Bunkyo City Area Guide
Bunkyo City is located near the center of Tokyo’s 23 wards and is a district where history, tradition, and modern culture blend harmoniously. Known as “Fumi no Miyako” (the Capital of Letters), it has long been loved by scholars and writers since the Edo period. Prestigious educational institutions such as the University of Tokyo and Ochanomizu University are located here, making Bunkyo widely known as a center of learning and culture.
The area also features beautiful Japanese gardens such as Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen, where residents can enjoy nature throughout the seasons. Despite being in central Tokyo, Bunkyo is rich in greenery and offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere—making it popular among families, students, and those who prioritize education.
Bunkyo is part of Tokyo’s “6 central wards,” along with
Chiyoda,
Chuo,
Minato,
Shinjuku, and
Shibuya.
These central wards are highly valued for their premium land prices and strong brand power, offering stable demand and high asset value. Compared to other central areas, Bunkyo is less business- and commerce-heavy, instead known for its educational and medical institutions, making it a safe and quiet residential area. For this reason, it’s a popular and reliable choice among families, students, and education-focused residents, with long-term investment potential and steady rental demand.
Bunkyo City Key Data
- Area
- 20.37 km²
- Population
- 263,748
- Population Density
- 12,953 / km²
- Number of Foreign Residents
- 22,386
Major Stations and Access to Key Areas in Tokyo
Major Train Stations in Bunkyo City
- Korakuen Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Namboku Line)
- Kasuga Station (Toei Mita Line, Oedo Line)
- Hongo-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Toei Oedo Line)
- Myogadani Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
- Ochanomizu Station (JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
Average Travel Time from Major Stations to Key Tokyo Area
| Departure Station | Shinjuku | Tokyo | Shibuya | Ikebukuro | Ueno | Shinagawa | Akihabara |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korakuen Station | About 15 min | About 10 min | About 20 min | About 12 min | About 15 min | About 25 min | About 12 min |
| Myogadani Station | About 20 min | About 15 min | About 25 min | About 10 min | About 20 min | About 30 min | About 15 min |
| Ochanomizu Station | About 12 min | About 5 min | About 18 min | About 10 min | About 8 min | About 20 min | About 5 min |
Living Convenience for Foreign Residents
International Schools
- Global Indian International School Tokyo Campus: Offers a multilingual curriculum including English and Hindi, and is easily accessible from Bunkyo.
- Tokyo Korean School: While not located in Bunkyo, it is within commuting distance and caters to Korean-speaking students.
Medical Facilities with Foreign Language Support
- Juntendo University Hospital: A major teaching hospital with English-speaking staff and international patient services.
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital: Offers medical services in English and caters to foreign patients.
Popular Supermarkets and Restaurants Among Foreign Residents
- Seijo Ishii (Korakuen and Myogadani): Known for high-quality imported goods and international food items.
- Kaldi Coffee Farm (Bunkyo Area): Offers a wide variety of international groceries, snacks, and spices.
Public Offices Supporting Foreign Residents
- Bunkyo Multilingual Support Desk: Provides consultations in English, Chinese, and other languages regarding daily life, residency, and administrative procedures.
Popular Neighborhoods in Bunkyo City
- Yayoi / Hongo: A quiet residential area near the University of Tokyo with a traditional academic atmosphere.
- Koishikawa: Offers great access to transportation and is close to gardens like Koishikawa Korakuen.
- Nezu / Sendagi: Known for its nostalgic charm, historical streets, and proximity to Yanaka and Ueno.
- Kasuga / Korakuen: Convenient location with multiple subway lines and commercial facilities such as Tokyo Dome City.
Housing Market in Bunkyo City
Bunkyo City is widely recognized for its educational institutions, greenery, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a desirable residential area for families. Property values are considered relatively stable, and the area has a strong reputation among both homebuyers and investors. Over the past 3–5 years, the average price of pre-owned condominiums has shown steady growth, increasing from the 70 million yen range to over 80 million yen for a 70m² unit. Due to its strong fundamentals, Bunkyo continues to be regarded as an area where property values are less likely to decline.
Rental prices are also on the higher side, reflecting the area's quality of life and excellent educational environment. STUDIO apartments average around ¥100,000 to ¥140,000 per month, while family-sized 3Bedroom units can range from ¥450,000 to ¥700,000. Demand remains strong among both local and international families, and high-quality rental properties often get leased quickly.
Average Rent by Floor Plan
| Layout | STUDIO | 1Bedroom | 2Bedrooms | 3Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent (JPY/month) | ¥100,000–140,000 | ¥180,000–260,000 | ¥280,000–400,000 | ¥450,000–700,000 |
Average Prices for Pre-Owned Homes
| Property Type | Apartment (70m²) | Single-Family Home (100m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | ¥80,390,000 | ¥112,190,000 |