2018-02-28

Living in Denenchofu: What is it Like For Foreigners?

  • Advice

Image: http://jpninfo.com/91307

Situated in the heart of Ota Ward in southern Tokyo, Denenchofu is considered one of the most exclusive residential neighborhoods in Tokyo.

Because of its homes that are inspired by the neoclassical Swiss, Japanese, and Edwardian architecture, this district is a place where every person can experience an atmosphere totally different from other typical Japanese neighborhoods.

Relaxing nature and amazing structures are perhaps two of Denenchofu's most salient features. However, many more reasons make this residential area a must-consider when thinking about moving to and buying a property in Japan.

Read the rest of this article and discover why many well-known politicians, sports stars, celebrities, and business leaders have made their home Denenchofu.

Denenchofu - the Stunning Garden Suburb of Tokyo

Considered as one of the best places to live in Tokyo, this neighborhood has beautiful trees that sprawl across its main street. It was designed by a famous British city planner, Ebenezer Howard, who developed it based on London's garden communities.

Therefore, despite being located in Tokyo, people can easily feel its western atmosphere, attracting more visitors and potential residents.

Access


  • From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line to Meguro Station, and transfer to the Tokyu Meguro Line to Tamagawa Station, travel on foot until you reach Denenchofu (approx. 48 minutes)
  • From Shinjuku Station, take the Fukutoshin Line to Tamagawa Station, travel on foot until you reach Denenchofu (approx. 39 minutes)
  • From Shibuya Station, take the Tokyu-Toyoko Line to Tamagawa Station, travel on foot until you reach Denenchofu (approx. 25 minutes)

Famous locations

1. Tamagawa Sengen Shrine

Image: http://www.sengenjinja.info/english/page01.htm

If you have watched the movie Shin Godzilla, you perhaps remember the "Taba Strategy" where the Japan Self-Defense Forces commander sets a defensive perimeter at the remarkable Tama River in order to stop Godzilla from coming to Tokyo. Tamagawa Sengen Shrine was then designated as the command center.

Even if you are not a fan, upon coming here, you can enjoy strolling around at the shrine while seeing the attractive landscape of Tama River that is on the Marukobashi (Maruko Bridge). This bridge isis also regarded as one of the most popular bridges in the entire Japan.

Almost 800 years ago, this beautiful holy place that is only a two-minute walk away from Tamagawa Station was built. It is said to be a good spot for a small outing and a perfect place to catch a sight of the beautiful Mount Fuji.

Dedicated to Konohana Sakuya Hime no Mikoto, this alluring place is also worth visiting with your family.

Access


  • Address: 1-55-12 Denenchofu, Ota, Tokyo
  • Location: 5-minute walk from Tamagawa Station

2. Tamagawadai Park

Image: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g1066454-d11946247-Reviews-Tamagawadai_Park-Ota_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Another relaxing place that you can visit in Denenchofu is this public park, a favorite of visitors and residents alike because of its abundant cherry blossom trees and hydrangea bushes. It is also a site of ancient burial relics and mounds that date to as far back as the 4th century.

If you are longing for a tranquil place where you can reconnect with nature or have some peace and quiet, this park is a must-go place for you.

You can sit on the park benches while reading a book or walk through the wooden pathway that leads up to the gardens and to the plateau's side where you can also see the beautiful Tama River. Moreover, Tamagawadai Park is a perfect place for walking with your dog.

Whether you want to have some alone time or spend your time with your friends, it will never fail to give you the peace and serenity that you need. At the end of a busy week, this can be the perfect place to unwind and forget about any stress.

Access


  • Address: 1−63−1 Denenchofu, Ota, Tokyo
  • Location: 5-minute walk from Tamagawa Station

3. Denenchofu Seseragi Park

Image: http://ota-tokyo.com/denenchofu-seseragi-park/

Enjoy nature's majesty to the fullest by visiting this alluring park. Inside it are two large water springs which are homes to many different aquatic species. If you come in the spring, you can witness the stunning cherry blossoms. If you come in the autumn, enjoy seeing the vibrant maple leaves.

Apart from sightseeing, there are lots of other activities that you can do when you go to Denenchofu Seseragi Park. Because it offers lots of open grass spaces, it is the perfect place for family picnics. Moreover, there are a number of fenced and netted areas if you want to play ball games. There is also a tiny duck pond.

This place is also suitable for short walks, and you can easily go there since it is very near to Tamagawa Station.

Access


  • Address: 1-53-10 Denenchofu, Ota, Tokyo
  • Directions: 2-minute walk from Tamagawa Station

Why Foreigners Live In Denenchofu

1. Unique Western Atmosphere

Image: https://japanthis.com/tag/denen-chofu/

When traveling to Japan, it is not hard to find lots of places that will give you the typical Japanese atmosphere. It is rare to live in areas that offer a unique, western-style atmosphere, and Denenchofu is one of these places.

For this reason, Denenchofu has also been regarded by many as one of the best places to live in Japan. It is also considered as one of the top-class residential and most famous towns in Tokyo.

Some of its most well-known residents are Ayumi Hamasaki (a famous singer), Yukio Hatoyama (former Prime Minister), Kiichi Nakai (actor), and Katsuya Nomura (a baseball player).

Furthermore, residences in Denenchofu are fairly bigger compared to normal housing in other areas in Tokyo, and it also has its own regulations for construction.

2. Green environment

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/prkbkr/5676482732

Apart from the man-made structures, Denenchofu is also full of tree-lined roads which make it very relaxing and comfortable for every visitor and resident. The trees that find grow here include, but are not limited to, maple trees and cherry blossoms.

There are also lots of beautiful gardens and public parks. There are no doubts that it is regarded as Tokyo's most magnificent garden suburb. In Tamagawadai Park alone, there are approximately 300 Sakura trees.

The season of Hanami (flower viewing) is between March and May each year, which is also the best time to do a wide variety of activities, ranging from casual picnics to large family parties that you can enjoy under the blooming trees. If you plan to do all these things while living in Tokyo, you may want to consider Denenchofu as your next home.

You can also visit Sakurazaka which is a 5-minute walk from Numabe Station. Wherever you choose to go, you surely will not regret your experience

3. Foreign-friendly area

Image: https://lifetoreset.wordpress.com/2013/07/03/tokyo-neighborhood-garden-suburb-of-den-en-chofu/

If you come from a different country and are looking for a place in Tokyo where you can stay for good, Denenchofu can be one of your best choices. Apart from the wide range of properties, such as detached houses with gardens, there are also luxury apartments that you can enjoy.

Furthermore, Denenchofu has nearby supermarkets like Precce and Den-en Super that sell many foreign foods in addition to what you would find at standard Japanese supermarkets.

The benefits for foreigners do not stop here because there are also plenty of international schools, such as Seisen and St Mary's, that are nearby. Denenchofu is also a well-liked choice for those people with kids at the German school.

Conclusion:

Denenchofu is a place where every visitor or resident can experience an atmosphere different from the typical towns in Japan. Additionally, the relaxing parks, various shops, and attractive sceneries all combine to make it one of the places that you should visit and consider living when coming to Tokyo.

Whatever your status is, living in Denenchofu will not keep you from missing out on everything you want in life. Luxury, comfort, and convenience are not far from your front door.

Here at SEKAI PROPERTY, we offer many properties for sale in Denenchofu, so make sure to check them out by clicking the blue link below.

Click Here to View Denenchofu Property for Sale

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing, please feel free to contact us!

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