There’re multiple reasons why some places are more ideal to live in for people. In Japan, practical factors such as safety and accessibility to transport and shopping facilities, as well as less definable factors like “refined atmosphere”, “calming presence” to even good hanami spots and
“a place easy for me to support my favourite sports team”

In a poll conducted by Suumo, we go through what makes each place special in the hearts of Tokyoites.

10. Urawa

While technically not within the 23 wards of Tokyo as it is located in Saitama, Urawa made it to the list due to the refined atmosphere, thanks to high class departmental stores by Isetan and a Seijoishii supermarket near the train station. There are also plenty of luxurious condominiums in the town.

9. Omiya

Another town in Saitama that made it onto the list, Omiya, has been in rivalry of sorts with Urawa since the merging with Yono to form Saitama City in 2001, and a strong sense of identity still exists. Many residents say that the draw of Omiya is the convenience of access to downtown Tokyo. A train trip to Ikebukuro will take only 21 minutes, 28 minutes to Shinjuku and 34 minutes to Shibuya.

8. Meguro

Meguro has been a constant popular choice for Tokyoites to stay. Predominantly a residential neighbourhood, there are many luxurious condominiums and single family homes for people who can afford it.

7. Shinjuku

Shinjuku needs no introduction, and even the somewhat seedy reputation of Kabukicho hasn’t seem to put off people from wanting to stay there. Shinjuku is definitely one of the most interesting places to live in, evidenced by all the media coverage.

6. Musashikosugi

Musashikosugi is known for its great accessibility to central Tokyo (13 lines!) even though it’s located in Kanagawa, and oh, there’re lots of popular cafes too (well, a good cuppa is always important in any country). In addition, Musako (how locals call it) has gone through a transformation with new luxurious condominiums, but still has a reputation of a cheaper place to live in due to it’s predominantly working class past.

5. Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is a major commercial area in Tokyo, and residents here will probably never find shopping for anything a problem. Nearby shopping centres include Bic Camera, Metropolitan Plaza, Parco, Mitsukoshi and Sunshine City.

4. Shinagawa

Shinagawa developed into an important town after the construction of the Tokaido, the route connecting Kyoto to Tokyo and eventually Shinagawa was absorbed into Tokyo. It is now a transportation hub, a popular place for offices, restaurants and shops.

3. Kichijoji

Having slipped two places after being first for two years, Kichijoji comes in third place this year, but it’s still one of the most highly rated places in Tokyo to live, and we can see why. It’s home to the famous Ghibli Museum, the picturesque Inokashira Park, lots of bars and cafes, and hip stores selling things you never knew you wanted and now need.

2. Ebisu

It’s no surprise how ultra cool Ebisu is a popular choice for Tokyoites. Ebisu gets a lot of PR coverage from Tokyo’s wealthy and young people, and locals are known to love spending weekends and free time here.

1. Yokohama

This was definitely a surprising one, and the reason? The practical “convenience” and “accessibility” came out tops, but it is also described as “cool”, “accessible to many sight seeing spots”, as well as it being a “historical city”. We reckon it definitely sounds like a great place to stay.