Living in Takanawa & Mita
Guide to Takanawa & Mita, a popular expat residential area in Tokyo.
The area around Tamachi and Shinagawa Station, JR Yamanote Line, the area around Mita Station, Toei Mita Line / Asakusa Line, and the area around Takanawadai and Sengakuji Station, Toei Asakusa Line.
Addresses included are: Takanawa, Mita, and Shiba in Minato-ku.
Takanawa & Mita Area Overview
It is a luxurious residential area that wrapping around the hilly area from the west of JR Shinagawa Station towards the Tamachi Station. Many universities–including Keio University and Meiji Gakuin University–as well as other famous schools are situated in this area. The residential area stretching from Takanawa to Mita, is a refined area interspersed with many traditional houses. Along the area’s main streets, hotel-like high-rise apartments are emerging.
Takanawa is well known historically as the area where the residence of Takamatsunomiya, a member of the imperial family, was located. Many of the homes in the area have been torn down and rebuilt into hotels, condominiums, and public facilities. Today the area is known as the home of many company presidents and chairmen of publicly traded companies. Revered Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines–such as Sengakuji–and some embassies are dotted throughout this area.
The JR train lines and the Toei Asakusa Line provide easy access to many areas within Tokyo from here. In addition, Haneda Airport and the areas of Yokohama can be easily accessed by the Keihin Kyuko Line. Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) stops at JR Shinagawa Station, traveling to the western parts of Japan–such as Osaka and Kyoto–is very convenient. The Takanawa Gateway Station opened in 2020 between JR Shinagawa Station and Tamachi Station. The Shirokane-Takanawa Station and Takanawadai Station along Sakurada Dori Street are within walking distance of each other.
The 2-chome area of Mita is known as a high-class residential area located atop a hill. In the past it was home to the residences of high-class samurai and noble families. These days, in place of these prestigious residences of yester year are the Australian embassy, Italian embassy, Mitsui Tsunamachi Club, and Keio University.
The 4-chome area of Mita is historically an area where old Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines were built. Today, condominiums line the streets surrounding the Mita area. This area is very convenient for transportation as it is surrounded by 5 stations that are all within walking distance. The 5 stations are the JR Tamachi Station, Metro Mita Station, Shirokane-Takanawa Station in the southwest corner, Azabujuban Station in the northwest corner, and Akabanebashi Station in the northeast corner. There are many luxury apartments for rent that are popular among foreigners.
