Make moving to Tokyo feel simple.
A practical, English-language guide to settling into the southern wards — Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, and Shibuya. Real local knowledge, minus the tourist gloss.
Local, not touristy
Everyday life in real Tokyo neighborhoods — commuting, renting, groceries, schools.
Built for internationals
Written for foreign residents, with the practical details that actually matter.
Clear and trustworthy
Calm, well-structured guides that reduce the anxiety of a big move.
Find the ward that fits your life
Each of the Jonan wards has its own character — from bay-side highrises to leafy family suburbs. Start with the map.
Explore the Jonan Areas
Tap a ward to explore its neighborhoods.
Bay-side highrises, business hubs, and quick airport access.
Stylish, leafy neighborhoods along the Meguro River.
From elegant Denenchofu to lively Kamata — wonderfully varied.
Spacious, family-friendly suburbs with green parks.
Trend-setting centers and surprisingly quiet backstreets.
A major hub with everything on your doorstep — plus quiet residential pockets.
International, upscale and central — embassies, business and bay-side living.
Sign your lease with confidence
The rental process in Japan can feel opaque — deposits, key money, guarantors, and paperwork. We break it down step by step, in plain English.
How to rent ›Everything you need for daily life
Practical guides for the parts of life that make a new city feel like home.
Grocery & Food
Where to shop and what to expect at local supermarkets.
Read the guide › LivingHospitals & Medical
Finding English-friendly clinics and handling emergencies.
Read the guide › LivingSchools & Education
International and public school options for families.
Read the guide › LivingTransport & Access
Commuting, IC cards, and getting around with ease.
Read the guide › LivingRestaurants & Cafes
Everyday dining and coffee spots locals love.
Read the guide › LivingEnglish-Friendly Services
Banks, city offices, and services that speak your language.
Read the guide ›Know your train lines before you choose an area
Where you live in Tokyo is really about which line you ride. Compare commute times, crowding, and neighborhood feel along the Toyoko, Denentoshi, Meguro, and Oimachi lines.
Compare train lines ›From first viewing to move-in day
How to Rent in Tokyo
The full rental process, step by step.
Read the guide › RentingCosts & Budgeting
Deposits, key money, and what it really costs.
Read the guide › RentingDocuments & Paperwork
What you need to sign a lease as a foreign resident.
Read the guide › RentingTips & Advice
Avoid common pitfalls and negotiate with confidence.
Read the guide ›Small things that make a big difference
Residence registration
Register at your ward office within 14 days of moving in to get your resident record and health insurance.
Key money & deposits
Budget for 4–6 months of rent upfront when signing a typical Tokyo lease.
English-friendly banks
Some Jonan branches offer English support — we list the ones that actually do.
Latest guides
Fresh, practical articles on renting and settling into Tokyo’s southern wards — updated as we publish.
Ready to start your move to Tokyo?
Begin with the neighborhood that fits your life, then follow the guides from renting to settling in.
Explore the areas