What are the benefits of living in Tokyo? Attractiveness according to lifestyle

Tokyo is known as a city that has everything, but when you actually live there, you are often surprised by how convenient it is and how many possibilities there are. In this chapter, we will introduce the benefits that are common to both single people and families with children, and the attractions that suit each lifestyle. We will also explain the appeal of living in Tokyo from various angles, including the difference between Tokyo's 23 wards and the city area (suburbs), and reference information for choosing an area that suits your purpose.

Convenient transportation access | Easily get anywhere in Tokyo by train or bus

Tokyo's transportation infrastructure is the best in Japan. With JR lines, subways, private railways, and bus routes all around the city, centered around the Yamanote Line, Tokyo is easily accessible no matter where you live.

Furthermore, it has excellent access to airports and Shinkansen stations. Haneda Airport is 30 to 40 minutes from the city center, and the Shinkansen is available at multiple terminals, including Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station, making business trips and travel smooth. The ability to quickly get around not only for daily commutes, but also for weekend getaways and travel to other regions is a major advantage of living in Tokyo.

Excellent infrastructure: convenience stores, hospitals, and government offices are all within walking distance

In Tokyo, all the facilities necessary for daily life are close by. In addition to convenience stores and supermarkets, there are also plenty of drugstores, clinics, post offices, and administrative service desks. In particular, around stations, there are multiple commercial facilities within a five-minute walk, making it possible to efficiently run errands even during busy days.

In addition, there are many medical institutions and clinics that are open at night and on holidays, so you can rest assured in case of sudden illness or injury. Even if you have small children or live with elderly people, the peace of mind of the medical system is a major point.

Many opportunities for work and side jobs | Easy career advancement environment

Tokyo has job openings in all kinds of industries and occupations, from large corporations to start-ups. The number of job openings posted at Hello Work and job sites is by far the largest in the country, making it easy to find a job that matches your desires and skills.

Recently, many companies have established support systems for remote work, freelancing, and side jobs, and the degree of freedom in working style is expanding. Many seminars for entrepreneurial support and small business are held in Tokyo, and the environment is well-equipped to develop the ability to earn money on your own.

Entertainment and cultural facilities all gathered together | Infinite options for hobbies and learning

Tokyo is a treasure trove of entertainment. Cinemas, theaters, art museums, music halls, live music venues, and more are dotted throughout each area, making it appealing that you can drop in on your way home from work even on weekdays. In Tokyo, there are many opportunities to casually watch musicals, plays, and other nationally popular performances.

Furthermore, there are many classes and events related to hobbies and learning. English conversation, dance, pottery, programming, photography, fitness, and other things that interest you can be experienced right away, which is a privilege only available in urban areas.

For families with children, there are plenty of workshops that parents and children can participate in together, as well as public facilities such as libraries, science museums, and zoos, creating an environment where education can be combined with play.

A city that accepts diverse values ​​| An environment where you can live "as yourself"

Tokyo is home to people with diverse backgrounds from all over Japan, and it is natural for people to have different hometowns, lifestyles, work styles, and family structures. As a result, people are less likely to be bound by concepts like "normal" or "common sense," and there is a culture in which personal choices are respected. Being able to build a comfortable life without having to conform to those around you is a great source of relief, especially for people living alone or who value individuality.

Benefits of living alone: ​​High degree of freedom and growth opportunities

Living alone in Tokyo is a symbol of a lifestyle where you can fully enjoy your free time and space. There are many single people of the same generation, and there are many opportunities to meet people who live a similar lifestyle. In addition to hobbies, studies, and work, another element that enriches living alone is the ability to build new relationships through social gatherings and events.

Since you have to make all your own decisions and take action, you will naturally acquire self-management skills and life skills. Living alone in Tokyo is also an opportunity for growth in that it will help you develop the basic skills needed as a member of society, such as budget management, housework, and schedule adjustment.

Benefits for families with children | Improving the educational environment and child-rearing support

Tokyo is home to many educational institutions, with plenty of options, both public and private. Some ward elementary schools offer distinctive education, and you may choose the area to live in based on the school district. There are also many cram schools and extracurricular classes, providing plenty of opportunities for children to develop their interests and areas of expertise.

Public child-rearing support systems are also in place, mainly in the 23 wards of Tokyo, and efforts are underway to reduce the economic burden, such as expanding daycare centers, child-rearing support coupons, and medical expense subsidy systems. In particular, some municipalities have implemented policies aiming for zero waiting lists for children and completely free pediatric medical care, which is a great support for dual-income households.

Differences between Tokyo's 23 wards and city areas and recommended areas | Choices to suit your lifestyle

Even if you say "living in Tokyo," there are big differences in the living environment and lifestyle between the 23 wards and the city (such as the Tama area). Depending on which you choose, your daily life and the advantages and disadvantages you will experience will also differ.

Characteristics of Tokyo's 23 wards

• The area has excellent transportation accessibility, allowing smooth access to work, school, shopping, and medical facilities. Travel time is reduced, making life more efficient.
• Convenience stores, supermarkets, hospitals, government offices, etc. are often within walking distance, making it perfect for people who want to save time.
• On the other hand, rent prices are high, and prices and living costs tend to rise. It is especially important to carefully consider the balance with your budget when choosing a property for a family.

Characteristics of Tokyo metropolitan area (Tama area, etc.)

• The area is popular as a place to raise children, with lots of nature and parks. There are also many nurseries and elementary schools with spacious grounds, making it easy to raise children in a relaxed environment.
• The average rent is relatively low and it is easy to find larger properties, making it an ideal place for people looking for a home for their family.
• Commuting times to city centers tend to be longer, and in some cases commuting by crowded trains has become a daily routine.

3 recommended areas for living alone | Focusing on the balance between convenience and rent

If you're looking to start living alone in Tokyo, it's important to find a balance between good accessibility and affordable rent. Below, we'll introduce three areas we recommend for cost-effective single people.

Nakano (Nakano Ward)

Nakano is an especially popular area along the Chuo Line, boasting excellent access to Shinjuku Station, just 5 minutes by train. There are plenty of commercial facilities and restaurants around the station, making it extremely convenient for daily life. Just a little way from the station is a quiet residential area, providing a relaxing living environment. The average rent is a little high, but it is well within the acceptable range considering the convenience.

Akabane (Kita Ward)

Akabane, which is accessible by multiple lines including the Saikyo Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, and Shonan Shinjuku Line, is an area that combines both access to the city center and a down-to-earth atmosphere. There are large supermarkets and drinking districts around the station, so you will have no trouble living there. Rent is also relatively low for one of the 23 wards, making it a great place to live alone for the first time.

Oimachi (Shinagawa Ward)

This area is highly convenient for transportation, with access to the Keihin Tohoku Line, Rinkai Line, and Tokyu Oimachi Line. It also has excellent access to Shinagawa, Tokyo, and Shibuya, making it especially popular with people working in the city center. There are commercial facilities such as Atre and supermarkets in front of the station, and the area is safe. There are many residential areas just a short walk away, with plenty of rental properties for single people.

3 recommended areas for families with children: focusing on education, safety, and the environment

If you are planning to raise children in Tokyo, the key is to choose an area that offers a good balance of education, public safety, natural environment, and child-rearing support.

Suginami Ward, Eifukucho area

Eifukucho, located along the Inokashira Line, is known as a peaceful residential area with lots of greenery. There is a supermarket, library, and local childcare support center in front of the station, making it a safe environment for families with small children. Suginami Ward is proactive in dealing with the problem of waiting lists for daycare, and the nursery school system is well maintained. The area is also safe and popular as an educational district.

Bunkyo Ward, Honkomagome area

Bunkyo Ward, famous as a "city of education," is an area blessed with a good learning environment with many famous national and private schools. It is also blessed with nature such as Koishikawa Botanical Garden and Rikugien Garden, making it a recommended area for families who want to raise their children in a relaxed environment. Bunkyo Ward also has many medical institutions, and is characterized by its high level of pediatric care. Rent is on the higher side, but the area is considered to be worth it.

Mitaka City/Musashisakai area

If you want to balance access to the city center with nature, Mitaka City along the Chuo Line is the place to go. In particular, the area around Musashi-Sakai Station has been redeveloped, and there are many facilities for families, such as station buildings, childcare facilities, libraries, and play parks. Mitaka City also has a comprehensive child-rearing support system, support for stroller users, and plenty of events for parents and children. Another attractive feature is that rent is lower than in the city center.

Disadvantages of living in Tokyo | Real issues felt after living there

Tokyo has many charms, but many people who actually live there say, "It's not what I imagined..." In particular, in terms of living costs and the environment, there are burdens and challenges that cannot be found in other regions.

Here we will introduce the disadvantages that you may notice living in Tokyo, divided into "general" and "lifestyle-specific" disadvantages.

High rent and high prices | Living costs are two to three times higher than in rural areas

The first thing you notice about living in Tokyo is the high rent and cost of living. Even for a one-room apartment or 1K, it is not uncommon for it to cost 80,000 to 100,000 yen per month in the 23 wards, and over 100,000 yen in the city center. This is two to three times higher than in other regional cities.

Additionally, supermarkets, restaurants, and daily necessities are expensive in Tokyo. If you spend a lot of money on shopping at train stations and convenience stores, or eat out, you can expect to pay 800 to 1,000 yen per meal, which can amount to 60,000 to 90,000 yen per month.

This cost is also a burden for families with children, and rents rise even higher if you want a spacious apartment or a good school district. Childcare fees, education costs, extracurricular activities, etc. are also included, and private and international schools can cost hundreds of thousands of yen per year.

Living in Tokyo can be described as a "cost in exchange for convenience," and while some costs can be kept down by choosing the area and making adjustments to your lifestyle, it's inevitable that expenses will be higher than in the countryside.

Stress caused by crowds and noise | Stress factors specific to urban areas

If you live in Tokyo, you are exposed to the stress of being "crowded" on a daily basis. Stations and trains are regularly packed during rush hour, and it is said that "just riding the Yamanote Line or Tozai Line in the morning is tiring."

In addition, downtown areas and areas around major stations are always crowded, and there are often waiting times when shopping or eating out. Some people say that even when they try to refresh themselves on the weekends, they end up feeling exhausted because there are so many people everywhere.

Noise is also a problem unique to Tokyo, with train and car noises, and late-night hustle and bustle making it difficult to find quiet time. When choosing a property, "soundproofing" and the "surrounding environment" are important.

This situation is particularly serious for families with children, as the difficulty of going out and the lack of quiet places are causes of stress. The key to living comfortably in Tokyo is how to deal with the stress caused by "people" and "noises."

Lack of nature | Lack of green space makes it hard to breathe

Tokyo is a city densely packed with high-rise buildings and residential areas, with few places to experience nature. There are few opportunities to see greenery, and many people find it difficult to refresh themselves.

There are large green spaces such as Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, but they are often difficult to access and crowded, making them unsuitable for casually enjoying nature.

Families with children often have concerns such as "there are no parks nearby where we can play" or "I can't walk around safely with a stroller," and many childcare facilities do not even have a playground.

Even if you live alone, you may be far from nature, where you can relax and unwind from the stresses of daily life. Forest parks, which are close by in rural areas, tend to become a "destination" in Tokyo. It takes conscious effort to incorporate nature into your daily life.

Challenges of living alone: ​​loneliness, initial costs, security concerns

Living alone in Tokyo is free and exciting, but it can also make you feel lonely and anxious. People who have just moved to Tokyo tend to feel isolated because they don't know anyone.

The initial costs of moving are also high, and in some cases it can cost as much as five to six months' rent for the deposit, key money, advance rent, insurance, etc. Many properties require you to use a guarantor company, which adds to the burden.

There are also concerns about security at night or in older properties, so women in particular need to look for places that prioritize security, such as auto-locking doors or an on-site manager.

As you can see, while living alone is easy, it also brings with it the anxiety of not being protected. In addition to financial preparation, it is also important to create a living environment where you can feel safe.

Issues facing families with children: lack of daycare centers, education costs, and housing restrictions

A major obstacle for raising children in Tokyo is the shortage of daycare centers. Competition for admission to licensed daycare centers is fierce, and in some municipalities, it is disadvantageous to those who do not work full-time.

Education costs are also high, with cram schools, extracurricular lessons, and private schools costing hundreds of thousands to millions of yen per year. Although there are public facilities, they are often in high demand and difficult to book.

If you want a spacious layout, a quiet neighborhood, and a safe commute to school, rent will skyrocket, and it's rare to find a property that meets all of these requirements. Compromises are often necessary.

In addition, living a life where you have to worry about what others think of you, such as noise problems in the apartment building or complaints about the voices of your children, can also be stressful. In order to make child-rearing easier, it is essential to utilize support systems provided by local governments and to be flexible in how they are handled.

What's the difference between living in Tokyo and the countryside? A comparison to see the benefits of living in Tokyo

When you hear "living in Tokyo," many people may have an image of an urban, glamorous place. On the other hand, rural areas also have their charms, such as nature and warm human relationships. Based on the differences in life felt by people from rural areas in Tokyo, we will compare commuting, work, human relationships, etc. and clearly summarize the "benefits of living in Tokyo."

Differences in commuting and travel: Comparing life without a car vs. life requiring a car

Tokyo: Public transport-centric lifestyle

• Trains, subways and buses run every few minutes, making travel smooth.
• You can live without a car. You can save on parking fees and maintenance costs.
• You can move around without worrying about driving after a drinking party

Rural areas: Cars are a necessity

• There are few trains and buses, and the transportation network is limited
• Shopping, commuting, and going to the hospital are all done by car. One car per person is the norm.
• Maintenance and gasoline costs are high

Differences in work and income | Regional disparities in job availability, occupations, and annual income

Tokyo: Many options and opportunities

• There are many job openings and you can choose from a wide range of industries and employment types.
• There is a concentration of professional jobs and high-income industries. It is easy to advance your career.
• There is an environment that makes it easy to try side jobs and freelancing

Regional: Limited options

• There are few job openings, and they tend to be concentrated in certain industries
• Even for the same occupation, the average annual income is low, and there is a limit to income growth.
• There is less demand for freelance work and side jobs than in urban areas.

Differences in encounters and interactions | Networking and rich communities

Tokyo: Diverse encounters possible

• There are many ways to meet people, including hobbies, work, and social media
• Even single people can easily find a community that suits them
• There are a variety of offline meetups, clubs, and childcare support gatherings

Local areas: Deep social interactions but limited

• While the community ties are strong, it can be difficult for newcomers to get involved.
• Differences in lifestyles and values ​​are easily noticeable
• Relationships tend to be narrow, and you may feel lonely

Livability and real issues experienced by someone raised in Tokyo

I grew up in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and after I started working, I started living in one of the 23 wards. I was surprised at how little greenery there was in the center of Tokyo, and how expensive supermarkets and parking lots were.

At the time, I lived about 20 minutes by train from the city center, but the rush hour commute was brutal. Even just 20 minutes would leave me stuck in a packed train, and there were days when I was exhausted even before I got to work.

On the other hand, I have been blessed with the opportunity to expand my network of people by casually going out to eat after work, or participating in drinking parties and events. On my days off, I can casually drop by a movie theater or art museum by bicycle or on foot, which I think is a way of enjoying life that is unique to Tokyo.

Since I started raising children, I have realized that there are big differences depending on the area in terms of ease of getting into daycare centers and support systems. I was reminded that even within the same city, differences in environment and systems directly affect the ease of living.

Tokyo is a convenient and stimulating city, but I think in order to live comfortably, it's very important to reconsider where you live and how you live to suit your own life stage.

Tips for living comfortably in Tokyo

Although Tokyo is convenient, it is also a city that can easily face various challenges, such as the cost of living, feelings of loneliness, and a lack of nature. However, with a little ingenuity and a change of perspective, it is possible to greatly improve livability. Here we will introduce some practical points to make your daily life more comfortable.

Choosing a home that will keep your rent low | Area, property type, and contract details

The biggest burden in living in Tokyo is rent. Even a one-room apartment in the city center can cost more than 80,000 yen a month, and it's not uncommon for a family apartment to cost in the 200,000 yen range.

The key to keeping rent low is to choose the train line and station. Just moving a little away from the city center can make a difference of 10,000 to 20,000 yen in rent. By choosing a station that starts from the station or a station where rapid trains stop, you can reduce the burden of commuting and keep costs down.

Even old properties, shared houses, and properties with issues can become comfortable homes if they have been renovated. In addition, you can save on initial costs by looking for properties with "no deposit or key money" or "no agency fees."

Instead of just chasing your ideal, clearly determining what you prioritize and what you are willing to compromise on will lead to a home selection that will leave you satisfied.

Tips for lowering living costs | Reducing fixed expenses and shopping smartly

People tend to think that Tokyo is expensive, but with some ingenuity you can reduce the financial burden considerably. The four areas where you can save the most are rent, food, communication, and transportation costs.

Food expenses can be kept to 20,000 to 30,000 yen per month by using supermarkets, discount stores, and coupon apps. Combined with takeout and bulk buying, you can enjoy eating out without too much trouble.

Communication costs can be significantly reduced by introducing low-cost SIM cards and Wi-Fi integrated services, and transportation costs can also be reduced by using shared bicycles and commuter passes.

You can change your living expenses just by reviewing the expenses you spend without thinking. If you start by reviewing your fixed expenses, you will be able to develop the habit of saving money without any effort.

How to alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety about raising children | Community participation and housing options

Even in Tokyo, where connections with other people can feel weak, many people feel lonely and anxious about raising children. There are surprisingly many places where you can build loose connections, such as local child-rearing centers, social events, and local groups that use social media. Information on social spaces and child-rearing support is also posted on the official website, and relationships can be born from a casual step.

If you live alone, you can reduce feelings of isolation by choosing a place to live where it is easy to interact with others, such as a shared house or coliving space.

For families with children, choosing an area with many children of the same age makes it easier for them to naturally make connections at parks and daycare centers.

Ways to make up for the lack of nature | How to utilize green spaces in Tokyo and how to spend your days off

Even in Tokyo, a city surrounded by concrete, there are many places where you can get in touch with nature if you look for them. Metropolitan parks and gardens are precious places where you can enjoy walks and picnics while feeling the changes of the seasons. Many parks have play equipment for children, making them ideal for everyday use.

Even if you live alone, getting into the habit of going to nearby natural spots on the weekends can help you refresh your mind and body. The fact that the mountains and the sea are just an hour away by train is one of Tokyo's hidden charms.

In addition, there is an increase in "lifestyles that incorporate nature," such as rooftop gardens and urban farms, and even a small amount of greenery can add a sense of spaciousness to your life.

Summary | Living your own way in Tokyo

While Tokyo is full of convenience and excitement, it also has challenges such as rent, prices, and the lack of human relationships.

By choosing an area, support systems, and community participation that suits your life stage and values, it is entirely possible to live a comfortable life.

Make good use of the information and options available to you and discover "your ideal life in Tokyo."