Top Tokyo Suburbs | Spotlight On The Most Luxurious Residential Neighbourhoods

Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a city of contrasts. From towering skyscrapers to serene temples, it offers a lifestyle that’s a blend of the modern and the traditional. But what makes Tokyo even more intriguing is its diverse range of suburbs, each offering a unique living experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll focus on five of Tokyo’s most sought-after special wards: Minato, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya and Meguro. We’ll explore their key features, landmarks, and the potential Return on Investment (ROI) for properties in these areas.

1. Minato Ward

Minato-ku is often the first choice for diplomats, expatriates, and high-ranking corporate executives. Home to embassies and global corporate headquarters, this ward offers an international atmosphere. The area is synonymous with luxury, featuring neighborhoods like Azabu and Minami Azabu, where the real estate is as elite as the residents.

Real Estate Trends

The real estate market in Minato has seen consistent growth over the years. New developments are often sold out within weeks of their launch, indicating the high demand for properties in this area.

Potential ROI

Investing in Minato is often considered a safe bet due to its high property values and consistent demand. Rental yields are also relatively high, making it an attractive option for investors.

Popular High-End Residential Areas in Minato Ward

Minami Azabu: The region spanning Minami Azabu’s 3rd to 5th chomes radiates cosmopolitan charm. This exclusive district is home to the French and German Embassies, making it one of Azabu’s most sought-after residential pockets. Minami Azabu benefits from its proximity to Hiroo Station on the Hibiya Line and the nearby Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park. This area, beloved by artists, boasts a plethora of well-designed mansions.

Motoazabu: Motoazabu is renowned for seamlessly blending luxury living with unbeatable convenience. With shopping meccas like Roppongi Hills and the bustling ‘Azabu Juban Shopping Street’ nearby, residents enjoy a wealth of options. This neighborhood is a gourmet paradise for adults, featuring members-only restaurants and world-famous celebrity dining establishments.

Shirokane: Shirokane is a neighborhood that exudes an air of understated elegance, largely centered around the famed Platinum Street. This area is a magnet for those who appreciate the finer things in life, from gourmet dining to boutique shopping. It’s not just the establishments that add to the area’s charm; it’s also the residents themselves. Known colloquially as ‘shiroganese,’ these individuals are often seen as the epitome of sophistication, adding a unique character to the neighborhood.

Hiroo: Hiroo, popular among international residents offers a unique blend of urban living and a peaceful sanctuary. The vicinity surrounding the station is home to a bustling shopping street, while venturing deeper reveals a serene, high-class residential environment. The area in front of the station along the main street (Gaien Nishi Dori) is low-lying, but on either side of the main street there is a plateau, and on top of the plateau is a high-end residential area.

Akasaka: This neighborhood is unique in its high concentration of CEOs, with surveys indicating that one in ten residents holds this esteemed title. Adjacent to renowned ryotei districts and government buildings, it elegantly fuses tradition with modernity. First-class hotels, diplomatic venues, and thriving businesses create a vibrant community.

See properties for sale in Minato ward here

2. Shibuya Ward

Shibuya-ku is the playground for the young and affluent, often associated with fashion, technology, and entertainment. Neighborhoods like Shoto is a residential haven, offering privacy and exclusivity amidst the bustling city life.

Real Estate Trends

Shibuya’s real estate market is dynamic, with new developments coming up regularly. The area is particularly popular among young professionals and expatriates, making it a hot spot for real estate investment.

Potential ROI

Shibuya offers a balanced mix of residential and commercial properties, making it a versatile investment option. The area has seen a steady increase in property values, promising good returns for investors.

Popular High-End Residential Areas in Shibuya Ward

Shoto: Shoto, a serene upmarket enclave in Shibuya Ward, has earned the moniker of Tokyo’s ‘Beverly Hills.’ This discreet district is the residence of choice for esteemed politicians and corporate titans. Privacy takes precedence, with each mansion concealed behind high concrete walls. Stringent regulations govern house size and use, adding to the air of exclusivity.

Nishihara: Nishihara area, which stretches to the north of Yoyogi Uehara Station is an well known residential area in the Shibuya ward. Five shopping streets and fashionable cafés and restaurants coexist in the neighbourhood, so there is no need to worry about shopping or eating out. This area has been loved by many famous historical figures, including the founders of conglomerates, major politicians, leading Japanese entrepreneurs, and heroes of the Tokugawa family and the Meiji Restoration. The town is steeped in the dignity that has been passed down from generation to generation of distinguished people.

See all properties for sale in Shibuya ward here

3. Shinjuku Ward

When you think of Shinjuku, you probably have a strong image of Nishi-Shinjuku, with its skyscrapers, and Kabukicho, with its glittering streets. Even in such Shinjuku, it has quieter and more residential zones that attract well-to-do professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Real Estate Trends

Shinjuku’s real estate market is as dynamic as the district itself. There’s a high demand for both residential and commercial properties, making it an excellent choice for investors.

Potential ROI

Shinjuku offers a variety of investment options, from high-rise apartments to commercial spaces. The area has seen consistent growth in property values, making it a lucrative option for investors.

Popular High-End Residential Areas in Shinjuku Ward

Shinanomachi: Shinanomachi is a serene district in Shinjuku Ward, holds historical significance as it once housed the Naito family of the Takato domain in Shinano during the Edo period. Today, it is renowned for Shinjuku Gyoen, a lush garden hosting the annual Cherry Blossom Viewing Party for dignitaries. The area also features the prestigious Akasaka Imperial Palace grounds, home to the State Guest House. Shinanomachi boasts an old-world charm with streets lined by grand residences, providing views of green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Jingu Gaien, creating an urban oasis.

Ichigaya: Ichigaya is known for its business districts and universities, reveals another side as you move away from JR Ichigaya Station. Explore this enclave adorned with upscale low-rise apartments and mansions, built on the samurai residences’ historical grounds from the Edo period. Zoning regulations maintain a tranquil residential ambiance, curtailing large stores and specific facilities, giving the district a calm atmosphere. The presence of international institutions like the Tokyo French Institute infuses Ichigaya with an international flair, attracting a diverse and cultured community.

See all properties for sale in Shinjuku ward here.

4. Setagaya Ward

Setagaya-ku is known for its spacious and well-planned residential areas like Seijo, making it ideal for families. The ward offers a suburban feel within the city, attracting those who want the best of both worlds.

Real Estate Trends

The real estate market in Setagaya is characterized by its stability and long-term appeal. While it may not have the flashiness of Minato or the youthful energy of Shibuya, Setagaya properties are highly sought after by families and long-term residents. The area has a mix of modern developments and older, well-maintained homes.

Potential ROI

Investing in Setagaya can be seen as a long-term strategy. The area doesn’t offer the quick, high returns you might find in Shibuya or Minato, but it provides a steady, reliable ROI. Rental yields are moderate, but the demand is consistent, especially for family homes.

Popular High-End Residential Areas in Setagaya Ward

Seijo: The Seijo area was pioneered when the prestigious Seijo Gakuen School moved from Shinjuku and the town grew during the high economic growth period and bubble economy, evolving into the most celebrity-dominated town in Japan. It is an iconic and ideal residential area in Japan with wide streets and plots, specifically in addresses around 6 chome and 7 chome. Land prices and tsubos are lower than in Shibuya and Minato wards, and countless large houses have been built in this area.

See all properties for sale in Shinjuku ward here.

5. Meguro Ward

Meguro-ku offers a harmonious blend of commercial and residential spaces. Many areas are popular among young people for their trendy shops and cafes, while still maintaining a quiet residential atmosphere. Known for its scenic spots like the Meguro River and various art museums, it’s a ward that offers a balanced lifestyle, making it attractive to a wide range of residents.

Real Estate Trends

Meguro’s real estate market is diverse, offering everything from luxury apartments overlooking the river to more modest family homes. The area has been seeing a gradual increase in property values, thanks in part to its desirability as a residential area.

Potential ROI

Meguro offers a balanced investment opportunity. While the area may not have the high rental yields of Minato, it offers a stable and growing market. It’s particularly popular among expatriates and professionals who work in nearby business districts, adding to its investment appeal.

Popular High-End Residential Areas in Meguro Ward

Aobadai: Particularly known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, the area is mostly residential, with a mix of low-rise apartment buildings and single-family homes. It is a popular place to live for families and expats who are looking for a calm and safe neighborhood that is still within easy reach of the city’s main attractions; Aobadai is accessible to Daikanyama, Nakameguro and Shibuya by foot and to Roppongi it takes less than 15 minutes by car. Well known for its green spaces, including the nearby Setagaya Park, it’s a perfect location for family offers a welcome escape from the frenetic pace of Tokyo life.

Jiyugaoka: Jiyugaoka is a quiet residential area in Meguro, Tokyo. It is a relatively new district, developed between the high economic growth period and the bubble period, and has been demarcated. The area in front of the station is a commercial area with many shops selling fashionable coffee shops, general merchandise, restaurants and daily necessities

What Next?

At Housing Japan, we specialise in buying, selling, and managing residential luxury real estate in central Tokyo. Whether you are a local resident or simply seeking a second home or temporary residence for business trips, we have you covered. Our one-stop service includes expert management services, so you can sit back and relax knowing that everything is taken care of. Whether you are looking for a luxurious living experience or an investment opportunity, we are here to help you every step of the way. 

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