10 Most Popular Tokyo Neighborhoods for American Expats

Tokyo has become an increasingly popular destination for Americans looking to live and work abroad. With its unique blend of traditional culture and modern amenities, Tokyo offers a wide variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles and preferences.

In this article, we will explore the 10 most popular neighborhoods for Americans in Tokyo, based on data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The data we have compiled are from Statistics of Tokyo Government Data which was released recently in January 2024 (in Japanese).

Ward	American Population
Minato	2,663
Setagaya	2,157
Shibuya	1,438
Shinjuku	1,145
Meguro	1,080
Suginami	841
Ota	703
Nerima	629
Nakano	594
Koto	545
Toshima	533
Chuo	460
Bunkyo	440
Itabashi	413
Edogawa	384
Adachi	343
Kita	338
Taito	330
Sumida	252
Katsushika	215
Arakawa	198
Chiyoda	187

1. Minato Ward (港区)

Minato Ward, home to 2,663 Americans, is the most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its upscale residential areas, international schools, and easy access to major business districts such as Roppongi, Akasaka, and Shinbashi.

The ward is also home to several embassies and international organizations, making it a hub for expatriates. Notable attractions in Minato Ward include Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, which relocated to the nearby Toyosu area in 2018.

2. Setagaya Ward (世田谷区)

Setagaya Ward, with a population of 2,157 Americans, is the second most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its spacious residential areas, parks, and family-friendly amenities.

The ward is home to the Tokyo American Club, a private membership club that offers a wide range of facilities and services for American expatriates and their families. Setagaya Ward is also known for its trendy shopping and dining areas, such as Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya.

3. Shibuya Ward (渋谷区)

Shibuya Ward, with a population of 1,438 Americans, is the third most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its vibrant nightlife, fashion scene, and youth culture.

The iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, is located in this ward. Shibuya is also home to numerous international companies and startups, making it an attractive location for young professionals.

4. Shinjuku Ward (新宿区)

Shinjuku Ward, with a population of 1,145 Americans, is the fourth most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its bustling business district, which houses the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and numerous corporate headquarters.

Shinjuku is also famous for its vibrant entertainment areas, such as Kabukicho and Golden Gai, which offer a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The ward is home to several major train stations, including Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world.

5. Meguro Ward (目黒区)

Meguro Ward, with a population of 1,080 Americans, is the fifth most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its upscale residential areas, trendy cafes, and proximity to major business districts.

The ward is home to the Tokyo Institute of Technology, one of Japan’s most prestigious universities, as well as several international schools. Meguro Ward is also famous for its cherry blossom viewing spots along the Meguro River, which attracts thousands of visitors each spring.

6. Suginami Ward (杉並区)

Suginami Ward, with a population of 841 Americans, is the sixth most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its quiet residential areas, parks, and family-friendly amenities.

The ward is home to the Suginami Animation Museum, which showcases the history and development of Japanese animation. Suginami Ward is also known for its traditional festivals, such as the Ome Daruma Festival and the Koenji Awa Odori Festival.

7. Ota Ward (大田区)

Ota Ward, with a population of 703 Americans, is the seventh most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its diverse population, industrial areas, and proximity to Haneda Airport.

The ward is home to several major factories and research facilities, including the Toshiba Science Museum and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Ota Ward is also known for its unique attractions, such as the Ikegami Honmonji Temple and the Omori Nori Museum.

8. Nakano Ward (中野区)

Nakano Ward, with a population of 594 Americans, is the eighth most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its affordable housing, convenient location, and vibrant subculture scene.

The ward is home to Nakano Broadway, a popular shopping complex known for its anime and manga stores, as well as its unique fashion boutiques. Nakano Ward is also known for its diverse dining options, ranging from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors.

9. Koto Ward (江東区)

Koto Ward, with a population of 545 Americans, is the ninth most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its waterfront areas, modern architecture, and recreational facilities.

The ward is home to several major attractions, including the Tokyo Big Sight convention center, the Panasonic Center Tokyo, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Koto Ward is also known for its green spaces, such as the Kiba Park and the Ariake Garden.

10. Toshima Ward (豊島区)

Toshima Ward, with a population of 533 Americans, is the tenth most popular neighborhood for Americans in Tokyo. This ward is known for its convenient location, affordable housing, and vibrant entertainment areas.

The ward is home to Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s major commercial and transportation hubs, which offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Toshima Ward is also known for its cultural attractions, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space and the Toshima City Office Observatory.