📍 Overview
The Jōhoku Area refers mainly to the northern section of Tokyo’s 23 wards, encompassing Bunkyō, Toshima, Itabashi, Kita, Arakawa, and Adachi Wards.
It offers excellent access to central Tokyo while maintaining a calm, community-oriented atmosphere with strong local character.
Known for its comfortable living environment and stable housing demand, Jōhoku represents one of the most balanced residential regions in the city.
🏛 Origin of the Name
The term “Jōhoku” (literally “north of the castle”) originated during the Edo period, referring to the area located north of Edo Castle—present-day Tokyo Imperial Palace.
This historical name continues to be used today, especially in real estate and city planning, where it commonly denotes a quiet, residential northern zone of Tokyo.
🚆 Excellent Transportation Access
The Jōhoku Area boasts an extensive railway network connecting it seamlessly to both central Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture.
Major lines include:
JR Yamanote Line
JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line
JR Saikyō Line
JR Jōban, Takasaki, and Utsunomiya Lines
Tokyo Metro Namboku, Chiyoda, and Marunouchi Lines
Thanks to these routes, residents enjoy direct access to key hubs such as Ikebukuro, Ueno, Tokyo, and Shinjuku, making it ideal for commuting, studying, or leisure.
🏙 Character of Each Ward
Bunkyō-ku
A prestigious educational district, home to the University of Tokyo and many renowned schools.
Quiet, refined neighborhoods and strong academic traditions make it highly sought after.
Toshima-ku
Centered around Ikebukuro, a major sub-center of Tokyo for business, retail, and transport.
Ongoing redevelopment projects have enhanced both its convenience and vibrancy.
Itabashi-ku
A peaceful residential ward with stable property values and strong family appeal.
Known for its affordability and comfortable urban living environment.
Kita-ku
Includes Akabane and Ōji, lively yet convenient areas offering easy access to both Tokyo and Saitama.
Well-balanced between city energy and everyday livability.
Arakawa-ku
Retains traditional downtown charm while offering superb access via the Yamanote Line from Nippori and Nishi-Nippori.
A nostalgic yet connected neighborhood.
Adachi-ku
Offers larger land plots and reasonable housing prices.
With redevelopment in Kita-Senju and other zones, it’s attracting more young couples and families.
🏠 Real Estate Perspective (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1R・1K / Family 2LDK〜)
Bunkyō-ku：￥110,000–￥140,000 / ￥230,000–￥350,000 — Safe, high-value academic area
Toshima-ku (Ikebukuro)：￥100,000–￥130,000 / ￥200,000–￥320,000 — Sub-center location, ongoing redevelopment
Itabashi-ku：￥80,000–￥100,000 / ￥150,000–￥220,000 — Quiet, family-friendly residential zone
Kita-ku (Akabane / Ōji)：￥75,000–￥95,000 / ￥140,000–￥210,000 — Highly convenient, strong local life amenities
Arakawa-ku (Nippori area)：￥85,000–￥110,000 / ￥160,000–￥230,000 — Downtown charm with great access
Adachi-ku (Kita-Senju area)：￥70,000–￥90,000 / ￥130,000–￥200,000 — Affordable homes in rising redevelopment areas
💡 Market Trends
Bunkyō & Toshima — High asset value and stable long-term demand.
Excellent for investment or owner-occupation due to educational and transit advantages.
Kita, Arakawa & Adachi — Reasonably priced housing, attracting younger residents and families.
Ideal for those seeking cost-efficient living close to central Tokyo.
With ongoing redevelopment and railway upgrades, the Jōhoku Area’s overall convenience and property values are trending upward.
It continues to gain attention from both investors and residents seeking balance between comfort and access.
📌 Summary
The Jōhoku Area lies in northern Tokyo, blending the warmth of traditional neighborhoods with easy access to the city center.
From upscale Bunkyō and Toshima to the more affordable Itabashi, Kita, and Adachi, it offers a wide range of housing options to match different lifestyles and budgets.
Calm, convenient, and community-oriented — Jōhoku stands out as one of Tokyo’s most livable and well-balanced residential regions.