2018-02-24
Living in Shirokane: What is it Like for Foreigners?
- Advice
One of the richest neighborhoods you will covet in Japan is Shirokane. It is built to be a tranquil residential area, enveloped in green space that is unspoiled. The area is where you will find some of the richest people in Japan.
Read some of the fascinating things about Shirokane, its famous destinations, and why foreigners love this district.
Shirokane: The Luxury Home of Tokyo
Shirokane, literally meaning “white gold,” does not share its glory with any district in Tokyo. It was established to stand out in terms of luxury, wealth, and beauty.
Shirokane is a refreshing expat hangout and a fascinating spot for a romantic afternoon walk. There are luxury restaurants and hotels that will ensure you have the best meals and accommodation options when you are in Tokyo.
Access
- From Tokyo Station, walk to Otemachi Station (via underground path) and take the Toei Mita Line to Shirokane-Takanawa Station (approx. 24 minutes)
- From Shibuya Station, take the Ginza Line to Tameike-Sanno Station, and transfer to Nanboku Line to Shirokane-Takanawa Station (approx. 22 minutes)
- From Shinjuku Station, take the Toei-Shinjuku Line to Ichigaya Station, and transfer to the Nanboku Line to Shirokane-Takanawa Station (approx. 27 minutes)
Famous Locations
Happoen Garden
Happoen Garden is a 17th century wonder land in Japan. It is a Japanese garden with beautiful ponds filled with koi, a traditional house, cherry blossom trees, momiji bonsai, and many plants. Most of the trees are over 100 years and it is an enchanting place to feel peace. Every year, more than 2000 couples come here for their weddings.
You can unwind around its calm pond or even get served by women dressed in Kimonos if you want to experience the traditional tea ceremony. There is so much you can do when you come to this garden.
Access
- Address: 1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Location: 1-minute on foot from Shirokanedai Station
Platinum Street
You are going to be fascinated by what you will see on this famous street. Don’t expect to see precious metals or jewelleries but some uncommon things.
You can shop for your linen water, handmade chocolates, hat feathers, antique novels, organic dog treats and lots more, when you come to the Platinum Street. Most of the buildings are new though they may look ancient. The street is lined with chocolate shops, spas, boutiques and cafes.
Access
- Address: Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Directions: 6-minutes on foot from Shirokanedai Station
Koyasan Tokyo Betsuin (temple)
The Koyasan Tokyo Betsuin brings you closer to Mother Nature. You can literally feel the serenity and the peace that overwhelms this temple.
Medication is perfect here and if you are thinking of moving away from all the worries of this life, you got no better place than this temple.
Access
- Address: 3-15-18 Takanawa, Minato, Tokyo
- Location: 10-minutes on foot from Takanawadai Station
Why foreigners live in Shirokane
Upmarket Residential Area
Shirokane is the stereotypically built for the fashion conscious and wealthy people. This doesn’t mean that an average person cannot live in it. It has been humourously called the imitation of “Milanese” for people living in Milan. You are going to love the posh neighborhoods and the lifestyle of the people.
Most foreigners coming to Tokyo generally feel at home when they come to Shirokane. Don’t expect things to be extremely expensive here because it is a lot cheaper than Tokyo. Shirokane is the home of an ancient imperial residence, temples, private gardens, exotic restaurants and well preserved ancient buildings.
The Gastronomic Appeal
Along the shopping streets is a beautiful and luxury izakaya that is called Karoku. Karoku is the a local institution that was established in 1964, famed for its chicken wings (tebaskai) and is quite famous. It is one of the few places that dish out sumptuous meals you cannot resist.
A Hidden Gem In Tokyo
No matter how much Tokyo tries to hide Shirokane, this luxury district will still be discovered by those who want an extraordinary life in Tokyo. The locals are friendly and the calmness hovering over the district is something you will appreciate.
The beauty of Shirokane that is shared between the ancient structures and modern edifices give it an appeal you cannot resist.
Conclusion
Whether you want to spend your honeymoon or vacation in Tokyo, there is one place that will win you over, Shirokane. Couples come to this district to get married in one of the most beautiful and romantic spots on earth.
The Shinohashi Shirokane shotengai has become a scene you will always remember with its loudspeakers blaring jaunty local tunes and the funky plastic streetlights.
Shirokane has become a home away from home for foreigners. The nightlife, the shopping, the leisure and luxury make it a place to visit in Tokyo.
Here at SEKAI PROPERTY, we offer many properties for sale in Shirokane, so make sure to check them out by clicking the blue link below.
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