Living in Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is a place to change trains, not a neighborhood to live in. The Marunouchi side to the west is a pure office district filled with major corporate headquarters, so there is practically no resident population, and most listings that name Tokyo Station as the nearest station are actually across the Yaesu side in Nihonbashi, Kyobashi and Hatchobori. With almost no everyday infrastructure such as supermarkets or pediatric clinics, it is hard to recommend as a place to live unless you truly need Shinkansen transfers or an extreme walking commute.

It is the heart of Japan's rail network, where four Shinkansen lines, the JR lines and Tokyo Metro come together for a total of 13 lines. The Marunouchi office district and the restored red-brick station building are its symbols, and Ginza and Nihonbashi are within walking distance. It is a business and transport hub with virtually no residential area, so it is not a neighborhood for house hunting. Still, its direct Shinkansen access to anywhere in the country is among the best in Japan.