Overview
Chiyoda is the political and historical heart of Tokyo, home to the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building, and Tokyo Station. The ward encompasses Akihabara (electronics/anime), Marunouchi (business district), Jimbocho (bookstores), and Kanda (traditional commerce). Despite being a business center, it has excellent residential options.
Best For
Business professionals, history buffs, and those wanting the most central location possible.
Living Costs
Rent Prices (Monthly)
- Studio / 1R: ¥90,000–¥150,000
- Family (2LDK+): ¥220,000–¥400,000
- Prices are for average locations; station-front apartments cost 10-20% more
- Key money and deposit typically 1-2 months each
Monthly Budget Estimate
- Utilities: ¥8,000–¥15,000 (electricity, gas, water)
- Internet: ¥4,000–¥5,000
- Groceries: ¥30,000–¥50,000
- Transport: ¥5,000–¥15,000 (commuter pass varies)
Transit Access
Train lines and travel times from Chiyoda.
Available Lines
| Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku | 15 min (JR Chuo) |
| Shibuya | 20 min (Ginza/Hanzomon) |
| Tokyo Station | 0 min (Tokyo Station is here) |
Expat Life
Community
- Business-oriented expat community. Fewer residents overall but highly international during business hours.
English Services
- Chiyoda Ward Office has excellent English support. St. Luke's International Hospital nearby in Chuo Ward.
International Shopping
- Seijo Ishii in Marunouchi, KITTE shopping center, and easy access to Ginza.
- Full supermarket guide →
Ward Office
- Address: 1-2-1 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku
- Languages: English, Chinese, Korean
- Handle resident registration, health insurance, My Number, and more
- ID documents guide →
Neighborhood Highlights
The best spots and areas in Chiyoda.
Imperial Palace & Gardens
Vast green oasis in central Tokyo. The East Gardens are free and open to the public.
Akihabara
World-famous electronics and anime district — maid cafes, gaming, and tech shopping.
Marunouchi & Tokyo Station
Elegant business district with upscale shopping, restaurants, and the beautifully restored Tokyo Station building.
Jimbocho
World's largest concentration of bookstores, including many with English titles.
Practical Info
Garbage & Recycling
- Each ward has its own garbage collection schedule
- Sort into: burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and oversized items
- Collection days vary by neighborhood within the ward
- Complete garbage sorting guide →
Safety & Preparedness
- Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world
- Register for ward disaster alerts (available in English)
- Know your nearest evacuation center (listed at ward office)
- Keep an emergency kit ready (see home centers guide)