Currently living in Tokyo and am planning to buy a property sometime next year and thought it would be a good idea to do some location searching before that.
I'm currently eyeing 3 places right now, all on the Chuo Line.
Kichijoji – Heard that it was the ranked the most desired city to live in so I thought it was a good idea to check it out. Liked that both Shibuya and Shinjuku were accessible within 15-20 minutes each. But after being there quite a few times, I couldn't exactly see the appeal of it, if the appeal of it is the accessibility, Inokashira Park and the amount of shops within the city, then that's great. But after hearing things like "retro" or "bohemian", it felt a little personality-less if that makes sense, though I could just not be looking hard enough.
Koenji – Really liked Koenji Junjo Shotengai and the surrounding areas, felt a lot more grungy which is up my alley. When I was there it felt very quiet, not as bustling as I expected it to be but I visited on a weekday in the evening so that could be it? Might have to run back there a few more times.
Nakano – Admitedly, I've only been here once to visit Nakano Broadway and liked it. It having the Tozai Line as well is pretty nice. Definitely planning to go back there as well, but for people who have been living here for longer, I would love to hear what living there is like.
I've already found properties all within a 15 minute walk of each station so that's not a problem. But since I have so much time to explore each city, I would love to hear what you guys have to say. To me, as important convenience is, I would like to live at a place that has character and would make me happy everyday to wake up there. And since I'd be living there long term I'd like to know as much as I can.
by AaronWrongArts