Grew up abroad, moving back to Tokyo and have no idea where to live. Help me not make a mistake
Hi everyone,
Japanese national here but spent most of my life abroad, so I don't have much local knowledge of the Tokyo area. My hometown is in Kansai and I don't have many people around to consult. Hoping to get some real, on-the-ground perspectives.
**My situation:**
- Currently in a 25sqm place near Shibuya Station (2 years here, 2 years in Koenji before that)
- Loved living in Koenji but couldn't find anything big enough within budget when I looked recently
- Ready to move somewhere new
**What I'm looking for:**
- At least 45sqm
- Budget around 140,000 yen/month
- Within 20 minutes of Shibuya by train (not counting time to station), no line preference, just the travel time matters
- A neighborhood with a lot of eating options: local restaurants, chains, good variety. Not especially focused on izakayas
- Ideally somewhere with a bit of life beyond just food, places to walk around and things to do but not a must
**What my agent suggested:**
Gakugeidaigaku came up as a recommendation. I checked it out and liked the restaurant scene, but it felt a bit quiet overall and not much going on outside of eating. Is that a fair read, or am I missing something about the area?
**What I'm asking:**
Are there other neighborhoods, anywhere within that 20-min Shibuya window on any line, that might tick more boxes?
Any areas I probably haven't thought of that are worth looking at?
TL:DR: Looking to move: want a neighborhood with great restaurants, at least 45sqm for 140,000 yen, within 20 min of Shibuya. Agent suggested Gakugeidaigaku but open to anything.
Really appreciate any local knowledge. Thanks!