Last Updated on 2025年9月23日 by Kenty
Moving to Japan as a foreign resident can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the perfect place to call home. Ueno Station, located in the heart of Tokyo, serves as an excellent base for exploring the city while maintaining reasonable living costs. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the most affordable and foreigner-friendly neighborhoods within a 20-minute commute of Ueno Station.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, student, or professional planning your move to Japan, choosing the right area is crucial for your quality of life. We’ve researched the most practical options that balance affordability, convenience, and support services for international residents.
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①Why Choose Areas Near Ueno Station?
Ueno Station is strategically positioned as one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs, offering direct access to multiple train lines including JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, and several subway lines. The area is rich in cultural attractions, including Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, and numerous temples and shrines.
For foreign residents, Ueno’s proximity to international communities and established support networks makes it an ideal starting point for life in Japan. The surrounding areas offer significantly lower rent prices compared to central Tokyo while maintaining excellent connectivity.
②Top 10 Affordable Areas Near Ueno Station
1. Kitasenju (足立区) – The All-Round Winner
Travel Time from Ueno: 9-11 minutes via Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line, or JR Joban Line
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥76,000 |
| 1K | Data not available |
| 1DK | Data not available |
Convenience & Shopping: Kitasenju boasts excellent shopping facilities with Lumine Kitasenju and Kitasenju Marui directly connected to the station. These complexes offer everything from grocery stores to restaurants and essential services.
Transportation: Multiple lines converge here including Tokyo Metro Hibiya and Chiyoda lines, JR Joban Line, and Tsukuba Express, providing excellent access to both central Tokyo and suburban areas.
Foreign Support: Adachi Ward offers multilingual consultation services in English, Chinese, and Korean. The Tokyo Metropolitan Health Service “Himawari” provides 24-hour multilingual medical guidance.
2. Minamisenju (荒川区) – Quick Access Champion
Travel Time from Ueno: 6-8 minutes via JR Joban Line (direct connection)
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥89,000 |
| 1K | Data not available |
| 1DK | Data not available |
Convenience & Shopping: LaLa Terrace Minamisenju offers comprehensive shopping with supermarkets, dining, and essential services all in one location near the station.
Transportation: JR Joban Line and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line provide excellent connectivity. Tsukuba Express Minamisenju Station offers additional options for reaching central Tokyo.
Foreign Support: Arakawa Ward International Exchange Association and NPOs provide multilingual support for daily life and education needs.
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3. Minowa (三ノ輪) – Ultra-Close Budget Option
Travel Time from Ueno: 3-4 minutes via Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥96,000 |
| 1K | ¥98,000 |
| 1DK | ¥106,000 |
Convenience & Shopping: Traditional shopping streets and local convenience stores provide a authentic Japanese neighborhood experience with easy access to Ueno and Asakusa areas.
Transportation: Direct Hibiya Line connection makes commuting extremely convenient to central Tokyo areas.
Foreign Support: Access to both Arakawa Ward and Tokyo Metropolitan multilingual consultation services.
4. Iriya (入谷) – Cultural Hub Proximity
Travel Time from Ueno: 1-2 minutes via Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥103,000 |
| 1K | Data not available |
| 1DK | Data not available |
Convenience & Shopping: Walking distance to Ueno Park cultural facilities, restaurants, and shopping areas. Rich dining and cultural options.
Transportation: Virtually adjacent to Ueno Station with immediate access to all major train lines.
Foreign Support: Taito Ward provides comprehensive multilingual consultation services in English, Chinese, and Korean.
5. Aoto (青砥) – Value for Money Leader
Travel Time from Ueno: 18-26 minutes (shortest route: 18 minutes)
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥78,000 |
| 1K | ¥79,000 |
| 1DK | ¥98,000 |
Convenience & Shopping: Your Elm Aoto shopping complex directly connected to the station provides supermarkets, 100-yen shops, cafes, and daily necessities.
Transportation: Keisei Main Line and Oshiage Line junction provides excellent connections to central Tokyo and Narita Airport.
Foreign Support: Katsushika Ward offers foreign resident consultation services in English and Chinese.
6. Horikiri-shobuen (堀切菖蒲園) – Budget Champion
Travel Time from Ueno: 18-29 minutes (shortest route: 18 minutes)
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥71,000 |
| 1K | Data not available |
| 1DK | Data not available |
Convenience & Shopping: Traditional shopping streets with local supermarkets and shops. Authentic Japanese neighborhood atmosphere with reasonable prices.
Transportation: Keisei Main Line provides direct access to central Tokyo and airports.
Foreign Support: Katsushika Ward multilingual consultation and guidance services available.
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7. Ayase (綾瀬) – Commuter’s Choice
Travel Time from Ueno: 18-24 minutes via JR Joban Line to Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥79,000 |
| 1K | Data not available |
| 1DK | ¥90,000 |
Convenience & Shopping: Local supermarkets and shopping areas with reasonable prices. Chiyoda Line terminal station offers convenient direct access to central Tokyo.
Transportation: Chiyoda Line terminus with frequent direct services to central Tokyo, making commuting comfortable.
Foreign Support: Adachi Ward multilingual consultation services and Tokyo Metropolitan “Himawari” medical guidance system.
8. Machiya (町屋) – Traditional Charm
Travel Time from Ueno: 12-18 minutes via Chiyoda Line
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | Data not available |
| 1K | ¥94,000 |
| 1DK | Data not available |
Convenience & Shopping: Life Higashiogu supermarket and local shopping streets provide daily necessities in a traditional Tokyo neighborhood setting.
Transportation: Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and other connecting services.
Foreign Support: Arakawa Ward International Exchange Association provides multilingual support for daily life and educational needs.
9. Senjuohashi (千住大橋) – Airport Access Advantage
Travel Time from Ueno: 11 minutes via Keisei Main Line
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥87,000 |
| 1K | Data not available |
| 1DK | Data not available |
Convenience & Shopping: Local convenience stores and shops with easy access to larger shopping areas via train connections.
Transportation: Keisei Main Line provides excellent connections to Ueno and direct access to Narita Airport, perfect for frequent travelers.
Foreign Support: Adachi Ward multilingual consultation services available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
10. Oshiage (押上) – Modern Convenience Hub
Travel Time from Ueno: 18-31 minutes (shortest route: 18 minutes)
| Room Type | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1R (Studio) | ¥106,000 |
| 1K | Data not available |
| 1DK | Data not available |
Convenience & Shopping: Tokyo Skytree area with extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Modern urban amenities.
Transportation: Major intersection of Hanzomon Line, Asakusa Line, and Tobu lines providing comprehensive access to Tokyo and surrounding areas.
Foreign Support: Sumida Ward offers multilingual consultation services with regular English and Chinese consultation hours.
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③Priority-Based Recommendations
For Time-Conscious Commuters (Under 10 minutes)
- Iriya: 1-2 minutes, ¥103,000 (1R)
- Minowa: 3-4 minutes, ¥96,000 (1R)
- Minamisenju: 6-8 minutes, ¥89,000 (1R)
- Kitasenju: 9-11 minutes, ¥76,000 (1R)
For Budget-Conscious Residents (Under ¥80,000)
- Horikiri-shobuen: ¥71,000 (1R), 18 minutes
- Kitasenju: ¥76,000 (1R), 9-11 minutes
- Aoto: ¥78,000 (1R), 18 minutes
- Ayase: ¥79,000 (1R), 18-24 minutes
For Convenience Seekers (Best Shopping & Facilities)
- Kitasenju: Lumine & Marui shopping complexes
- Minamisenju: LaLa Terrace comprehensive facilities
- Aoto: Your Elm direct station connection
- Oshiage: Tokyo Skytree area amenities
④Essential Tips for Foreign Residents
Safety and Crime Information
All recommended areas maintain good safety records. Before moving, check the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Crime Information Map for specific neighborhood crime statistics. Each ward publishes monthly crime reports that provide detailed local safety information.
Medical Services and Support
The Tokyo Metropolitan Health Service “Himawari” operates 24-hour multilingual medical guidance in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Thai. This service helps locate medical facilities with foreign language support and provides emergency medical consultation.
Each ward offers specific multilingual services:
- Adachi Ward: English, Chinese, Korean consultation services
- Arakawa Ward: International Exchange Association support
- Taito Ward: Comprehensive multilingual consultation
- Katsushika Ward: English and Chinese life consultation
- Sumida Ward: Regular multilingual consultation hours
Rent Negotiation Tips
The prices listed represent new construction and prime location averages. Consider these strategies to reduce costs:
- Extend walking distance to 10 minutes from station
- Consider properties 5-10 years old instead of new construction
- Look for apartments with longer lease commitments
- Research multiple real estate agencies for better deals
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Transportation Planning
Travel times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and route taken. During rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM), add 5-10 minutes to estimated travel times. Consider purchasing monthly commuter passes for significant savings on daily transportation costs.
Banking and Financial Services
Major banks in these areas typically offer some English support, but consider opening accounts at international-friendly banks like Shinsei Bank or Japan Post Bank, which provide comprehensive English services and online banking.
⑤Getting Started: Your Move to Japan Checklist
- Research visa requirements and ensure proper documentation
- Contact ward offices for foreigner consultation service information
- Register with real estate agents who specialize in foreign residents
- Prepare required documents: residence card, employment certificate, guarantor information
- Budget for initial costs: first month’s rent, deposit (typically 1-2 months’ rent), agency fees
- Plan your visit to view properties and complete rental procedures
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⑥Conclusion
Finding the right neighborhood in Tokyo requires balancing multiple factors including budget, commute time, lifestyle preferences, and support services. The areas near Ueno Station offer an excellent combination of affordability, convenience, and foreign-resident support that makes them ideal for newcomers to Japan.
Whether you prioritize the ultra-short commute of Iriya, the budget-friendly options in Horikiri-shobuen, or the comprehensive facilities of Kitasenju, each area provides unique advantages for international residents. Take time to visit these neighborhoods, experience the local atmosphere, and connect with the international community already established in these areas.
Remember that moving to Japan is not just about finding affordable housing – it’s about building a new life in a vibrant, culturally rich environment. These neighborhoods provide the perfect launching pad for your Japanese adventure while keeping your living costs manageable and your daily life convenient.
