Living in Urawa: Saitama Apartment Rental Guide for Foreign Residents
Apr 30, 2025
Key Facts about Urawa Ward
Urawa Ward is one of the most popular residential areas in Saitama City, located just about 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo. It is the political and administrative heart of Saitama Prefecture.
The area around Urawa Station is home to shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, and essential services, making it a highly convenient and comfortable place to live for both Japanese and foreign residents.
Urawa is well-known for its strong educational focus, offering several top-performing public high schools, making it a top choice for families. Its quiet and safe neighborhoods also appeal to foreigners looking for a secure and peaceful place to live near Tokyo.
In this guide, we’ll introduce the residential atmosphere, transportation convenience, and daily lifestyle in Urawa. You'll also find useful information for foreigners considering moving to or renting an apartment in Saitama.
What It's Like to Live in Urawa, Saitama
Urawa Station’s surroundings offer a lively, urban atmosphere with plenty of commercial and dining options. Yet, just a short walk away, you'll find peaceful residential areas and green parks, creating a well-balanced living environment that combines city convenience and natural calm.
The city enforces rules prohibiting littering and street smoking, contributing to its clean and orderly appearance. Services such as international schools and multilingual support make Urawa a foreigner-friendly neighborhood.
Soccer fans will love that the local J.League team, Urawa Reds, is based here, with the stadium bustling with fans on match days.
Urawa is also famous for its traditional eel cuisine, a local specialty since the Edo period. Many long-standing restaurants preserve this culinary tradition, offering authentic experiences in historical settings.
Transportation Access from Urawa
Urawa Station is one of the key train hubs in Saitama Prefecture, providing excellent access to central Tokyo and surrounding cities. The ability to reach major destinations like Tokyo or Shinjuku without transfers is a huge advantage for commuters and foreign residents alike. The local bus network also allows easy movement within the city.
Train Information
Urawa Station is served by four major JR lines: Keihin-Tohoku Line, Utsunomiya Line, Takasaki Line, and Shonan-Shinjuku Line. These lines offer direct access to major Tokyo area stations as shown below:
| Destination | Travel Time (Shortest) | Train Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | About 27 min | Utsunomiya / Takasaki Line (JR Tokaido Ueno Line) Keihin-Tohoku Line |
| Shinjuku Station | About 26 min | Shonan-Shinjuku Line |
| Shibuya Station | About 32 min | Shonan-Shinjuku Line |
| Ikebukuro Station | About 20 min | Shonan-Shinjuku Line |
| Omiya Station | About 6 min | Utsunomiya Line Keihin-Tohoku Line Shonan-Shinjuku Line Takasaki Line |
Because of its excellent rail connections, Urawa is a top choice for professionals and students commuting to Tokyo. It’s also an ideal base for day trips to nearby tourist spots like Atami’s hot springs or the historic city of Kamakura, both accessible by a single train ride.
Bus Information
Bus terminals are located at both the east and west exits of Urawa Station, offering routes to nearby residential areas and neighboring cities. Buses also provide easy access to local attractions like soccer stadiums and scenic parks, which may be less convenient by train.
Additionally, airport limousine buses to Haneda Airport depart from the west side of the station—an excellent option for travelers or business professionals.
7 Reasons Why Foreigners Love Living in Urawa
Here are seven reasons why Urawa is one of the best places for foreigners to live near Tokyo. From shopping and dining to nature and education, this area offers a well-rounded and foreigner-friendly lifestyle.
Plentiful Shopping Centers
Urawa Station is surrounded by large shopping complexes, offering a wide range of options including groceries, fashion, and gourmet food.
- Atre Urawa (direct station access)
- Urawa PARCO (East Exit)
- Isetan Urawa (West Exit)
- Community Plaza CORSO (West Exit)
Atre Urawa is directly connected to the station for quick access during commutes. Urawa PARCO includes a cinema and youth-oriented shops, while Isetan caters to high-end shoppers. CORSO offers local events and community-focused stores, giving you plenty of lifestyle choices.
Affordable Groceries at Local Markets
Urawa isn’t just about malls—many supermarkets and shopping streets offer great value and a local vibe.
Supermarkets within walking distance provide fresh produce at reasonable prices. Nakacho Shopping Street, with about 70 stores including traditional grocers and cafés, is a great place to explore everyday life in Japan.
Diverse and International Dining Scene
The area around Urawa Station features many restaurants offering authentic Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
You can enjoy Thai dishes made by Thai chefs, Indian and Nepali curries, and traditional Turkish meals—all at budget-friendly prices. The availability of global flavors makes it easier for foreigners to feel at home.
Safe and Educational Environment
Urawa offers a calm and safe atmosphere with residential areas that are perfect for raising a family. The ward is known for its top-level public schools, making it attractive to education-focused households.
Foreign families will appreciate both the quiet living environment and high-quality educational options available in Urawa.
Abundant Parks and Cultural Spots
Nature and relaxation are always within reach in Urawa. It’s ideal for outdoor activities like walking and jogging.
Bessho-numa Park features wide walking trails and fishing areas, while Tokiwa Park and the revered Tsuki Shrine offer calm spaces for reflection and leisure.
Museums and Learning Opportunities
Nearby museums and art galleries provide enriching experiences for families and individuals.
The Saitama Youth Science Museum offers hands-on science exhibits including a planetarium, while the Saitama Museum of Modern Art showcases international art and creative design pieces.
Foreigner-Friendly Support Services
Dedicated support centers for foreign residents are located near Urawa Station, offering multilingual assistance for everyday issues.
Interpreter volunteers and multilingual consultation services help newcomers adjust to life in Japan with ease.
Average Rent Prices for Apartments in Urawa, Saitama
Rental prices near Urawa Station are slightly above average for Saitama Prefecture, but well worth it considering the convenience, location, and amenities.
The table below shows average monthly rents by apartment layout compared to nearby areas. Use this as a guide when searching for an apartment in Saitama.
| Area | STUDIO | 1Bedroom | 2Bedrooms | 3Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urawa | ¥50,000–57,000 | ¥79,000–103,000 | ¥90,000–110,000 | ¥110,000–140,000 |
| Kita-Urawa | ¥50,000–55,000 | ¥77,000–98,000 | ¥86,000–106,000 | ¥95,000–132,000 |
| Omiya | ¥52,000–65,000 | ¥73,000–95,000 | ¥82,000–96,000 | ¥104,000–112,000 |
Actual rent may vary based on factors like apartment size, distance from the station, building age, and amenities. Use this table as a general guideline.
While rent in Urawa is on the higher end for Saitama, its excellent transportation, shopping, and safety make it a favorite for foreign residents seeking convenience.
Ongoing redevelopment around the station’s west exit is set to deliver a new 27-story building by June 2026, housing residences, childcare facilities, civic centers, offices, and shops—adding even more value to the area.
If you’re looking for apartments in Urawa, it's recommended to work with a real estate agent experienced in supporting foreign clients.