Living in Tsukiji and Hatchobori: Guide for Foreigners

Tsukiji and Hatchobori are two neighborhoods located in the central part of Chuo Ward in Tokyo. 

Both of these residential districts double as bustling commercial hubs. Tsukiji is best known as a shopping neighborhood, recognized across the city for its fish market, but also for other shopping spots where you can buy fresh vegetables and cooking ingredients. Hatchobori is dotted with delicious restaurants and specialty shops and also hides some exotic historical gems. 

Tsukiji

"Tsukiji" by Leng Cheng is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Everyone in Tokyo knows Tsukiji for its large fish market, also known as the Outer Market. One section of the fish market has since relocated to Toyosu in Koto Ward, but the Tsukiji Outer Market is still open and covers several blocks and houses more than 300 shops and restaurants. As the name implies, the stores are mainly seafood-focused, but you can also shop for culinary tools, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as everything else you need to make a delicious meal at home. As a first-timer at the market, you can book one of the guided gastronomic tours. 

Namiyoke Inari Shrine is also popular among locals  and visitors hoping to experience Japanese traditions. The Buddhist temple Tsukiji Hongan-ji offers an impressive view of the architectural style of Itō Chūta, known for combining traditional Japanese elements with those from Indian culture and Christianity. 

The central train stations are Tsukijishijo station, which connects the neighborhood with Shinjuku via the Oedo line, and Tsukiji station, which will take you to other areas of Chuo Ward, and Tokyo Station via the Hibiya line, with some transfers. 

As for the rent prices, although you might get lucky and find something for ¥100,000 ($9110 USD) the average monthly rate for a studio apartment is between ¥150,000 ($1,366 USD) and ¥200,000 ($1,822), and most of them are housed in tall residential buildings.   

Hatchobori

"Hatchobori" by Takayuki Miki is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Compared to Tsukiji, Hatchobori is much less popular among tourists because it doesn’t have huge attractions. This makes it an attractive residential area for both locals and foreigners alike. In the past, it was a home for tradesmen, and this atmosphere can be felt to this day. 

Convenience stores, specialty shops, and a variety of restaurants are located on almost every corner, and chances are you will have a shop in your building if you decide to rent a place in Hatchobori. There are also three schools, a post office, and all the other facilities you need for a comfortable life, whether living alone or with your family. 

The central station is Hatchobori Station, a transit hub where the Hibiya Line and JR Keiyo Line intersect, allowing you to reach every part of the city easily. 

Hatchobori is mainly a residential area and offers a wide range of housing options for all budgets and needs. A luxurious two-bedroom apartment will cost you around ¥400,000 ($3,644 USD), and a one-bedroom apartment around 40 square meters will run you 150,000 yen ($1,366 USD) on average. 

Conclusion

"Tsukiji" by Frances Ellen is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Tsukiji and Hatchobori both have a rich trading history, which is still preserved to this day. They are also well-connected with the other neighborhoods of Chuo Ward and more distant Tokyo areas. If you want to have all the facilities and shops you need at your fingertips and prefer a short train ride to work in central Tokyo, these are both splendid options for you, and the affordable apartment prices make them even more attractive. 

Sources: TokyoCheapo, Japan Travel, You in Japan, Japan Guide, Real Estate Japan, Tokyo

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