in the northern and eastern parts of Tokyo's 23 wards. Access to central Tokyo is somewhat time-consuming, ranging from 30 minutes to one hour, but the cheap rent is attractive. The market price for a studio apartment is around 85,000 yen, which is reasonable compared to other areas.
On the other hand, wards located in central Tokyo, such as Minato, Bunkyo, and Shibuya wards, also rank high on the list. These areas have very convenient transportation and a wide variety of commercial facilities and restaurants. The market rent for a studio apartment is slightly higher, ranging from 100,000 to 130,000 yen.
Hachioji City and Machida City in western Tokyo are also known as areas with a large number of foreign residents. Although they are a little far from the city center, they are attractive for their rich nature and calm environment. The market rent for a studio apartment is around 60,000-70,000 yen.
Areas such as Musashino City, Mitaka City, and Tachikawa City, located west of central Tokyo, are also popular among foreigners. Access to central Tokyo is relatively good, ranging from 30 minutes to one hour by train. The area is characterized by a lot of greenery and an environment conducive to raising children. The market rent for a studio apartment is around 70,000 to 90,000 yen, which is a little cheaper than in the central Tokyo area.
Reference:【 Homes 】 Tokyo Rent Information
Conditions to focus on when renting a house in Tokyo
When looking for a place to live in Tokyo, keep the following points in mind
Distance from station
For access to the city center, we recommend properties within a 10-minute walk from the station.
The quality of the stores around the area
Having stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores within walking distance makes daily life more convenient.
Public safety
If you will be living on the streets at night, it is wise to choose an area with a low crime rate. Refer to statistical data from police departments and other sources.
The abundance of nature
If you are near a park or green space, you will have a relaxing space close at hand. Try to focus on the view from the window as well.
Age and facilities of the property
If the building is young and well-equipped, you should be able to live comfortably. However, it is also important to find a balance with the rent.
Keeping these conditions in mind, you should make a series of previews of the properties you are interested in. Expect to meet your ideal room!
Living in a share house is another option for finding a place to live in Tokyo. Please refer to the following article for more information on foreigner-friendly share houses in Tokyo.
▶︎ 5 foreigner friendly share houses in Tokyo - cheap houses can be found!
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summary
We have described the wards in Tokyo where many foreigners live and their characteristics. Shinjuku, Toshima, Minato, Taito, and Arakawa wards, which are at the top of the ranking, are all unique and attractive areas. Please try to find a room while considering the characteristics of each and the convenience of transportation and shopping.
Regardless of which ward you choose, preliminary research is essential. Please use this article as a reference to start a wonderful new life in Tokyo.
Reference:Foreign Population 2022｜Tokyo Statistics
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