Top 3 Tokyo Neighborhoods for Buying a Family House

Find the most bang-for-the-buck areas around Tokyo to buy a family-friendly house!

You might think that living in Tokyo with a family means squeezing into a tiny apartment, but the reality is that most families in and around Tokyo actually live in their own houses!

In recent years, Japan has experienced a real estate boom, and with the end of zero interest rates loomlng, many people are considering buying a home, though uncertainty about the timing remains. To address these concerns, a new book titled "The Homebuyer's Mindset" has been published this spring, offering valuable insights and guidance for prospective buyers.

The Homebuyer’s Mindset by Ryosuke Eguchi

In the book, Ryosuke compiles a list of the top three best bang-for-the-buck neighborhoods in Tokyo for families. I have translated and expanded on this list and added some additional information here:

Best Bang-for-the-Buck Neighborhoods in Tokyo for Families

For many, the arrival of a child or their growth is a trigger to start thinking about buying a home. This guide highlights family-friendly neighborhoods in and around Tokyo where you can find affordable housing.

Criteria for Selection:

• Budget around 50 million yen ($320,000 at the moment of writing)

• Minimum 70 square meters of living space (754 square feet)

• Less than 25 years old buildings (so they have the latest earthquake standards, because, of course, you want to protect your young ones)

• Within 10 minutes walk from a large train/subway station

• Family-friendly environment

• Convenient with commercial facilities nearby

• Less than 60 minutes to the city center

Let's explore these neighborhoods