What makes Tokyo a "livable city"? Selection criteria

There are several clear selection criteria for areas in Tokyo that are considered "easy to live in." These include good public safety, the level of infrastructure, access to stations, convenience for commuting to work or school, average rent and housing options, as well as support for raising children and the state of the educational environment. By comprehensively evaluating these multiple perspectives, you can find an area that suits your lifestyle.

In this chapter, we will explain in detail the conditions for a livable city in Tokyo, item by item. This is a comprehensive guide to help those who are thinking of moving or relocating to a new city choose their city.

Good public safety and comprehensive infrastructure

When choosing a city in Tokyo that is easy to live in, the most important thing to consider is "safety." Based on crime statistics from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, areas with low crime rates and a sense of security receive high marks. In addition, it is also important that the area has a good range of living infrastructure, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals, and government offices. Having all the necessary facilities in your living area makes everyday shopping and paperwork smoother, greatly improving the ease of living.

The availability of medical facilities is also an important indicator, especially for families with children and the elderly. Areas with a good balance of these factors maintain a stable popularity as "easy-to-live-in towns."

Access to work and school and convenient transportation

To be chosen as one of Tokyo's "easy-to-live-in" cities, ease of commuting to work or school is also essential. Areas with good access to major stations, office districts, universities, etc. and where multiple lines are available are particularly popular.

For example, routes with few transfers and direct access to the city center, and areas around express stations, tend to be highly rated for their convenience. In addition, having well-developed bus routes and bicycle infrastructure is also an important point for a comfortable life.

Being able to commute to work or school every day without stress will have a big impact on your overall life satisfaction, so be sure to check the transportation access when choosing a city.

Rent market price and ease of choosing housing type

When considering livability, the average rent and the variety of property types are essential factors. Even within Tokyo's 23 wards, the average rent varies greatly depending on the area, and even for the same rent, the size and facilities can be completely different.

It is also important to consider whether there is a wide variety of housing types, such as one-room, 1K, and 2LDK. A town where you can choose a property according to your life stage, such as living alone, as a couple, or with a family, allows for flexible living. In addition, the age of the building, whether it has been renovated, and the surrounding environment are also important factors to consider.

By choosing a city that suits your budget and lifestyle, you will be able to live comfortably for a long time.

Childcare support and educational environment

When judging whether a city is easy for families with children to live in, the key is the state of the local government's childcare support system and the educational environment. It is important to check the number of children on waiting lists for nursery schools, the quality of after-school care, and the reputation of elementary and junior high schools.

In addition, the availability of childcare subsidies and temporary childcare systems by local governments, as well as the availability of facilities such as children's centers and libraries, also contribute to a sense of security. Furthermore, cities with many parks and playgrounds rich in nature have a positive impact on children's development.

Areas designated as educational districts and areas with many well-known schools are also popular with families who value education. Areas with such comprehensive child-rearing support systems continue to be highly regarded even within Tokyo.

Top 10 Livable Cities Rankings (2025 Edition)

There are many attractive towns in Tokyo, but the towns that are chosen for their "livability" have one thing in common. Areas that are evaluated comprehensively from various perspectives, such as public safety, transportation access, convenience of life, average rent, and educational environment, rank highly.

The 2025 edition focused on cities undergoing redevelopment, residential areas blessed with natural environments, and balanced areas popular with young people and families.

Here, we will introduce a carefully selected list of truly livable neighborhoods in Tokyo based on the latest surveys, data from real estate websites, and the opinions of actual residents. If you are considering moving or are having trouble choosing an area, please use this as a reference.

No. 1: Kichijoji (Musashino City) | Culture and convenience coexist

Kichijoji is a popular area that ranks highly every year in the rankings of the most livable towns in the city. Its attractions include the nature of Inokashira Park, the abundance of commercial facilities, and the diversity of culture and gourmet options.

The area is accessible via the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line, and has excellent access to Shinjuku and Shibuya. It is also a safe neighborhood, and is popular with a wide range of people, from young people to families with children and the elderly. There are also many unique shops and cafes, making Kichijoji a place where you can spend your days off without getting bored.

It offers an excellent balance of convenience and living environment, making it truly "the most desirable city to live in in Tokyo."

No. 2: Ogikubo (Suginami Ward) | A quiet residential area with easy access to the city center

Ogikubo is an attractive town with good access to two lines, the Chuo Line and the Marunouchi Line, and a relaxed atmosphere. There are large supermarkets and restaurants around the station, and all the facilities you need for daily life are available.

On the other hand, if you go a little further from the station, you will find a quiet residential area, with a peaceful and comfortable environment. Suginami Ward is also known for its good public safety, and is popular with families with children. Ogikubo is a relatively affordable area in terms of cost performance.

It is attracting attention as a well-balanced town where you can live peacefully while being close to the city center.

3rd place: Sangenjaya (Setagaya Ward) | A stylish and easy-to-live-in town

Sangenjaya is an express stop on the Denentoshi Line, and is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Shibuya. The area around the station is lined with cafes, general stores, and unique restaurants, creating a fashionable atmosphere. The area is also well-equipped with infrastructure, so you won't have any trouble with daily shopping or going to the hospital.

Setagaya is also known for its good public safety and high level of education, making it popular with women living alone and with families. Sangenjaya, where traditional streets and modern life coexist, is an attractive town where you can feel the "fun of living."

4th place: Myogadani (Bunkyo Ward) | Attractive for its safe environment and high level of education

Myogadani, located in Bunkyo Ward, is a town with very good public safety and a peaceful living environment, even though it is in the center of Tokyo. The area is known as an "educational district" with many educational institutions and prestigious schools such as Gakushuin University and Ochanomizu University. There are also many public facilities such as parks and libraries, making it popular with families with children and those who value education.

If you use the Marunouchi Line, it is also convenient for commuting to Ikebukuro and Tokyo Station. The charm of Myogadani is that it has an ideal environment where nature and urban functions are in harmony, including the lush greenery of Harimasaka.

No. 5: Nakano (Nakano Ward) | A cost-effective area attracting attention due to redevelopment

Nakano is a highly convenient area with access to the JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, and Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, and is a town that is attracting attention due to redevelopment. The large commercial facility "Nakano Broadway" and shopping streets are located around the station, making it extremely convenient for daily life. The redevelopment has improved the scenery and public safety around the station, and is attracting young people and families.

In addition, average rent prices are lower than in the city center, making it a great value for money option. Nakano offers an excellent balance of shopping, transportation, and living environment, making it a "livable town" that is expected to continue to develop in the future.

No. 6: Gakugei University (Meguro Ward) | A popular area for young people and families

The area around Gakugei Daigaku Station is well-known for being one of the most livable areas along the Tokyu Toyoko Line. There are plenty of shopping streets, cafes, and restaurants in front of the station, so you'll have no trouble finding something to shop or eat out.

The area is also home to many quiet residential areas, and its good public safety makes it popular with women living alone. It is also extremely convenient, with Shibuya only 10 minutes away, and is highly popular with business people who work in central Tokyo.

It is a well-balanced area that combines the relaxed atmosphere and elegant streetscape that is unique to Meguro Ward, with ease of living.

No. 7: Musashi-Koyama (Shinagawa Ward) | A city focused on convenience and undergoing redevelopment

Musashi-Koyama is on the Tokyu Meguro Line, making it a highly convenient town with good access to Meguro and Otemachi. The Palm Shopping Street in front of the station is famous as one of the largest arcade shopping streets in Tokyo, and has everything you need from everyday shopping to eating out.

Redevelopment has led to the construction of high-rise apartment buildings and complexes around the station, improving the convenience and beauty of the entire town. Rent prices are relatively stable, so it is recommended for those who are looking for cost-effective accommodation near the city center. It is a highly livable town that is attracting attention for its future development.

No.8: Shakujii Park (Nerima Ward) | A peaceful town where people live in harmony with nature

Shakujii Park is a town symbolized by the nature-rich "Shakujii Park" as its name suggests, and is perfect for those looking for a calm environment in the city center. It is easily accessible, about 10 minutes to Ikebukuro by Seibu Ikebukuro Line, making it convenient for commuting. There are supermarkets, hospitals, and schools in the surrounding area, making it an easy place to live for families.

The Shakujii Park area, with its lush green surroundings and quiet residential areas, is extremely popular with families with children and nature-loving people. It is the perfect town for those who value a comfortable lifestyle.

9th place: Akabane (Kita-ku) | Great value for money and easy access

Akabane is a transportation hub where multiple JR lines intersect, allowing direct access to major stations in central Tokyo such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Tokyo. There are large supermarkets, restaurant chains, and shopping streets in front of the station, making it extremely convenient for daily life. Yet, average rent is lower than in central Tokyo, making it a cost-effective area that is friendly to both singles and families.

Recently, redevelopment of the entire city has progressed, and public safety and scenery are improving. It is a city that is currently attracting attention because it is easy to live in, easy to commute to work, and has low rent.

No. 10: Mejiro (Toshima Ward) | A quiet and cultural educational district

Mejiro is known as an educational district where Gakushuin University and other famous private schools are located, and is known for its calm streets and good public safety. In front of the station, there is a compact but well-equipped commercial facility, with all the stores you need for daily life. Although it is located close to downtown areas such as Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, the area around the station has a quiet and elegant atmosphere, making it a truly "hidden high-end residential area."

It is especially popular with families with children and those who are education-oriented, and offers a comfortable environment in which to live for a long time. It is the perfect town for those seeking dignity and tranquility.

Recommended areas by lifestyle

When choosing a "livable city" in Tokyo, it is important to identify an area that suits your lifestyle. Priorities vary depending on the life stage, such as working adults and students starting to live alone, families raising children, and the elderly.

For example, for people living alone who want to balance average rent with public safety, quiet areas near train stations are popular. Families choose areas with childcare facilities, parks, and good educational environments. Meanwhile, for the elderly, areas with advanced barrier-free design and close to medical facilities and convenience facilities are recommended.

In this chapter, we will introduce livable areas in Tokyo that suit each lifestyle.

For single people | A city with a good balance between safety and rent

When you start living alone in Tokyo, the key point to consider is the balance between safety and rent. For example, Ogikubo and Akabane are popular areas with good value for money, close to the station and many convenient facilities, and relatively low rent. These areas are also popular among women living alone, and are characterized by well-lit streets at night and many areas with a lot of foot traffic.

Another important point is that supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, etc. are within walking distance. Choose an area that has good access to the city center and where you can live a safe and comfortable life.

Family-friendly | A city with childcare support and a natural environment

A city that is easy for families with children to live in is one that has a lot of support for raising children and is also blessed with nature and an educational environment. Typical cities include Setagaya Ward and Nerima Ward, which are known for their many parks and the high reputations of their local nurseries and elementary schools.

Another big attraction is the comprehensive childcare subsidy and temporary childcare services provided by the local government. Shopping centers and medical facilities are also located nearby, making it a popular choice among families for its high level of convenience for daily life. A town where nature and urban functions coexist, it can be said to be an ideal living environment that supports the growth of children and peace of mind for families.

For the elderly | A city with plenty of medical facilities and a barrier-free environment

When choosing a city that is easy for the elderly to live in, access to medical facilities and barrier-free access to daily life routes are important points to consider.

For example, areas such as Mejiro and Bunkyo Ward are not only peaceful, but also have many general hospitals and clinics, giving a sense of security. Additionally, elderly-friendly urban development is underway, with elevators installed at stations and public facilities and roads with few steps. Having supermarkets and drugstores within walking distance also contributes to a comfortable life. Areas that combine convenient transportation with a quiet living environment are also attracting attention as places for seniors to relocate to.

Analysis of livability of Tokyo's 23 wards

Each of the 23 wards in Tokyo has very different characteristics, and people have different perceptions of how livable it is. From quiet areas with high-end residential areas, to wards with comprehensive childcare support, to wards with low rent and good value for money, choosing a home requires a multifaceted perspective. In particular, it is important to balance factors such as public safety, transportation access, average rent, living infrastructure, and educational environment.

Here, we'll explain the popular wards that are highly rated for livability, as well as the "hidden gems" that are actually easy to live in. Use this as a reference when choosing an area that suits your lifestyle.

Top 5 wards chosen for livability (Setagaya, Suginami, Bunkyo, Shinagawa, Nerima)

The five wards in Tokyo that have long been popular as "easy-to-live-in" are Setagaya, Suginami, Bunkyo, Shinagawa, and Nerima.

• Setagaya Ward has many parks and is popular with families.
• Suginami Ward is also popular with single people due to its quiet residential area and convenient transportation.
• Bunkyo Ward is known as a "learning district" with good public safety and a good educational environment.
• Shinagawa Ward is undergoing redevelopment, achieving both convenience and urban functionality.
• Nerima Ward is popular with dual-income families due to its natural environment and low rent.

These wards offer a good balance of multiple factors, such as convenience for daily life, public safety, education, and transportation, and are chosen by a wide range of people.

Hidden gems with cheap rent and easy living conditions (Adachi, Katsushika, Edogawa, etc.)

Adachi, Katsushika, and Edogawa are attracting attention as "hidden gems" in Tokyo that offer low rent and excellent value for money.

• Adachi ward has improved transportation access with the opening of the Nippori Toneri Liner and Tsukuba Express. Public safety is also gradually improving, making it popular with young people and families looking for low rent.
• Katsushika Ward is attractive for its old-fashioned townscapes such as Shibamata and Kameari, and the cost of living is also low.
• Edogawa Ward is attracting attention for its abundance of nature and generous support for raising children.

Although these wards are a little far from the city center, they have well-developed transportation and living infrastructure and are being reevaluated as ``hidden gems'' where people can live comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Livability

When searching for a place to live in Tokyo, there are endless common worries and questions, such as "rent," "safety," "commuting," and "living alone for the first time."

Here we have compiled specific answers based on data and the voices of residents to the questions that many people have when looking for a livable city.

If you're not sure which city to choose or are feeling anxious about moving for the first time, be sure to use this as a reference and start living a safe and comfortable life.

Q: What are the areas with low average rent and good security?

If you are looking for an area in Tokyo that has a good balance of low rent and good public safety, we recommend areas such as Nerima, Suginami, and Edogawa.

Nerima ward is rich in nature, has a relatively stable public safety, and is an area that is popular with families. Parts of Suginami ward and southern Edogawa ward also have lower rents than in the city center, and offer good cost performance even near stations. Edogawa ward in particular has strong support for child-rearing and is attracting attention as a safe city.

Q: Which ward is recommended for dual-income couples?

Cities that are easy for dual-income households to live in include Shinagawa Ward, Bunkyo Ward, and Nakano Ward.

Shinagawa Ward is attractive for its convenient transportation, with access to the Shinkansen and multiple lines, making it ideal for couples whose workplaces are in the city center. Bunkyo Ward has a good public safety and educational environment, and can accommodate future plans with an eye on children. Nakano Ward is also undergoing redevelopment, and has a wealth of commercial facilities and daycare centers, making it an environment where it is easy to reduce the burden of housework and childcare.

Both areas are currently attracting attention as "Tokyo neighborhoods where working couples can easily live," with close proximity to stations and good living infrastructure.

Q: Which city would you choose if you were living alone for the first time?

When you are moving out on your own for the first time, the three most important things to consider when choosing a place to live are low rent, safety, and convenience. Recommended areas include Ogikubo (Suginami Ward), Akabane (Kita Ward), and Nakano (Nakano Ward).

Ogikubo is on the Chuo and Marunouchi lines, has good public safety, and has a relaxed atmosphere. Akabane has reasonable rent, multiple train lines, and good access to the city center. Nakano has a good shopping and dining environment, so you can live comfortably even if it is your first time living alone.

These towns combine convenience with good public safety around the stations, making them recommended areas where you can start living with peace of mind.

Summary | Choose the Tokyo area that best suits your lifestyle

Tokyo has many attractive cities, and you need to choose one that suits your lifestyle and values. Everyone has different standards for what makes a place livable, such as public safety, average rent, transportation access, childcare support, and medical care. For example, if you are living alone, you might want to choose a city with good convenience and cost-effectiveness, if you have a family, you might want to choose an area with good education and natural environments, and if you are elderly, you might want a quiet area with good medical facilities.

In this article, we have introduced recommended areas for different purposes based on the latest Tokyo livable city rankings for 2025. In order to choose the perfect city for you in Tokyo, it is important to first reconsider your lifestyle and clarify the conditions you need.

Please use this as a reference when choosing a city to ensure a comfortable and safe life.

Search for properties here