🏛 Overview
The Josai Area covers Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Nakano, Suginami, and Nerima Wards — Tokyo’s west side.
It offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility, appealing to a wide range of residents, from singles and couples to families and long-term residents.
📜 Origin of the Name
The term “Josai” (城西) literally means “west of the castle,” referring to areas located west of Edo Castle (today’s Imperial Palace).
This historical geographic distinction has been passed down through the centuries and is now widely used in the real estate industry to describe one of Tokyo’s most livable and sought-after residential zones.
🚇 Transportation Access
The Josai Area is exceptionally convenient for commuting, thanks to its dense network of train and subway lines connecting directly to central Tokyo.
Main lines:
JR Chuo Line / Yamanote Line / Odakyu Line / Keio Line / Seibu Shinjuku Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Oedo Line, and more.
These routes link directly to Shinjuku and Shibuya, allowing smooth travel between the city center and the suburbs.
🌆 Area Highlights
Shibuya Ward
Undergoing large-scale redevelopment, Shibuya stands as a global hub for youth culture, startups, and IT companies.
Shinjuku Ward
A major business and entertainment district — Tokyo’s city within a city — bustling 24 hours a day.
Setagaya Ward
Known for its greenery and quiet, upscale residential neighborhoods such as Seijo, Yoga, and Futako-Tamagawa. A favorite among families.
Nakano Ward
A lively mix of universities, shopping facilities, and pop culture. Offers a balanced urban lifestyle with convenience and character.
Suginami Ward
Home to neighborhoods like Asagaya, Ogikubo, and Koenji, known for their local charm, peaceful streets, and strong community vibe.
Nerima Ward
A family-friendly area with parks and spacious homes. Offers a slower pace of life while staying connected to the city.
🏠 Real Estate Market (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1R・1K / Family 2LDK〜)
Shibuya: ￥150,000–￥200,000 / ￥300,000–￥450,000 — Trendy and cultural hub with top-tier redevelopment
Shinjuku: ￥120,000–￥160,000 / ￥250,000–￥380,000 — Excellent central access and major transit hub
Setagaya: ￥100,000–￥130,000 / ￥200,000–￥300,000 — Quiet, family-oriented neighborhoods with greenery
Nakano: ￥90,000–￥120,000 / ￥180,000–￥250,000 — Well-balanced in convenience, comfort, and culture
Suginami: ￥85,000–￥110,000 / ￥170,000–￥240,000 — Calm and creative with cozy community streets
Nerima: ￥80,000–￥100,000 / ￥150,000–￥220,000 — Spacious, affordable homes ideal for families
🏘 Housing Trends & Living Environment
Balance of Urban Access and Comfort
The Josai Area offers both proximity to central Tokyo and peaceful residential surroundings — ideal for people who want to “work and live comfortably without long commutes.”
Diverse Lifestyles
From young professionals and couples to families and retirees, the area supports a variety of lifestyles with a wide range of housing — from modern apartments to renovated homes.
Stable Real Estate Value
Both the rental and sales markets are active, with high property value retention.
It’s a stable and enduring area suitable for long-term residence or investment.
📌 Summary
The Josai Area — west of central Tokyo — represents the perfect balance between urban convenience and residential comfort.
From the vibrant city life of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the calm, family-friendly neighborhoods of Setagaya, Suginami, and Nerima,
it’s an all-round residential area that caters to every lifestyle.
A place where you can enjoy both the energy of the city and the serenity of home — that’s what makes the Josai Area timelessly attractive.