What makes Tokyo a "livable city"? Selection criteria
There are several clear criteria for selecting areas in Tokyo that are considered "livable." These include good public safety, the level of infrastructure, access to stations, convenience for commuting to work or school, average rent and housing options, and the state of support for raising children and the educational environment. By comprehensively evaluating these multiple perspectives, you can find an area that suits your lifestyle.
This chapter provides detailed information on the conditions for a livable city in Tokyo, item by item. It covers all the information you need to help you choose a city if you are thinking of moving or relocating.
Good public safety and comprehensive infrastructure
When choosing a city in Tokyo that is easy to live in, the most important factor is "safety." Based on crime statistics from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, areas with low crime rates and a sense of security receive high ratings. In addition, having a good range of living infrastructure, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals, and government offices, is also an important factor. 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 will maintain a stable popularity as "easy-to-live-in towns."
Access to work and school and convenient transportation
Ease of commuting to work or school is also essential for a city to be chosen as one of Tokyo's "livable cities." Areas with good access to major stations, business districts, universities, etc. and with access to multiple train lines are particularly popular.
For example, areas with direct access to the city center and express train stations tend to be highly rated for their convenience. Having good bus routes and bicycle infrastructure is also an important factor for a comfortable life.
Being able to commute to work or school every day without stress has a big impact on your overall satisfaction with life, 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 variety of property types are essential factors. Even within Tokyo's 23 wards, average rents vary 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 studio apartments, 1K apartments, and 2LDK apartments. A town where you can choose a property to suit your life stage, whether you're living alone, as a couple, or with a family, allows for flexible living. Other factors to consider include the age of the building, whether it has been renovated, and the surrounding environment.
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 determining whether a city is easy to live in for families with children, the state of the local government's child-rearing support system and the educational environment are key. 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.
Additionally, 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 among families who place a high priority on education. Areas with such comprehensive child-rearing support systems continue to be highly regarded even within Tokyo.
Top 10 Livable Cities Ranking (2025 Edition)
Tokyo is home to many attractive towns, but the towns that are chosen for their "livability" share common characteristics. Areas that are evaluated comprehensively from various perspectives, such as safety, transportation access, convenience of living, 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 rankings of livable cities. Its charms lie in the natural beauty of Inokashira Park, the abundance of commercial facilities, and the diversity of culture and cuisine available.
Kichijoji is easily accessible via the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line, offering excellent access to Shinjuku and Shibuya. Its public safety is also stable, making it 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 it a place where you can spend your days off without getting bored.
The balance between convenience and living environment is excellent, making it truly "the most desirable city to live in in Tokyo."
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No. 2: Ogikubo (Suginami Ward) | A quiet residential area with easy access to the city center
Ogikubo is an attractive town with good access via two train 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 quiet residential areas, providing a peaceful and comfortable living environment. Suginami Ward is well-known for its good public safety, and is popular with families raising children. Ogikubo is also an area with relatively reasonable rental prices, making it an excellent value for money area.
It is attracting attention as a well-balanced town where you can live peacefully while being close to the city center.
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3rd Place: Sangenjaya (Setagaya Ward) | A Stylish and Easy-to-Live 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 stylish atmosphere. The area is also well-equipped with convenient infrastructure, so you'll have no trouble with everyday shopping or medical appointments.
Setagaya Ward is also known for its good public safety and high educational standards, making it popular with single women and families. Sangenjaya, where traditional streets and modern lifestyles coexist, is an attractive town where you can experience the joy of living.
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4th place: Myogadani (Bunkyo Ward) | Attractive for its safe environment and high educational standards
Located in Bunkyo Ward, Myogadani is a city with very good public safety and a peaceful living environment despite being in the heart 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 prioritize education.
The Marunouchi Line makes commuting to Ikebukuro and Tokyo Station easy. The charm of Myogadani is that it offers an ideal environment where nature and urban functions are in harmony, including the lush greenery of Harimasaka.
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No. 5: Nakano (Nakano Ward) | A high-value 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 notable town undergoing redevelopment. The area around the station is home to the large commercial facility Nakano Broadway and a shopping street, making it extremely convenient for daily life. Redevelopment has also improved the scenery and public safety around the station, attracting young people and families.
Additionally, average rents are lower than in central Tokyo, making it a great value for money. 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.
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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 do, whether shopping or eating out.
The area is also home to many quiet residential areas, making it popular with women living alone due to its good public safety. It's also extremely convenient, being just 10 minutes from Shibuya, making it a popular choice for business people working in central Tokyo.
It is a well-balanced area that combines the calm atmosphere and elegant streetscape that are unique to Meguro Ward, as well as ease of living.
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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 Tokyo's largest shopping arcades, and has everything you need from everyday shopping to eating out.
Redevelopment has seen 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, making it a recommended area for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness near the city center. It is a highly livable town that is attracting attention for its future development.
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No. 8: Shakujii Park (Nerima Ward) | A peaceful town where you can 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 seeking a tranquil environment in the heart of the city. It's easily accessible to Ikebukuro, about 10 minutes away on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, making it convenient for commuting. There are supermarkets, hospitals, and schools nearby, making it a great place to live for families.
The Shakujii Park area, with its lush green surroundings and quiet residential area, is extremely popular with families raising children and nature-loving people. It is the perfect town for those who prioritize a comfortable lifestyle.
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No. 9: Akabane (Kita Ward) | Great value and easy access
Akabane is a transportation hub where multiple JR lines intersect, allowing direct access to major central Tokyo stations such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Tokyo. There are large supermarkets, restaurant chains, and shopping districts in front of the station, making it extremely convenient for everyday life. Yet, average rent is lower than in central Tokyo, making it a cost-effective area for both singles and families.
Recently, the entire city has been undergoing redevelopment, and the public safety and scenery are improving. It is a city that is currently attracting attention for its ease of living, ease of commuting, and low rent.
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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 yet well-organized commercial facility, with a full range of stores for daily life. Although it is located close to busy areas such as Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, the area around the station has a quiet and elegant atmosphere, making it truly a "hidden luxury residential area."
It is especially popular with families with children and those who are highly education-oriented, and offers a safe and secure environment for long-term living. It is the perfect town for those seeking dignity and tranquility.
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Recommended areas by lifestyle
When choosing a "livable city" in Tokyo, it's important to identify an area that suits your lifestyle. Priorities vary depending on your life stage, such as working adults and students starting to live alone, families raising children, and the elderly.
For example, quiet neighborhoods near train stations are popular for single people who prioritize a balance between average rent and public safety. Families choose areas with childcare facilities, parks, and a good educational environment. On the other hand, for the elderly, areas with nearby medical facilities and convenient facilities and barrier-free design 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 starting to live 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 with 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, drug stores, restaurants, etc. are all within walking distance. Choose an area that offers a safe and comfortable life, while also taking into consideration good access to the city center.
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 good support for raising children and is blessed with nature and an excellent educational environment. Typical cities include Setagaya Ward and Nerima Ward, which are known for their many parks and highly rated local nurseries and elementary schools.
Another big attraction is the comprehensive childcare subsidy and temporary childcare provided by the local government. Shopping centers and medical facilities are also nearby, and the high level of convenience for daily life is a reason why it is popular with families. A city where nature and urban functions coexist can be said to be an ideal living environment that supports the growth of children and the peace of mind of 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 quiet environments, but also have many general hospitals and clinics, giving a sense of security. Furthermore, efforts are being made to create cities that are friendly to the elderly, such as installing elevators at stations and public facilities and creating roads with few steps. Having supermarkets and drugstores within walking distance also contributes to the comfort of life. Areas that combine convenient transportation with a quiet living environment are also attracting attention as places for seniors to relocate.
Analysis of livability of Tokyo's 23 wards
Each of Tokyo's 23 wards has its own distinct characteristics, and people's perceptions of livability vary. Choosing a home requires a multifaceted perspective, from quiet areas with expansive high-end residential areas, to wards with comprehensive childcare support, to wards with low rent and good value for money. It's especially important to balance factors such as public safety, transportation access, average rent, infrastructure, and the educational environment.
Here, we'll explain popular wards that are highly rated for their livability, as well as 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 wards" are Setagaya, Suginami, Bunkyo, Shinagawa, and Nerima.
- Setagaya Ward has many parks and is popular with families.
- Suginami Ward is popular with single people due to its quiet residential area and convenient transportation.
- Bunkyo Ward is known as an "educational 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 attractive 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, making them popular with a wide range of people.
Hidden gems with cheap rent and easy living (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 affordable housing.
- Katsushika Ward is attractive for its old-fashioned streets, such as Shibamata and Kameari, which retain a traditional downtown atmosphere, and it is easy to keep living costs down.
- 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 good transportation and living infrastructure and are being reevaluated as "hidden gems" that are easy to live in and offer a comfortable lifestyle.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 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 opinions of residents to questions that many people have when looking for a livable city.
If you're unsure which city to choose or are feeling anxious about moving for the first time, please 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 offers 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 profile, and is a popular area among families. Parts of Suginami Ward and southern Edogawa Ward also have lower rents than central Tokyo, offering good cost performance even near stations. Edogawa Ward in particular offers generous support for raising children and is attracting attention as a safe and secure city.
Q: Which ward would you recommend 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 train lines, making it ideal for couples whose workplaces are in the city center. Bunkyo Ward has a good public safety and educational environment, making it suitable for future planning with children in mind. Nakano Ward is also undergoing redevelopment and has an abundance of commercial facilities and daycare centers, making it an environment that makes it easy to reduce the burden of housework and childcare.
Both areas are currently attracting attention as "Tokyo areas where working couples can easily live," with proximity to stations and well-developed infrastructure.
Q: Which city would you choose if you were living alone for the first time?
When living alone for the first time, three important points to consider when choosing a place are low rent, safety, and convenience. Recommended areas include Ogikubo (Suginami Ward), Akabane (Kita Ward), and Nakano (Nakano Ward).
Ogikubo is accessible via the Chuo Line and Marunouchi Line, and has a calm atmosphere with good public safety. Akabane has reasonable rent, multiple train lines, and good access to the city center. Nakano has a good shopping and dining environment, making it a comfortable place to live alone even for the first time.
These towns combine convenience around the stations with good public safety, making them recommended areas where you can start living in peace.
Summary | Choose a Tokyo neighborhood that suits your lifestyle
Tokyo has a diverse range of attractive cities, and choosing one that suits your lifestyle and values is essential. Everyone has different standards for what makes a place livable, including public safety, average rent, transportation access, childcare support, and the medical system. For example, if you're living alone, a city with good convenience and value for money is ideal; if you have a family, an area with good education and natural environments is ideal; and for the elderly, a quiet area with good medical facilities is ideal.
In this article, we've introduced recommended areas based on the Tokyo Livable City Rankings, updated for 2025. To choose the perfect city in Tokyo for you, it's important to first reconsider your lifestyle and clarify your essential requirements.
Please use this as a reference when choosing a city to ensure a comfortable and safe life.
