2018-01-31
Living in Mejiro: How is it like for foreigners?
- Advice
Mejiro is a high-class residential area in Toshima Ward, known to be the home to government officials ever since the Edo Period. It is perfect for those who work in the city of Tokyo, but want to come home to a quiet luxurious area.
Mejiro is arguably the most accessible upscale residential area in Tokyo. The nearby station, Mejiro Station, is connected to the highly convenient Yamanote Line, while Ikebukuro is only a ten-minute walk away.
Read more about the famous destinations in Mejiro and the wonders it has inside.
Mejiro: The Wealthy Area of Tokyo
Mejiro has two high-class residential areas; Mejiro Bunka Mura and Tokugawa Village.
Mejiro Bunka Mura is filled with large houses and unobstructed views of Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. Through the nearby Nakai Station, the area has easy access to the Seibu-Shinjuku Line.
Tokugawa Village, suitable to its name, is a luxurious neighborhood filled with beautiful greenery. You will encounter massive trees on the sides of the streets, which turn to beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and contribute to the area’s breezy atmosphere in the summer.
Mejiro is home to the elite Gakushuin University, the alma mater of some members of the imperial family and elite of Japan. The university also has notable alumni like the 92nd Prime Minister of Japan Taro Aso.
While Mejiro is popular among the rich and influential, the area still accommodates foreigners and the middle-class people. There are family apartments, condominiums, and even guesthouses for those on budget.
Access
- From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line to Mejiro Station (27 minutes)
- From Shibuya Station, take the Yamanote Line to Mejiro Station (13 minutes)
- From Shinjuku Station, take the Yamanote Line to Mejiro Station (6 minutes)
Famous Locations
Philatelic Museum (Kitte No Hakubutsukan)
The Philatelic Museum is a haven for stamp collectors. With around 350,000 postage stamps from around the world, the establishment is a must-visit for those who like vintage or historical items.
The museum also holds special exhibitions which showcase rare stamps based on themes such as Valentines Day or cats.
Every 23rd of every month, the museum is free to visit to celebrate the “Day of Writing Letters,” or “fumi no hi”.
Access
- Address: 1-4-23 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Location: 3-minutes on foot from Mejiro Station
Mejiro Garden
The Mejiro Garden is a peaceful garden just minutes away from Mejiro Station. With a gazebo, a teahouse, and a waterfall, it is truly an oasis within the busy streets of central Tokyo.
Newlyweds choose this garden for their pictures due to the photogenic effect of its surroundings. It is not uncommon to stumble upon beautiful brides who are dressed in the traditional kimono.
It is only a five-minute walk from Mejiro Station, and a fifteen-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. After shopping, take a break here and get a moment of peace.
You can go here every day to clear your mind and forget about your worries by taking a walk in the beautiful scenery, but definitely go for the cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant red leaves in autumn.
Access
- Address: 3-20-18 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Location: 5-minutes on foot from Mejiro Station
Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan
Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan used to be a school property in 1921 for Jiyu Gakuen by Yoshikazu Hani and his wife Motoko. However, the facility was put to an end, and was transformed to the “House of Tomorrow,” or Myonichikan. It continues to host alumni activities of the old school.
The National Government designated the property as a cultural property and preservation work in 1997. Since 2001 it has been used as a cultural property and also serves a building for discussion meetings, marriage ceremonies, seminars, public lectures and other events.
Access
- Address: 2-31-3 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Location: 7-minutes on foot from Mejiro Station, and 5-minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
Why Foreigners Live in Mejiro
The Beautiful Nature
The sense of luxury can be felt around the streets of Mejiro. Surrounded by magnificent buildings and high fenced apartments, it is one of the few places you will see a collection of wealthy men and women live opulently in Tokyo.
Foreigners love the neighborhood that has become a coveted part of Tokyo. The mingling of the middle-class residents in Mejiro has given the area an appeal for visitors who want live around the influential.
The Calm and Reservation
Mejiro is located just minutes away from Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s liveliest districts. But despite its location, the area is peaceful and cozy.
The quiet neighborhood of Mejiro is perfect for people who want to be pampered and still see the dramatic side of Tokyo.
Conclusion
When people think of Toshima Ward, Ikebukuro is probably the first that comes to mind. However, Mejiro is definitely a place of interest. There are houses and apartments in Mejiro are designed for both the rich and the middle class, making it a prime location for a lucrative real estate.
Here at SEKAI PROPERTY, we offer many properties for sale in Mejiro, so make sure to check them out by clicking the blue link below.
Click Here to View Mejiro Property for Sale
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing, please feel free to contact us!