Have you ever wondered what “real” Tokyo looks like—beyond the tourist maps, in the quiet neighborhoods where people actually live? I’m going to take you on a photo tour of my home: Takaido-Higashi in Suginami Ward, a side of the city most visitors never see.
I live in Takaido-Higashi’s san-chome. For those unfamiliar with Japanese addresses, the name tells a story: Higashi means “east,” san is “three,” and chome refers to a block of streets. So, I live on the third block of East Takaido.
Many famous districts have a dozen or more chome, but mine only has four. It’s a classic, compact Tokyo neighborhood.
My chome is a large residential space bordered by major roads like Inokashira-Dori and the Keio-Inokashira train line—a typical slice of West Tokyo’s endless sea of houses. This side of the city is trendy with those looking to move here, but it’s not all brand new. The real character comes from the mix of eras: it’s common to see a sleek, modern house right next to a charming home from the 1960s.
Takaido-Higashi is the definition of a residential neighborhood, which is both its biggest strength and its weakness. You won’t find the bustling nightlife of Shibuya here. For that, you need to hop on a train. What you find instead is something else: the quiet rhythm of daily life.
The local amenities reflect this quiet focus. There’s a residents’ center with a swimming pool, cleverly heated by the giant smokestack of the nearby garbage incinerator. While I don’t swim, it’s a perfect example of the neighborhood’s practical, self-contained nature. For the sophisticated fun of Shinjuku or Shibuya, a short train ride is all you need.
My favorite way to experience the neighborhood is on a Sunday afternoon walk. The narrow streets twist and turn, creating a feeling of exploration with every step. The architecture is an eclectic mix; you’ll see a minimalist concrete home standing proudly next to a Showa-era house with a traditional tile roof. It’s these contrasts that make the area so fascinating.
You can discover how Tokyoites use their land. It is expensive here, so most properties are small. And that means they lack gardens and yards, but the owners make up for it in other ways. Many use planters to fill the spaces of their properties. Others place vines and bushes on their walls. They use what they have.
But this quietness doesn’t mean isolation. The neighborhood is incredibly livable, with supermarkets, schools, and hospitals all close by. The real prize is the transportation access. With three stations (Takaido, Hamadayama, and Ogikubo) within walking distance, I can easily jump on the JR Chuo, Keio-Inokashira, or Metro Marunouchi lines. It’s a peaceful bubble with an escape route. The only thing that occasionally breaks the silence is a bosozoku motorcycle gang on Kanpachi Road in the summer—a rare, noisy reminder that you’re still in Tokyo.
I hope you like these photos. Not all were from Takaido-Higashi 3-chome. A couple of Hamadayama and 2-chome are also here. I just wanted to give you an idea of what suburban Tokyo can be like. Other parts of the city are very different. One day, I’ll show you another area.
Do you live in the area? I’d love to hear your thoughts about Takaido-Higashi san-chome! Leave questions and comments below.
Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T3
Lenses:
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
