2020-02-29

Living in Harumi, Tokyo: Guide for Foreigners

Advice

Harumi is a neighborhood located on reclaimed land on the Sumida River in Chuo City. In the past, it was best known for its large office buildings, but new apartment complexes, including Tokyo's Olympic Village, are being built, which makes it an attractive residential area. Located in the heart of the city, yet distant from the crowds, it's one of the best locations for foreigners who are considering moving to Chuo Ward.

Where is Harumi?

Harumi by Naoyuki Sasaki is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Harumi is located between Chuo Ward and Koto Ward. A bridge connects the Harumi area to Kachidoki Station, which is served by the Toei Oedo Line and will take you to the city center and other northern regions. If going south, you can pass the famous Harumi bridge and enter the Yurikamome train on the Shin-Toyosu station.

Another popular alternative to the train are ferries and taxi boats. Passenger terminals are located on the southwestern part of the island.

Lifestyle And Rent Prices In Harumi

Harumi by Takayuki Miki is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The most popular site in Harumi is Triton Office Square, a large office complex that consists of four towers. Harumi Rinkai Park is a great spot to enjoy your lunch break or have a stroll, and it offers stunning views of nearby Koto Ward. Tsukishima Sports Field is also a green area, but more focused on outdoor activities.

Harumi has several grocery and specialty stores, but the proximity to Koto and Chuo Ward gives you many more opportunities for dining and shopping in the area. Harumi has a primary school, kindergarten, and is also home to an International school known as GLI (Global Learner's Institute).

The neighborhood is mainly geared towards wealthier residents, and the apartment complexes offer luxurious apartments with modern facilities. Therefore, the housing is a bit more expensive than in standard areas of Tokyo, and you can expect to pay around 260,000 yen per month for a two-bedroom apartment, while single-bedroom apartments generally start at 150,000 yen monthly.

Conclusion

If you want to be in Tokyo's city center, but avoid large crowds, Harumi might be the place for you. It's well-connected with nearby train stations and ferries and offers stunning views of the Sumida River and the cityscape. Housing is on a pricey side, but the comfort, safety, and modern facilities make it a worthy investment in your new life in Tokyo.

Sources: Tokyo Cheapo, Trip Advisor, Tokyo Creative, Real Estate Japan