10 Best Suburbs of Tokyo!

Have you decided where to live in Tokyo? It’s better to be closer to the center, many people say that the rent is too high in the central 23 wards.

So this article introduces the popular suburbs where the rent is relatively cheap in Tokyo. These are also recommended for families.

Mitaka (Tokyo)

Chuo Line and Sobu Line are available at Mitaka Station so Mitaka is highly recommended for those who commute to Shinjuku Station, and Tokyo Station, etc. (Shinjuku; 20mins, Tokyo; 30mins, Shibuya 30mins, Roppongi; 30mins)

Despite its convenient location, the average rent is cheaper here because Mitaka is outside of central 23 wards. There are plenty of properties for both singles and families and shopping malls and groceries are around the station. There is also the Ghibli museum in Mitaka.

Average Rent

Chofu (Tokyo)

Chofu station has Keio Line, which allows you to access to both Shinjuku and Shibuya in around 15 minutes (Tokyo; 40mins). Keio-Line is directly connected to Toei-Shinjuku Line so you can go to commercial areas without a transfer. The transportation aspect isn’t the only reason why Chofu is very livable.

Most of the items such as daily necessities, brand-name products, and home appliances are available around Chofu Station and there is a general hospital called “Chofu Touzan Hospital” and various clinics such as pediatrics and dermatology. For all these reasons, Chofu is recommended for both singles and families.

Average Rent

Musashikosugi (Kanagawa)

5 lines including JR and Tokyu are available in Musashikosugi so you can go to various office districts such as Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shimbashi, Tokyo, and Shibuya without changing trains. (Shinjuku; 20mins, Shinagawa; 15mins, Shimbashi 30mins, Tokyo; 25mins, Shibuya; 15mins)

There are new shopping malls such as “LaLa Terrace Musashikosugi” and “Grand Tree Musashikosugi” around the station while old-fashioned shopping streets and bars are a few minutes away from the station, which gives you a wide range of shopping options.

Average Rent

Ebina (Kanagawa)

Odakyu Odawara Line, Sotetsu Main Line, and JR Sagami Line run through Ebina station so you can go to Shinjuku and Yokohama directly. (Shinjuku, Shibuya; 50mins, Yokohama; 30 mins)

What makes Ebina special is that there are gigantic shopping malls such as “LaLaport Ebina“, “Vina Walk“, “AEON Ebina Store“, and “Shopper’s Plaza Ebina“. Although Ebina is a bit far from the center of Tokyo, Ebina has pretty much everything you need.

Also, the atmosphere is calm and safe so Ebina is especially recommended for families.

Average Rent

Motoyawata (Chiba)

Motoyawata has JR Sobu Line, Toei Shinjuku Line, and Keisei Line so not only can you access the central of Tokyo easily, but direct access to Narita airport is available as well. (Shinjuku; 45 mins, Shibuya; 50 mins, Tokyo; 30 mins, Narita; 50 mins)

There are shopping malls and supermarkets such as “OK Store“, “Chapo“, and “Patio Really Yawata” around the station, thus most of the shopping can be done around the station.

Average Rent

Nagareyama Otakanomori (Chiba)

Nagareyama Otakanomori is a new station that opened in 2005 with the opening of the Tsukuba Express. With Tsukuba Express, you can travel to the office district in about 25 minutes without changing trains. (Akihabara; 25 mins, Shinjuku; 55mins, Tokyo; 45mins)

There are shopping malls or amusement centers around the station. In addition, Nagareyama City is especially popular with family households because this city offers a lot of child-support.

Average Rent

Matsudo (Chiba)

There are two lines at Matsudo Station, the JR Joban Line, and the Shin-Keisei Line so you can go to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station without changing trains, so access to the city center is convenient. (Shinjuku; 45 mins, Shibuya; 50mins, Tokyo; 30 mins)

There are many commercial facilities and restaurants around the station, and there are many condominiums. It is a typical commuter town with many detached houses and apartments away from the station.

Average Rent

Wako (Saitama)

Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, the Fukutoshin Line, and the Tobu Tojo Line are available at Wako station, which enables you to reach the most of the central area within 30 mins. (Shinjuku; 25 mins, Shibuya; 30 mins, Ikebukuro; 15 mins)

In addition, there are restaurants and shopping spots around the station so you will not have any trouble in your daily life. 

Average Rent

Toda Koen (Saitama)

Toda Koen Station is about 20 minutes away from Ikebukuro on the Saikyo Line.

Saikyo Line is directly connected to the “Tokyo Rinkai Line”, so you can go not only to Ikebukuro Station and Shinjuku Station but also to office areas such as Ebisu Station and Osaki Station without changing trains.  (Shinjuku; 25 mins, Ebisu, Shibuya; 30 mins, Ikebukuro; 20 mins, Osaki; 35mins)

As you see from the station name,  “Toda Park” , where you enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and fireworks in the summer,  is about 20 minutes on foot from the station.

Average Rent

Tokorozawa (Saitama)

Seibu Ikebukuro Line and Seibu Shinjuku Line are available at Tokorozawa station and you can go to Ikebukuro and Shinjuku directly. (Ikebukuro; 25mins and Shinjuku; 40mins) It is also convenient to go to one of the leading office districts in Iidabashi, Yurakucho, and Toyosu without changing trains. Plus, “S-TRAIN” ; trains which you can reserve a seat and sit, is operated from Tokorozawa Station thus you can have a stressful commute.

Not only does the station itself have a shopping mall, but there are many supermarkets and restaurants around the station, hence you can drop by it and buy things on the way home, 

Average Rent

Suburbs of Tokyo

These cities themselves already have everything you need for your life so you might not have to go to the central area. However, trains are so convenient in Tokyo that it is easy to get to the city center as well even if you live in these suburbs.

If you really want to live in the central areas but don’t have money, share houses can be a good option for you.