A Guide to Living in Ebisu, Japan
Ranked as one of Tokyo’s most desirable residential neighborhoods, Ebisu is the place to be for many expats living in Tokyo. The area is a vibrant and diverse part of town where you can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and shops.
In addition, the proximity to Shibuya, one of the most popular spots in Tokyo, means there are plenty of shops, museums, and parks to choose from. There is always something new to explore in Ebisu, making it a great place to live.
Highlights
- A trendy, upmarket neighborhood in downtown Tokyo.
- Great amenities available such as supermarkets, shopping centers, and hospitals, etc.
- Expat friendly, great international community.
- Easy and quick transport options – the Yamanote Line and Hibiya Subway Line will take you to a few city centers like Shibuya and Roppongi.
Location
The area is located just on the west side of Shibuya station making it very convenient to get to using public transport. It’s also possible to walk to most places, like the shopping centers or the station, depending on where you live.
Accessibility
Ebisu is served by several rail service providers, the JR East, and the Tokyo Metro. Together, they will take you almost anywhere in Tokyo.
From JR East, you can access the:
Yamanote Line
Saikyo Line
Shonan-Shinjuku Line
Or from Tokyo Metro, you can access the Hibiya Line:
There are also several bus lines that run through this area making it very convenient to get around town once you have arrived here.
Things to do in Ebisu
Ebisu is just minutes away from some of the most worthwhile places to see in Tokyo. It is surrounded by many parks such as the Institute for Nature Study, and Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park. Moreover, recreational areas such as the Shibuya Hikarie building, Daikanyama T-site, and the famous Nakameguro river offers variety.
In addition, there are quite a few museums and galleries nearby such as the Mori Arts Center Gallery, the National Art Center Tokyo, or the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum. You can also find plenty of fashion boutiques, cosmetic shops, and relaxing cafes at the Atré shopping center, right inside Ebisu station. Inside there is also a Muji store, which provides an assortment of goods, from food and clothes to appliances and furniture; a Kaldi coffee farm with its selection of coffee beans, wines, and snacks; and a Seijo Ishi supermarket, with its import products and variety of high-quality bento sets.
Bordering Ebisu, Daikanyama & Hiroo have a large number of embassies making this one of the more international areas in Tokyo. This makes it a great part of town for people who want to have an international atmosphere around them.
Restaurants and Bars
There are a wide range of international restaurants in this area but you can also find plenty of places that offer traditional Japanese food. Ebisu is particularly popular for its Izakaya culture (as well as its tachinomi standing bars), as this was a beer brewing district in the past.
Enjoy some traditional beer and snacks in one (or many) of the local bars by hitting the famous Ebisu Yokocho street. Yokocho means “back alley”, and you won’t find a more authentic experience than when exploring Ebisu’s narrow alleys veering off the main street.
You can also visit Yebisu Garden Place, a commercial complex with its upper floors full of restaurants with views of the city skyline. Its open-air design and European inspired architecture provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Buying or Renting Real Estate in Ebisu, Japan
If you are interested in buying real estate or renting an apartment, there are many options in Ebisu available. With the great amenities, attractions, and international culture, Ebisu remains a great choice for property in Tokyo.
With our expertise in the Tokyo market, we support and consult with Japanese and international clients in the renting, buying, renovating, and selling processes of real estate. If you are interested in renting real estate, please check out our rental site below:
If you are interested in purchasing real estate, there are many options in the Tokyo area available, and we would be happy to have a conversation with you. If you would like more information on real estate in Ebisu or in other parts of the Tokyo area, please fill out our contact form or give us a call to get in touch.