Where to live in Tokyo? My top 5 (subjective, no apologies), by Sébastien Lonjon.

After more than a year in Tokyo, one question keeps coming up on every call: "so where exactly do you live?". The truth is, Tokyo has a thousand faces — and the "right neighbourhood" depends as much on your budget as on your noise tolerance, your ideal commute and your lifestyle. Here are the 5 I recommend without hesitation, ranked from most underground to most design-forward.

5 — Kōenji: punk & izakaya vibes

Real neighbourhood feel, thrift stores, live houses. Perfect if you like alleys that come alive late, no frills. Bonus: matsuri (neighbourhood festivals), micro-cafés, small concert venues. This is the Tokyo that kept its rock edge, the opposite of Roppongi's polish.

4 — Shimokitazawa: slow, indie, cafés & vinyl

Pedestrian, chill, terraces: this is Tokyo's "little Brooklyn". Ideal for working remote in the morning and wandering in the afternoon. Thrift stores, vinyl shops, tiny galleries everywhere. My favourite for weekends with family — you get lost easily, and that's exactly the point.

3 — Kichijōji: postcard & big park

Inokashira Park right around the corner, very gentle local life. For families and walking lovers. Independent shops, restaurants for every taste, and a "real city" feel that contrasts with the central hyper-density. A neighbourhood where you can imagine settling for the long haul.

2 — Daikanyama: discreet chic & design

T-Site, bookstores, coffee culture, quiet streets. You want everything within walking distance, without the Shibuya crowds. Good pro / personal mix, ideal for meetings as much as for deep work. If you're looking for a neighbourhood where the city still works at human scale, this is it.

1 — Jiyūgaoka: nature, families, access to Shibuya

This is where I live with my family. A rare compromise between nature, international schools, quick access to Shibuya and quiet evenings. No tourist buzz, no queues outside cafés: just real neighbourhood life, 15 min from Shibuya by train. If you're planning a move to Tokyo and Jiyūgaoka interests you, write to me: I'll send you a mini-guide (pins on a map, cafés, playgrounds, commute tips → Shibuya).

Quick notes

• It all depends on your budget, your noise tolerance and your ideal commute.
• Tokyo has a thousand faces: the real luxury is being able to walk everywhere.
• And yes, all of these neighbourhoods have great ramen.