Create meetup in Tokyochevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
want to meet at fmd_good Hole in One
wants to eat breakfast at fmd_goodHole in One
wants to eat breakfast at fmd_goodHole in One
wants to eat breakfast at fmd_goodHole in One
wants to eat breakfast at fmd_goodHole in One
want to meet at fmd_good Camellia House
wants to drink coffee at fmd_goodCamellia House
wants to drink coffee at fmd_goodCamellia House
wants to drink coffee at fmd_goodCamellia House
want to meet at fmd_good The Anchor
wants to drink something at fmd_goodThe Anchor
wants to drink something at fmd_goodThe Anchor
wants to drink something at fmd_goodThe Anchor
explore Tokyo Guides
bar_chart Trends in Tokyo
Buying a house in Tokyo, worth it or better to rent?
I have some reservations about this. I spend half the year here and my sources of income are all US based. Before everyone goes "omg you don't really live in Japan", I do. I spend half the year here, 30-45 days in other countries, and the rest in the United States, so I live in Japan the longest.
My GF doesn't really know anything about economics, or the world, and has only been outside of Japan ONCE before meeting me. She complains sometimes that things are getting expensive in Japan, but I don't think she has any idea of what's coming. Japan is facing a terrible economic crisis that is multidimensional and I'm not sure how to proceed.
1) I don't necessarily want to stay in Japan more than 183days/year because that triggers an event where I owe Japan taxes. This isn't so terrible if it's based on income, but it also applies to estate taxes and it doesn't seem fair that me or my future children would have to pay taxes on wealth that was solely built in the US to the Japanese government.
2) Owning a house in Japan would be nice. I'm currently looking to spend 115M yen and maybe another 20M yen to renovate it to my tastes, but I'm worried that real estate here, even in Tokyo, is going to be a terrible investment.
The "population crisis" that everyone seems to talk about with such levity is NO joke. There just aren't enough people to maintain a stable, let alone growing, real estate market. Of course Tokyo will weather the storm the longest, and perhaps see growth as smaller cities completely die out and force the people there to move to major cities, but it will impact Tokyo as well. The numbers just don't make sense. For a country of this size and GDP we have never seen such a population crisis in the history of the world. There's just no way Japan can sustain itself... except if it opens it's borders to 80 million migrants and if that's the case, I'm getting the fuck out of Japan because it'll be doomed lol. Wouldn't be Japan anymore.
3) The Yen is spiraling out of control. It's going to hit 200-250 within 3-4 years. BOJ basically did what the FED did, except on steroids. BOJ is burning through it's US bonds in an attempt to keep a sense of control (we're already racing towards 150 again after just two weeks of bringing it down to 140)... but it'll run out in 3 years and that's when we'll see BOJ completely lose a grip on the currency stabilization efforts.
Meaning that, as a person trying to preserve their wealth in USD, buying a house now means it'll automatically see a 30-40% drop within three years against the dollar. Obviously you can't think of homeownership in only these terms, because enjoying a nice house NOW as opposed to years later (renovation will take even longer) is valuable in it's own right.
What are people's thoughts on this? I'm fairly sure I'm correct in my assessment on the economic situation here but I'd like to hear counterarguments, if they exist.
You're overthinking the investment side and underthinking the tax side. If you own a house here and spend under 183 days, you're still on the hook for property tax and potentially inheritance tax on that Japanese asset. Your GF's income is irrelevant for mortgage qualification anyway, so you'd be buying cash or with a US-based loan that most Japanese banks won't touch. The 115M yen range in Tokyo gets you a decent used house in Setagaya or a fixer-upper in Meguro, but renovation costs here always run 30% over budget because contractors book months out and material prices keep climbing.
The population decline argument is real but overstated for central Tokyo. Look at the 23-ku birth rates versus the national average, they're actually negative in a different way, young people move in from other prefectures and single-person households keep rising. That 20M yen renovation you're planning, if you put it into earthquake retrofitting and good insulation, the house will hold value better than most because Japanese buyers actually care about those things now. But if you're really worried about the yen hitting 200, just rent for a few years and park your USD in a high-yield savings account. You'll lose less money that way than fighting with a real estate agent who won't even show you properties until you prove you have the cash.
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.