Bunkyo City Area Guide

Located in the heart of Tokyo’s 23 wards, Bunkyo City is a unique blend of tradition, history, and modern culture. Often referred to as "Fumi no Miyako" (the capital of letters), the area has long been home to many scholars and literary figures since the Edo period. Bunkyo is known for its academic atmosphere, featuring prestigious institutions like the University of Tokyo and Ochanomizu University. The district is also dotted with scenic Japanese gardens such as Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen, offering residents a tranquil environment with seasonal beauty. With its greenery, safety, and calm ambiance, Bunkyo is particularly popular among families and those who prioritize education and a high quality of life.

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