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Can you suggest some good international schools and areas to stay - my work location is Meguro city, Tokyo?
fwiw, there's also the montessori school of tokyo in meguro itself, it's under 1.5m and has a really different approach compared to the bigger international schools. some families love it, some find it too unstructured, but worth a look if your kids are younger
for where to live, have you considered the area around mori-no-miyako park in meguro? it's a bit south of the station but has some newer condo towers with proper 3ldk layouts and the park is huge for tokyo. rent's still high but you skip the commute entirely
if you're ok being a bit further out, try futako-tamagawa on the tokyu denentoshi line. it's 15 mins to shibuya then transfer to meguro, total about 30 mins. but you get actual riverside parks, a proper shopping mall, and apartments with actual floor space. lots of families there, and there's a bus to st. mary's international school if you want to look at that later
tbh the area around gakugeidaigaku station is worth a look, it's on the same tokyu toyoko line as meguro but way more residential. there's a good handful of 3LDK apartments in the 200-280k range, and the street leading to the station has a nice fruit shop and a decent soba place. for schools under 1.5m, check out k. international school in shinagawa, it's a bit smaller but the english program is solid and they're used to expat families. just a heads up, the commute from gakugeidaigaku to meguro is like 8 mins on the express, super quick
i'll add another angle - have you considered the british school in tokyo (BST) in shibuya? it's just over the border from meguro, around 1.4M for primary years and they have a decent sized campus for central tokyo. area around shibuya or daikanyama is walkable to BST and you get that mix of green space plus shops, though apartments there are tight for 4 people
for bigger space without leaving meguro city entirely, look at the denenchofu area. it's a quiet residential zone with actual parks and schools nearby, plus some 3LDK apartments for 280k that aren't shoe boxes. train from denenchofu to meguro station is like 5 mins direct on the tokyu toyoko line, no transfers
one practical thing - most international schools here require an application fee plus enrollment deposit thats separate from tuition, so budget an extra 200-300k upfront per kid. also check if the school has a sibling discount, some like BST offer 10% off for second kid which helps with your budget
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.