Most desirable stations to live near in Greater Tokyo 2025 rankings released
- Adam German
- May 28
- 2 min read
Each year in March, real estate platform SUUMO releases its highly anticipated Most Desirable Places to Live rankings for the Greater Tokyo Area.
Based on a survey of 10,000 residents across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, and Ibaraki prefectures, the 2025 rankings reveal not only the perennial favorites but also a noticeable shift toward livable suburban hubs.
Suumo is a dominant Japan-based property portal, akin to what Zillow is in the US and what Rightmove is in the UK.
Key Highlights from the 2025 Rankings
Yokohama remains the undisputed No.1 for the 8th straight year, offering urban convenience and coastal charm.
Omiya in Saitama saw a strong surge in votes, tightening its position behind Yokohama.
Tokyo Station experienced the biggest year-on-year score jump.
Suburban cities like Funabashi, Tachikawa, Kashiwa, and Fujisawa achieved their highest-ever rankings, signaling a growing demand for affordable, well-connected neighborhoods outside central Tokyo.
Data provided by Suumo, translated by Patience Realty. Full report linked at the bottom of this article.
Suburban Areas Gain Ground
One of the biggest stories of 2025 is the rise of suburban stations.
Locations such as Funabashi (Chiba), Tachikawa (Tokyo), Kashiwa (Chiba), and Fujisawa (Kanagawa) all reached their highest rankings since SUUMO began tracking these preferences in 2018.
These areas are increasingly recognized for their balance of affordability, access to nature, and reasonable commutes.
Why This Matters
For renters and homebuyers, these rankings offer insight into shifting lifestyle priorities. While central Tokyo remains attractive, many people are now seeking neighborhoods with more space, better cost-performance, and strong community feel - especially as hybrid work makes living slightly farther from the core more feasible.
Further Reading:
Suumo Greater Tokyo 2025 Most Desirable Station Rankings (Japanese only; present much granular information than that presented above)
