Overview
Koto spans from traditional shitamachi (downtown) neighborhoods to the futuristic Toyosu and Odaiba waterfront developments. The ward experienced massive growth with the 2021 Olympics (several venues located here) and continues to develop rapidly. Toyosu Market (successor to Tsukiji) and teamLab Planets are major draws.
Best For
Families wanting modern housing, tech workers near waterfront offices, and those who enjoy a mix of old and new Tokyo.
Living Costs
Rent Prices (Monthly)
- Studio / 1R: ¥75,000–¥110,000
- Family (2LDK+): ¥150,000–¥260,000
- 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 Koto.
Available Lines
| Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku | 25 min (Oedo Line) |
| Shibuya | 25 min (via Rinkai/transfer) |
| Tokyo Station | 10 min (Tozai/Keiyo) |
Expat Life
Community
- Growing international community in Toyosu and Ariake, with new high-rise developments attracting foreign professionals.
English Services
- Koto Ward Office has multilingual support. Showa University Toyosu Hospital offers some English services.
International Shopping
- LaLaport Toyosu shopping mall, Costco nearby (Shin-Misato), import shops in waterfront malls.
- Full supermarket guide →
Ward Office
- Address: 4-11-28 Toyo, Koto-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 Koto.
Toyosu Market
World-famous wholesale fish market. Observation galleries let you watch the famous tuna auctions.
Odaiba
Entertainment island with teamLab, shopping malls, beaches, and the iconic Gundam statue.
Kiyosumi Garden
Beautifully maintained Meiji-era garden with tea house and stepping stones over ponds.
Fukagawa
Traditional shitamachi neighborhood with Tomioka Hachimangu shrine and Fukagawa Fudo temple.
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)