Bunkyo Ward (文京区) – 2025 Living Data Overview

Crime and Safety in Bunkyo Ward

Bunkyo Ward is consistently rated as one of the safest areas in Tokyo. In 2022, the ward recorded only 898 criminal incidents, the fewest among all 23 wards of Tokyo. This translates to a crime rate of just ~0.39% of the population – the lowest (tied with a few other wards) in Tokyo. Even in 2023 as the city reopened, Bunkyo saw 1,104 reported crimes, still well under half the 23-ward average (~2,864). In per-capita terms too, Bunkyo ranks #1 safest in Tokyo; for example, in 2022 it had about one crime per 267 residents, whereas some central wards had nearly one per 33 residents. Residents frequently praise the ward's safety – it's described as a residential area where one can "live with peace of mind". The exceptionally low crime is a big draw for families and singles alike. Notably, Bunkyo's safety is "top-class", making it popular for women living alone and seniors who value a secure environment.

Rent Prices by Neighborhood (1LDK, 2LDK, 3LDK)

Rental prices in Bunkyo are relatively high by Tokyo standards, reflecting its central location and desirable residential environment. On average, a 1LDK apartment in Bunkyo costs around ¥160,000 per month, a 2LDK around ¥235,000, and a 3LDK around ¥336,000. This is significantly above Tokyo's overall averages (Bunkyo's rents are roughly 1.5–1.8 times the city average for comparable units). For convenience, the table below compares Bunkyo's average rents to the Tokyo 23-ward mean:

Apartment Size	Bunkyo Ward Average	Tokyo 23-Ward Average
1R–1LDK (singles)	¥128,000	¥89,000
2K–2LDK (couples)	¥235,000	¥145,000
3K–3LDK (families)	¥336,000	¥188,000

Rental prices do vary by neighborhood within Bunkyo Ward. Generally, areas in the southwest of Bunkyo (closer to the city center) command higher rents, while northern and eastern pockets are more affordable. For example, the Iidabashi/Korakuen area (southwest Bunkyo, near the Imperial Palace fringe) has some of the highest rents – around ¥150,000–¥160,000 on average for a typical apartment (Iidabashi Station area tops the ward at ~¥162k). In contrast, the Yanaka/Sendagi area at the ward's northeast edge is far cheaper, averaging just about ¥102,000, the lowest in Bunkyo. Mid-range neighborhoods like Hongo (University of Tokyo area) and Nezu (Yanesen district) fall in between, roughly ¥130,000–¥135,000 average rent, offering a balance of central access and relative affordability. The table of Bunkyo's station-by-station rent averages illustrates this spread: for instance, Sendagi is ~¥102k, Hon-Komagome ~¥111k, Nezu ~¥132k, Kasuga ~¥146k, and Iidabashi ~¥162k. In summary, renting in Bunkyo is pricey across the board but you will pay a premium to live closer to hubs like Korakuen or Kasuga (Koishikawa area), whereas slightly outlying pockets near Sendagi, Hon-Komagome, Hakusan, or Sengoku tend to be a bit more budget-friendly.

Education Quality and Schools in Bunkyo Ward

The iconic Akamon (Red Gate) of the University of Tokyo's Hongo Campus, symbolizing Bunkyo's status as a center of academia.

Bunkyo's very name (文京, meaning "literary capital") reflects its long-standing reputation as an educational hub. The ward is home to some of Japan's most prestigious educational institutions. Foremost is the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) Hongo Campus, which spans a large part of the ward and is considered the nation's top university. Also located here are Ochanomizu University (a renowned women's university) and several other major campuses, such as Tokyo University (White Campus in Hakusan), Juntendo University (medicine), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chuo University (Korakuen campus), Bunkyo Gakuin University, and more. This concentration of universities, colleges, and research institutes creates an academically rich atmosphere. Ward officials note that Bunkyo is known as a "文教地区" (education district) with an abundance of schools, libraries, and cultural facilities, making it one of the best wards in Tokyo for raising children in terms of educational environment. Indeed, many families are drawn to the area for its high-quality public schools and multitude of nearby enrichment opportunities (from museums to libraries).

At the primary and junior high level, Bunkyo's public schools are highly regarded. The ward's schools benefit from an educated community and active parental involvement. Notably, the ward hosts Tokyo Metropolitan Koishikawa Secondary Education School, an elite public combined junior high/high school (formerly Koishikawa High) which is one of Tokyo's top-ranking academic schools, sending many graduates to UTokyo and other elite universities each year. In addition to strong public schools, there are reputable private schools in and around Bunkyo – examples include Ochanomizu University Junior/Senior High (girls) and Tsukuba University's Senior High School, both nationally known for excellence (though administratively national or metro, not ward-run). For younger children, the ward offers numerous daycare and preschool options, and it famously pioneered the "education city" ethos with various child-friendly programs.

Foreign residents will find some support as well. While Bunkyo does not have large international schools for all grades within the ward, it does host a few international preschools (such as Sakura International School Bunkyo, Soltilo International School Bunkyo, and others) and after-school English programs. In 2025, a new campus of Laurus International School opened in the Koishikawa area (for early childhood ages), reflecting the growing demand for international education in central Tokyo. Uniquely, Bunkyo also now has an international high school campus: the Aoba Japan International School Bunkyo Campus, opened near Sugamo to serve grades 10–12 with an IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum. For K-9 international schools, families in Bunkyo typically look to neighboring wards (for example, schools in Shinjuku, Minato, or Chiyoda ward are within a 20–40 minute commuting distance). Overall, the presence of Japan's top universities and a legacy of learning means Bunkyo Ward offers an excellent education environment. Children here benefit from both strong local schools and proximity to many of Tokyo's universities, museums, and academic networks – a key reason the ward is often said to have "the most educationally conducive environment in the city".

Transportation and Accessibility

Bunkyo Ward enjoys superb transportation connectivity, despite having no JR Yamanote Line station within its borders. The ward is crisscrossed by a total of 8 railway/subway lines, ensuring that virtually all neighborhoods have convenient train access. Subway lines serving Bunkyo include the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (e.g. Myogadani, Korakuen), Metro Chiyoda Line (Yushima, Nezu, Sendagi), Metro Namboku Line (Todaimae, Hon-Komagome), Metro Yurakucho Line (Gokokuji, Edogawabashi), JR Chūō-Sōbu Line (stations at the borders like Iidabashi and Suidobashi Station), Toei Mita Line (Hakusan, Sengoku), and Toei Ōedo Line (Kasuga, Hongo-sanchōme). This extensive coverage means residents are usually only a short walk or bike ride from a subway station. For example, the Korakuen/Kasuga area is a major transit node where two subway lines intersect, and other neighborhoods like Hakusan, Myōgadani, or Sendagi each have their own station on key lines.

Because of this transit network, commute times from Bunkyo to Tokyo's main hubs are very short. All parts of the ward lie within roughly a 30-minute train ride of the big business districts. In fact, many areas boast sub-20-minute access. For instance, from Korakuen Station you can reach Tokyo Station in ~8 minutes (via Marunouchi Line) and Shinjuku in ~19 minutes. From Myōgadani, it's about 5 minutes to Ikebukuro and 11 minutes to Tokyo. Even the quieter Edogawabashi/Gokokuji area has direct trains putting you at Shibuya or Shinjuku in ~22–24 minutes. The table below shows a sample of travel times from various Bunkyo stations to major city centers:

Approx. Train Times from Bunkyo Stations:

• Korakuen → Tokyo 8 min; Shinagawa 26 min; Shibuya 24 min; Shinjuku 19 min; Ikebukuro 8 min.
• Myōgadani → Tokyo 11 min; Shinjuku 19 min; Ikebukuro 5 min.
• Edogawabashi → Tokyo 23 min; Shinjuku 19 min; Shibuya 22 min.
• Hakusan → Tokyo 20 min; Shinjuku 20 min; Shibuya 28 min.
• Nezu → Tokyo 18 min; Shibuya 26 min; Shinjuku 25 min.

Every neighborhood in Bunkyo can generally reach Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and other downtown hubs within 30 minutes door-to-door. This is a major advantage for commuters. In fact, many stations offer direct rides under 15 minutes to at least one major center: e.g. Hongo-sanchōme (Marunouchi Line) is ~7 minutes to Otemachi/Tokyo, and Kasuga (Oedo Line) is ~18 minutes to Shinjuku. The ward's own analysis highlights Korakuen, Myogadani, and Hongo as especially well-located, since these lie on straight-line routes to multiple centers (Tokyo and Ikebukuro in ~10 minutes). Even Kasuga Station, which isn't on an express line, can reach Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro in under 20 minutes.

In terms of daily usage, the busiest stations in Bunkyo include Kasuga (~26,500 riders/day on the Ōedo Line) and Sengoku (~14,200 riders/day on the Mita Line), as these serve important residential and business areas. The ward is not directly on any Shinkansen or airport line, but Tokyo Dome City at Suidobashi and Iidabashi station area provide quick transfers to JR lines. Road transportation is also reasonable – Bunkyo sits centrally inside the Yamanote loop, and drivers can access the Shuto Expressway via nearby ramps in neighboring wards. However, because public transit is so convenient and parking is scarce, most residents rely on trains, buses, and bicycles. Overall, Bunkyo's transportation infrastructure is excellent, making it easy to commute or explore the city from a home base in this ward.

Population and Demographics

Bunkyo is a smaller ward by area (only 11.29 km², 20th of 23 wards) but is quite densely populated, with a current population of about 237,000 residents (ranked 18th in population). With over 20,000 people per km², it has the 5th highest population density in Tokyo – illustrating that much of the ward is filled with mid-rise apartments and houses packed into its narrow streets. Despite the dense living, the population is not particularly young. In fact, Bunkyo's average age is 43.4 years, making it one of the oldest populations among the 23 wards (4th highest average age). This reflects a substantial proportion of established older residents and fewer children compared to some suburban wards. As of 2023, roughly 19% of Bunkyo's residents are senior citizens (65+), while only about 12.7% are children under 15. The majority (around 68%) are working-age adults 15–64. Many households are small: with ~132,000 households for 237k people, the average household size is only ~1.8 persons. This indicates a large number of single-person and couple households – understandable given the presence of students, singles, and DINKs (double income no kids) living in the ward's apartments. Families with children do live here but are fewer in proportion than in some outer wards.

Bunkyo also has a growing foreign resident community, though it remains a modest share of the population. As of 2023, about 12,390 foreign nationals were registered in Bunkyo, roughly 5.4% of the ward's population. This is up significantly (by ~130% growth) from a decade prior, reflecting an influx of international students, professionals, and expatriate families. The largest foreign groups are reportedly Chinese and Korean residents (often students or professionals at the nearby universities and hospitals), along with smaller communities of Americans, Europeans, and others. The ward government notes that the foreign population peaked around 2020 then dipped slightly during the pandemic, but as of 2023 it has begun rising again. In daily life, one will hear primarily Japanese spoken, but around university campuses and in certain pockets (e.g. around Edogawabashi or near student dormitories) a mix of languages can be heard. The ward provides information in multiple languages and has a Multicultural Coordination office to support this 5% and growing foreign resident community.

Park Access and Green Space

Bunkyo Ward offers numerous small but high-quality green spaces. There are 115 public parks and gardens, including historic sites such as Koishikawa Korakuen (70,000 m², Edo-period garden) and Rikugien (famous for weeping cherry blossoms and autumn foliage). Other notable green areas include Koishikawa Botanical Garden, Education Forest Park, Higo-Hosokawa Garden, and Chinzanso Garden. The University of Tokyo Hongo Campus also provides tree-lined paths and courtyards that function as informal parks. Residents benefit from seasonal beauty despite the ward's urban density.

Per capita, Bunkyo has below-average green space, about 2.3 m² per person (versus the 23-ward average of ~4.35 m²/person), ranking 18th in Tokyo. Parks tend to be small neighborhood gardens rather than expansive recreational fields. The ward compensates with high-quality historic gardens and pocket parks. Families enjoy child-friendly spaces, and elevated areas often provide scenic views. Overall, Bunkyo offers "small but sufficient" access to nature, balancing urban convenience with greenery.

Earthquake Hazard and Terrain Risks

Bunkyo sits on the eastern Musashino Plateau, featuring hills, slopes, and occasional cliffs. Sloping streets are common, particularly around Hongo, Koishikawa, and Kohinata. The terrain provides good drainage and scenic views but can be challenging for walking or biking.

Earthquake risk is moderate. The ward is largely on firm ground with minimal liquefaction or flood hazards, unlike eastern Tokyo. Expected seismic intensity in a worst-case Tokyo quake is 6+, typical for central Tokyo. Older wooden housing on slopes poses higher collapse risk, particularly in Nezu, Sendagi, and Kohinata 3-chome. Modern areas like Korakuen, Kasuga, Hongo, and Hakusan are relatively safer. Public buildings and evacuation sites are fully retrofitted against earthquakes.

Bunkyo also has landslide hazards on 105 locations, 62 of which are designated "Special Caution" zones. The risk is concentrated in small cliffs and plateau edges. Overall, Bunkyo is considered safer than many Tokyo wards for floods, tsunamis, and seismic events, though vigilance is advised in older, wooden neighborhoods.

Attractions and Points of Interest

Bunkyo Ward’s primary attraction is Tokyo Dome City, a vast entertainment complex in Korakuen featuring Tokyo Dome Stadium, amusement rides (LaQua), shopping, restaurants, and Tokyo Dome Hotel. Pre-pandemic, it drew roughly 40 million visitors annually. Tokyo Dome hosts 300+ event days per year, including baseball, concerts, and exhibitions, making it a major local economic driver.

Other attractions include:

• Koishikawa Korakuen Garden – historic Edo-period garden next to Tokyo Dome
• Rikugien Garden – scenic garden in northern Bunkyo
• Nezu Shrine – famous for the Bunkyo Azalea Festival
• Gokokuji Temple – 17th-century temple with tranquil grounds
• Kodokan Judo Institute – headquarters of Judo practitioners
• Shopping streets – Sugamo’s Jizō-Dori, Yanaka Ginza, LaQua, and Miuraka City

Bunkyo is quieter than neighboring wards like Taitō or Chiyoda, with entertainment and tourism concentrated around Tokyo Dome City and university events.

Neighborhood-Level Lifestyle Insights

Yanesen (Nezu/Sendagi) – Nostalgic, shitamachi atmosphere. Features Yanaka Ginza shopping street, traditional houses, small parks, and community festivals. Affordable and quiet, ideal for families seeking old-town charm.

Hongo – Academic and cultural hub dominated by the University of Tokyo. Quiet, intellectual, and historic. Upscale residences, literary landmarks, and cultural events define the area. Limited nightlife; peaceful and refined.

Koishikawa/Korakuen – High-demand residential area balancing convenience and greenery. Close to Tokyo Dome City and major gardens. Upscale apartments and family-friendly amenities. Strong public schools and transit connectivity.

Myōgadani/Hakusan/Sengoku – Everyday residential belt with quiet streets and local shopping. Affordable apartments, hospitals, and small parks. Relaxed pace, community-oriented lifestyle, short commute to central Tokyo.

Yushima/Ochanomizu – Southeast corner with cultural and academic flair. Yushima Seido shrine, bookstores, musical instrument shops, and proximity to Akihabara/Ueno. Modern condos and quiet nightlife; ideal for professionals.

Bunkyo combines safety, education, and urban convenience. Families, students, and professionals benefit from clean streets, quality schools, parks, and cultural experiences. The ward’s appeal lies in offering a central Tokyo lifestyle without the chaos, balancing tranquility, education, and proximity to major hubs. Residents enjoy authentic Tokyo living with a mix of historic charm, greenery, and accessibility.