Shibuya is a trendy, hip, and fun-loving ward in Tokyo that never seems to sleep. From shopping and eating gluten-free ramen to seeing an upcoming artist live, there is always something to do. That’s why we have this Shibuya Guide to make sure you have a wonderful experience here.

Compared to other shopping districts in Tokyo, Shibuya is relatively new. A lot of the high-rise buildings have been built over the past few decades, and the developments aren’t done as of today.

As Tokyo’s main entertainment hub for young people and foreigners, the city has come a long way since its early days. Shibuya is also known for being both accessible and affordable.

When it comes to shopping, compared to Ginza, known for its luxury brands, Shibuya offers much more variety. You still have the luxury brands, but there are many more affordable, lesser-known clothing stores in between. 

This is a neighborhood guide to Shibuya. We’re here to cover the ward, look at the station, and the different districts that make up Shibuya, and explore how to stay in the loop for all the festivities. 

Navigating the Shibuya Station

At the heart of Shibuya is the Shibuya Station, infamous for being maze-like and crowded. Here, three major train companies operate lines that run through Shibuya Station: JR (Japan Rail), Keio, and Tokyu. 

Overall, there are five entrances and exits. If you exit through the Hachiko Gate, you can directly step out into the Shibuya Crossing and see the Hachiko Statue. Fair warning, though — it’s very crowded!

When navigating this station, it is important to note that transferring from one corporation to another requires leaving the ticket gate and entering another.

However, if you are just changing trains within the same corporation, you often don’t need to go through a ticket gate at all. Here is a breakdown of the different lines and what direction they go in: 

• JR (Japan Rail): Four JR lines run through Shibuya Station.
  • The Yamanote line loops around Tokyo, hitting major stations such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Shinagawa.
  • Next, we have the Saikyo line, which runs north to Saitama.
  • The Shonan-Shinjuku line runs along the Shonan coast and into Kanagawa.
  • The Narita Express can take you to the airport.
• The Keio Inokashira line can take you to Shimokitazawa and Kichijōji.
• The Denentoshi line, which goes into Kanagawa,
• The Hanzomon line, which is a run-on from the Denentoshi line and goes northeast into Tokyo, towards Otemachi station which is near Tokyo station.
• The Tokyu Toyoko line for Daikanyama, Naka-Meguro, and Yokohama.
• The Ginza line from Shibuya can take you to Ginza and also Asakusa.
• Finally, we have the Fukutoshin line, which stretches to the northwest of Tokyo

Tip: The train station can be overwhelming at times, as there are so many lines and even more exits. If you are coming from a Tokyu train line, one rule of thumb to remember is how to find your way to Hachiko, the dog statue, which is right next to Scramble Square. You just need to look for exit 8; an easy way to remember this is that eight in Japanese is hachi, so follow hachi (8) to get to Hachiko.

Check out: How to Get Around Japan with Public Transportation

Downtown Shibuya: Udagawacho 

When people think of downtown Shibuya, the streets of Udagawacho (宇田川町) often come to mind. This is where you can find the iconic Scramble Square, the Hachiko Statue, and an array of large department stores.

One of the main characteristics of Udagawacho is the pedestrian-only street known as Shibuya Center Gai or Basketball Street, which is just across the road from the Hachiko statue. This street is lined with restaurants, both new and old, fashion and cosmetic shops, and game arcades. 

Udagawacho is also home to Parco, Loft, and a Mega Don Quijote. Parco is a flagship department store with big brands such as Dior, Gucci, and Dr. Martens. Like many department stores, food can be found underground with options such as sushi, ramen, and even a vegan izakaya. Loft, on the other hand, is a lifestyle-oriented store that has an abundance of cute stationery. 

The store in Shibuya is one of the largest and caters to tourists, so it is a perfect place to shop for omiyage (souvenirs). The Mega Don Quijote is a great place to grab a bargain, as products are discounted.

Again, this Mega Don Quijote offers an excellent range of omiyage, as it is located in a popular tourist destination. 

If you want to explore other cool neighborhoods in Tokyo besides Shibuya, check out this article!

Explore Shibuya Like a Local by Learning Japanese!

One of the best ways to explore Shibuya like a local is by learning Japanese while you’re here.

Even a small amount of Japanese can go a long way. From ordering food and asking for directions to chatting with shop staff, learning the language helps you connect more naturally with the city and its people.

If you’re visiting Tokyo short term, Coto Academy makes it easy to fit Japanese study into your travel plans. With a school location right in Shibuya, Coto Academy Shibuya offers flexible, short-term Japanese lessons designed specifically for travelers and busy schedules. Classes focus on practical conversation, so you can start using Japanese in real-life situations right away.

Coto Academy is known for its small class sizes, friendly learning environment, and professional native Japanese teachers. Many students are travelers or short-term residents, making it a great place to meet new people while learning something meaningful.

Exploring Dogenzaka: The Love Hotel Hill 

If you use Shibuya 109 as your landmark, Dogenzaka Street is to the left, with Bunkamura Street to the right. This area has a cinema and some clothing stores such as Uniqlo.

However, as its nickname “love hotel hill” might suggest, this district is famous for its love hotels. 

Originally, love hotels in Japan came about for sex workers to offer their services in a safer environment, but later became popular with the general public as they offered more privacy than a home, as Japanese apartment walls tend to be thin.

This particular area in Shibuya saw a boom in the industry. Under the Shibuya City Love Hotel Architecture Regulation Ordinance enacted in 2006, no more love hotels were allowed to be built, as the industry had a negative connotation, but the hotels that were already there were allowed to remain.

For them to stay in business, they have to be careful with their marketing and look for ways to catch the eyes of passersby. Hence, a trend began: themed love hotels!

At first, a love hotel was built in the shape of a castle called the Meguro Emperor. From there, more outlandish themes have been created.

A walk around Dogenzaka and you can find a sweets-themed hotel offering pick and mix with giant plastic donuts stuck to the walls, whilst others offer more kawaii or elegant exteriors.

Around the Dogenzaka area, these love hotels are hard to miss with their flashy, neon lights offering options to “rest” or “stay” depending on whether you stay just a few hours or overnight.

Aside from love hotels, Dogenzaka boasts a thriving nightlife scene with nightclubs and live music just a three-minute walk away from the station. 

Oku-Shibuya 

Centered around Kamiyamacho, a popular shopping street, Oku-Shibuya is the calm and quiet side of Shibuya. It’s certainly different. compared to the likes of Center Gai and Dogenzaka.

Here, you can find pretty cafes, laid-back restaurants, and independent vendors. Here’s a tip to go to Oku-Shibuya: use Shibuya 109 as your landmark, instead of going left to Dogenzaka, the road to the right, Bunkamura Street.

It will take you straight to Oku-Shibuya and lead you to Yoyogi Park. Yoyogi Park is particularly famous for their cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

This part of Shibuya is a bit further from the station and also accessible from Yoyogi Park station. Cafes around this part of the neighborhood have sofas to lounge in, artisan coffee, and lots of vegan options.

Some of the restaurants even allow dogs! It’s also close to Dog Heart Cafe, where you can cuddle with poodles and take them for a walk in Yoyogi Park. (Check out other cool themed cafes in Tokyo here)!

Dining Out in Shibuya

As the upcoming, constantly developing, trendy area of Tokyo, Shibuya has a variety of choices when it comes to dining out — from popular American chains such as the TEXMEX Factory, TGI Fridays, and Taco Bell, to vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as Izakaya Masaka (serving vegan gyoza)!

We have a few recommendations depending on what you fancy below. 

What Else is Near Shibuya? 

Within the ward, Shibuya-ku, is Yoyogi Park, a large expanse of nature with sakura trees, a dog park, a pond, a bird sanctuary, and sports facilities such as a basketball court.

Yoyogi Park is the ideal nature escape for those who want to go somewhere close by in the city. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station, but can also be reached from Yoyogi Station, just one train ride away on the JR Yamanote line. 

Harajuku is also a short walk from Shibuya station and home to the shrine Meiji-Jingu and the neighboring Omotesando, where more stylish cafes and department stores can be found. 

Daikanyama is a little south of Shibuya and is a bit quieter, with cafes, a bookstore, and the historical Kyu Asakura House, a traditional Taisho-era mansion built in 1919.

Events in Shibuya 

Due to its easy access and popularity, Shibuya is often chosen as the prime location for annual events such as Fashion Week and Halloween. This year, in March 2023, Shibuya fashion week saw a runway, a designer market, and a “scramble music show” plus much more. 

The Shibuya ward office also organizes a lot of events, from sports activities to art festivals.

In Yoyogi Park, there is almost always something going on, from Women’s runs to international festivals; it is always worth a visit. You can check out their calendar to see what’s taking place and when by following this link. They also have a Twitter account to keep you up to date. 

Besides that, a lot of meetups, language exchange events, and volunteer events are usually held in Shibuya.

After all, it’s one of the places where local Japanese and foreigners mingle together. This makes Shibuya a great place for you to make new friends and explore opportunities to speak Japanese with natives!

Want to learn Japanese in Tokyo?

As you wrap up your Shibuya adventure, like exploring buzzing nightlife and trendy cafes, why not take your experience one step further by learning Japanese while you’re here? Studying the language is one of the best ways to connect with local culture and make your time in Tokyo even more meaningful!

With Coto Academy having Shibuya and Shinjuku Japanese language schools, it’s easy to fit Japanese lessons into your travel plans. Our schools offer short-term, flexible classes designed for travelers and busy schedules. You can join for just a week, focus on conversation, and start using Japanese in real-life situations right away.

If you’re looking for a fun, practical, and memorable thing to do in Shibuya, learning Japanese in the heart of Tokyo might be the perfect choice. Take a free Japanese level check and start your language journey today!

Are you planning to live in Tokyo and wondering which area to choose? Finding the perfect apartment can be both exciting and stressful since you have to strike a delicate balance between the cost of rent, convenience, and, last but not least, your personal preferences. Choosing the right neighborhood can be just as challenging.

Tokyo generally ranks as one of the most expensive cities to live in the world, but you might be surprised to see how affordable rent actually is here. Compared to the U.S., rent in Tokyo is cheaper than in most cities (not just the biggest cities). 

So, let’s outline some key considerations and check out some of the best neighborhoods to live in Tokyo!

Looking to live in Japan and want to learn Japanese for daily life? Join fun, flexible part-time lessons at Coto Academy and learn practical Japanese to get started! Contact us today!

Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Live in Tokyo

1. Cost of apartments in Tokyo wards 

Tokyo’s 23 wards vary widely in apartment rent prices depending on location, accessibility, and neighborhood atmosphere. Central wards like Chiyoda, Minato, and Shibuya tend to have higher rents due to their proximity to business districts, entertainment, and shopping areas. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Minato might cost between ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 per month or more.

On the other hand, wards further from the city center, such as Edogawa, Adachi, or Nerima, typically offer more affordable rents.

2. Safety & Cleanliness Of Neighborhoods In Tokyo

Safety is a very reasonable concern and is likely one of your top priorities. Even though Japan is generally safe and clean, there are still neighborhoods that might fall short of Japan’s high standards. Areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Roppongi, while convenient, might not be the cleanest or the safest due to the closer proximity to larger crowds, bars, and late-night entertainment. Areas around major stations tend to have more crime (mostly petty, less serious offenses). 

Tokyo is mostly safe, but some areas are safer than others. Quieter neighborhoods are often just one more transfer away from the major stations. They are only slightly less convenient but still very accessible to the entertainment hubs of Tokyo.

3. Things To Do in Tokyo

When it comes to things to do, certain areas will tailor to certain preferences. If you like being close to places to shop, you’ll need to find an area closer to shopping centers or malls. Shopping centers or malls are actually pretty common throughout, so you don’t need to go to the city center for shopping. 

However, you might have particular tastes and niches that particular areas cater to, such as the youth fashion of Harajuku, the bohemian charm of Shimokitazawa for thrifting, or the Otaku culture of Ikebukuro. Apartment options in these types of districts will have higher rent, but there are plenty of neighborhoods with direct access that are much more affordable. 

Want to explore one of Tokyo’s busiest districts? Check out 22 things to do in Shibuya and where else to go besides Shibuya.

What is the Average Rent in Tokyo?

The average monthly rent in Tokyo is around ¥80,000 to ¥150,000 for a one-room apartment. However, prices can rise significantly depending on the ward you live in. Keep in mind that moving into an apartment often comes with several initial fees, which can total two to three times the monthly rent!

For an interactive visualization with the option to toggle between different apartment room categories (1R, 1K/1DK, 1LDK/2K/2DK, etc.), check out: Average Rent Price (JPY) By Tokyo wards.

Initial Fees

While rent is lower in Tokyo, initial fees are usually the biggest burden when finding the perfect apartment in Japan. For an apartment whose rent is ¥70,000, this could be a typical breakdown:

This is what a typical initial cost breakdown could look like. However, some of the fees may not apply to your apartment. There could also be other fees, such as the anshin hoken (安心保健) or safety insurance. Depending on the room, building features, and the contracting company, the initial fees could be a lot less. Also, keep in mind that the brokerage fee or chukai tesuuryouu (仲介手数料) is the amount you pay to the agency that helped you find the apartment. Most of the time, you would need an agent to help you find available apartments, but foreign-friendly ones tend to charge a higher rate.

Actively finding an apartment? Check out our essential vocabulary for apartment hunting in Japan!

Cost of rent in Tokyo and apartment types

Rent will vary by location, room size, quality, and age of the apartment. Of course, due to the higher demand, rent tends to be higher the closer you are to a train station, especially major ones. However, the cost of rent is largely determined by areas that are in demand. Neighborhoods closer to central Tokyo would be pricier, whereas outer areas such as Nerima, Katsushika, and Adachi are cheaper. 

Apartment room sizes are categorized from 1R to 4LDK (anything more than 4LDK is pretty uncommon), with the number representing the number of rooms and the letters representing the following:

• R: Studio apartment (1R is the only available option)
• K: Rooms with a separate kitchen (i.e. 1K)
• D: Rooms with a separate dining and kitchen (i.e. 1DK)
• L: Rooms with separate living, dining, and kitchen (i.e. 1LDK)

The more rooms and features you have, such as living, dining rooms, and kitchens, the more expensive the apartment. Also, amenities such as air conditioning, balcony, parking, and lofts could also increase the cost of rent.

Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo

Of course, there’s no single “best” neighborhood that fits all criteria. That said, we’ve compiled some of the top areas in Tokyo favored by foreign residents, based on factors like affordability, popularity, and overall livability.

Most Affordable Neighborhoods In Tokyo

These neighborhoods may be a bit further from the central lines, such as the JR Yamanote, but you might be surprised by what other lines go through central Tokyo. Here are some neighborhoods where you could find the most affordable accommodations in Tokyo.

1. Itabashi

Itabashi is a suburban area that is pretty close to Ikebukuro, which is its main access point to the rest of Tokyo. The average rent in Itabashi for 1K/1DK apartments is around  ¥76,000, which is definitely on the lower scale. Even though it’s a very residential neighborhood, the area has decent access to transportation and local shops. 

2. Adachi

Boasting some of the lowest average rent prices in Tokyo at around ¥72,000 for 1K/1DK apartments, the area is very popular for budget-friendly accommodations. Specific neighborhoods such as Kita-senju are becoming a trendy spot to live in for their affordability, parks, and boutique shops. 

Recently, transportation has been developing, allowing the neighborhoods to be more accessible. Kita-senju is relatively well connected to Tokyo and Ueno Station.

Read More: Guide to Exploring Ueno

3. Edogawa

Edogawa is also one of the cheapest areas to live in Tokyo, with rent at around ¥71,000 on average for 1K/1DK apartments. The ward borders eastern Tokyo and Chiba, being relatively accessible to Tokyo Station. Edogawa is known for being close to Tokyo Disneyland and multicultural neighborhoods like Nishi-Kasai. 

Most Convenient & Entertaining Neighborhoods In Tokyo

These neighborhoods are perfect for those looking for excitement and easy access to everything. They also tend to be more English-friendly, but that usually comes with slightly higher rent.

4. Asakusa (Taito Ward)

Known for its mix of historical Japanese culture and its modern allure, Asakusa is a very convenient neighborhood due to its connections and closer proximity to major Tokyo hubs. Chalk full of well-preserved Edo-style shops, riverside views, and delightful eateries, you won’t be bored in Asakusa either. Additionally, the price of apartments tends to be significantly less than neighborhoods in Central Tokyo, such as Shibuya, Meguro, or Minato.

The one drawback, however, is the rather high number of tourists, which can make the area busier and noisier.  stu

5. Daikanyama & Yoyogi (Shibuya Ward)

Daikanyama offers chic boutiques, upscale dining, and shopping right at your doorstep. To top it off, it’s around a 10-minute walking distance from Shibuya Station. You can expect apartments here to reflect Daikanyama’s stylish identity with modern designs and generally higher rental prices. The area is perfect for accessing all your entertainment needs while being quieter than central Shibuya.

Yoyogi, on the other hand, is known for its access to nature, such as Yoyogi Park, international schools, and its collection of quaint residential areas. Rent here is also higher, but not the highest, and is very well connected to Central Tokyo. 

6. Nakameguro (Meguro Ward)

Nakameguro is an iconic neighborhood known for its charming atmosphere filled with boutique cafes and chic shops. Nakameguro is also a wonderful residential area that can actually be quite peaceful if away from the more crowded areas. 

The apartments tend to be on the higher side for rent and smaller side for size. Of course, the apartments closest to the iconic Meguro River will have higher rents. Meguro River is especially popular during spring, when the cherry blossoms lining the riversides burst into full bloom.

Overall, the blend of modern and traditional Japanese experiences, as well as English services in essentials like healthcare, makes this eclectic neighborhood a very ideal location for foreigners.

7. Jiyugaoka (Meguro Ward)

Populated with pastry shops, cafes, and boutiques, Jiyugaoka offers a calm yet trendy ambience. The neighborhood is quiet, safe, and clean, making it great for families while having direct train lines to Shibuya, Yokohama, and Central Tokyo. 

Apartments tend to be more upscale in rent, but the convenience and access to fashion boutiques, artisan bakeries, and picture-esque streets are arguably well worth the price.

8. Neighborhoods in Shinjuku Ward

Shinjuku is an eclectic collection of just about everything you can imagine: businesses, entertainment, and even nice residential areas. A lot of English-speaking services in healthcare, legal matters, and entertainment tend to congregate around Shinjuku. 

Visiting the popular areas like Kabukicho doesn’t exactly display the most residential image, neighborhoods such as Takadanobaba, Nishi-Ochiai, Okubo, and Yotsuya are much calmer, greener, and family-friendly. Overall, Shinjuku is the most connected station in Tokyo with access to lines going everywhere you need to go. Keep in mind, some residential areas may be further away from Shinjuku Station.

Read More: Shibuya vs Shinjuku: Which One is Better?

Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo Overall

Some Tokyo neighborhoods stand out for their unique mix of comfort, accessibility, charm, and community. Below are some of the best places to stay in the city.

9. Ota

Ota sits between Tokyo and Haneda Airport, as well as Kawasaki and Yokohama further south. Ota is strategically placed for accessing a variety of areas while maintaining a balanced cost. Neighborhoods in this area are great for families, especially if you plan to travel overseas often or have family who visit frequently. 

There is plenty of entertainment around, especially if you live near Kamata. Most of Ota has nice boutiques, pockets of bars, while offering a quaint atmosphere ideal for families and younger adults alike. Ota walks the fine line between affordability and convenience.

11. Koto

Neighborhoods in Koto enjoy easy access to central Tokyo while being home to plenty of their own attractions. Odaiba is famous for being a high-tech entertainment hub with tons of entertainment, recreational activities (Fuji TV Building), and shopping centers (Diver City Tokyo). The best part is that this area is very well connected to most of Central Tokyo, but still relatively affordable. 

Convenience of Living in Tokyo

In terms of convenience, most areas in Tokyo will have access to basic needs, such as supermarkets, hospitals, clinics, convenience stores, and public facilities like parks or police stations. But what makes certain neighborhoods more convenient is their accessibility to major lines and their distance from business centers in Central Tokyo. 

1. Access to major lines

The most convenient neighborhoods would be located directly on major lines such as JR Yamanote, JR Saikyo, Metro Yurakucho, and Metro Marunouchi. Neighborhoods with direct access to major lines tend to be in busier areas and are more expensive. 

2. Distance from major business and entertainment districts

If you want to find a job in Japan, Tokyo is its economic hub. Many offices are located in Central Tokyo in districts such as Ginza, Shinjuku, Minato, and Shibuya, so living near these areas is in high demand. Living in neighborhoods in the central district will command a higher rent and will likely have smaller rooms. But these areas would be the most convenient for work commutes or access to vast amounts of services, especially English-speaking, you wouldn’t find in further districts.  

Best Tokyo Neighborhoods: Trade-Offs? Or Can I Have It All?

You may get lucky and find the perfect apartment in Tokyo that is in an affordable neighborhood, convenient, and full of entertainment. But realistically, you may have to face some trade-offs. So, we have separated the best neighborhoods based on the following criteria: Affordability, convenience, entertainment, and then best overall.

Final Thoughts

Finding your perfect home in Japan has many considerations, and the neighborhood is no exception. Your stomping ground is, in a way, an extension of your home. It’s important that you have what you need nearby, are comfortable, and feel safe in your neighborhood. Different neighborhoods in Tokyo will have their different charms and may bring new discoveries even after years of living in them. 

Learn Practical Japanese for Daily Life at Coto Academy

Whatever you do, consider what is most important for you, and you will find your home in Japan! Living in Japan becomes much easier if you can speak Japanese! So check out our intensive Japanese lessons or part-time courses and start learning today!

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