Where to live
in Tokyo.
I've spent years navigating Tokyo's residential market from both sides — as an institutional investor and as an advisor to individuals. Here's my honest take on where expat executives actually thrive.
"The right neighborhood isn't just about the apartment — it's about how the area fits your life: commute, schools, weekend habits, and the community you'll find yourself in. I always ask clients to think about all of these before we start searching."
— YASUHIRO MARUYAMA
Tokyo's diplomatic and international hub. Home to most embassies, international schools, and a dense expat community. Hiroo and Azabu Juban offer a village-like feel with excellent English-speaking infrastructure.
Minato is the default for C-suite expats, and for good reason. But inventory is tight and landlords are selective. You'll need someone who knows which buildings accept foreign tenants without friction — and which ones to avoid.
Premium residential with excellent dining, retail, and access. Daikanyama and Ebisu attract international professionals who want urban sophistication without Minato's formality. Nakameguro is increasingly popular with younger executives.
My personal favorite for clients without school-age children. The lifestyle quality here rivals anywhere in the world, and pricing — while high — offers more value per square meter than Minato.
Often mischaracterized as purely commercial, Shinjuku's quieter residential pockets — Yotsuya, Ichigaya, Wakamatsu — offer excellent value and transport links. Popular with finance professionals commuting to Marunouchi or Otemachi.
Underrated. Clients who choose Yotsuya over Hiroo often find they get a larger, newer apartment for 20–30% less — and the commute is actually shorter for many central Tokyo offices.
The quietest of Tokyo's premium wards. Bancho and Kojimachi sit near the Imperial Palace and are favored by senior diplomats and embassy families. Properties tend to be spacious and low-density — a genuine rarity in central Tokyo.
If you value peace and space over nightlife and restaurants, Bancho is unmatched. Many of the best properties here never appear on public portals — they require direct relationships with owners.
Tokyo's most popular family ward. Residential streets, parks, and a relaxed pace of life. Den-en-chofu is Tokyo's equivalent of a garden suburb — spacious houses, low traffic, and a strong community of established expat families.
The best value for families. A detached house in Den-en-chofu that would cost ¥800K/month in Minato can often be found for ¥350K here. The trade-off is commute time — which is very manageable from most of Setagaya.
Tokyo's newest residential corridor. Luxury high-rises with modern amenities, bay views, and excellent access to central business districts. Popular with professionals who want a contemporary lifestyle at a competitive price point.
The best-value modern living in central Tokyo. These buildings are often newer and better-equipped than comparable Minato properties at 60% of the rent. Ideal for clients who prioritize apartment quality over address prestige.
At a Glance
Not sure which area fits your situation? I'm happy to talk it through.
Ask Yasuhiro Directly