Relocating to Bangkok via FIRE | House Hunting Guide: 3 Recommended Areas for Japanese Expats (Sukhumvit, On Nut, Riverside)

In any FIRE-based relocation plan, once you have secured your visa and funding, the next major hurdle is choosing where to live.

Moving within your own country is one thing, but searching for a home in a completely new international city without local knowledge is an incredibly labor-intensive process.

While guidebooks provide ample information on entertainment districts and tourist spots, they rarely cover which areas are truly livable or suited for long-term expats.

As a resident of Thailand, I would like to explain three areas in Bangkok that I highly recommend for Japanese expats.

Finding a Rental in Thailand: How It Differs from Japan

Before diving into the specific areas, let’s briefly look at how to find a rental property in Thailand.

The most common methods are:

1. Online Portals: Searching websites and contacting owners directly.
2. Direct Inquiry: Visiting the management office of a building you like and asking for a viewing.
3. Japanese Real Estate Agencies: Using specialized brokers.

In Japan, it is standard to go through an agency to find a property. In Thailand, however, it is more common to find a room yourself and deal directly with the owner.

For a foreigner without local knowledge, handling everything—from the initial inquiry to the contract—in a foreign language can be a high hurdle.

While there are many Japanese-speaking agencies in Bangkok, they often have a limited portfolio or a minimum rent threshold (frequently starting at 30,000 THB).

If your budget is below that, you will likely need to use methods 1 or 2.

(Some agencies handle properties in the 10,000 THB range, but options are limited.)

If there is demand, I would like to delve deeper into topics such as finding a room in Thailand and recommended Japanese real estate companies.

3 Best Areas for Japanese Expats in Bangkok

The following three areas are particularly well-suited for Japanese residents:

• Sukhumvit
• On Nut
• Riverside (Chao Phraya)

Below we will explain the overview and attractions of each area.

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is the most famous "Japanese Town" in Bangkok, specifically the area between BTS Asoke and Ekkamai stations. The vast majority of Japanese expats live here.

The area is home to many Japanese corporate employees, and the number of Japanese restaurants is staggering.

With multiple supermarkets stocking Japanese ingredients, both those who eat out and those who cook at home will never struggle.

Hospitals in this area have permanent Japanese interpreters, providing peace of mind in case of illness or injury.

Some buildings have a Japanese occupancy rate of over 90%.

This area is ideal for those who want to expand their Japanese social circle or those living abroad for the first time who prioritize security and language support.

The downside is the higher rent compared to local areas, similar to high-convenience districts in Tokyo.

On Nut

Located just two stations east of Sukhumvit is On Nut.

With large supermarkets and Japanese chain restaurants around the station, it has gained attention as the "5th Japanese Town" in recent years.

Its popularity among Japanese working in suburban industrial estates stems from its convenience—less than 10 minutes by train to Sukhumvit and easy access to the expressway.

Rent is roughly two-thirds that of Sukhumvit, and you can find attractive properties near the station in the 10,000 THB range.

Consequently, it attracts many Japanese locally hired staff and Westerners on retirement visas. It offers a perfect balance of modern comfort and the energetic atmosphere of Southeast Asia.

To be honest, I can't think of many disadvantages, but if I had to say one, it would be that you have to take the train to Sukhumvit to buy Japanese ingredients.

This area may not be very attractive for people who want to have a regular izakaya nearby.

Riverside (Chao Phraya)

The banks of the Chao Phraya River are lined with major international luxury hotels.

While a popular tourist destination, the expat population here is primarily Western or Chinese, with the Japanese ratio dropping significantly compared to the other two areas.

I recommend this area for those who want to fully enjoy a sense of luxury and international living.

Sukhumvit and On Nut are so convenient for Japanese people that you can almost forget you are living abroad.

Riverside, however, offers a daily experience of cross-cultural communication.

Living in a river-view room allows you to watch glittering dinner cruises every night and enjoy private views of fireworks during festivals—a truly high-society lifestyle.

However, if your social life is centered on the Japanese community, the frequent travel to Sukhumvit and the lack of Japanese-speaking services can be a drawback.

Summary

In this article, we introduced three areas in Bangkok, Thailand that are recommended for Japanese people to live in.

Choosing the right area depends on the lifestyle you envision after your relocation:

• Sukhumvit: For those seeking a stress-free, comfortable life and looking to make Japanese friends.
• On Nut: For those who want to minimize fixed costs while staying in a convenient location with easy access to golf and suburban trips.
• Riverside: For those proficient in English who enjoy international interaction and envision a luxurious expat life.

In Thailand, moving costs are relatively low, and furniture and appliances are typically included.

It can be exciting to move to a new area at each contract renewal until you find your perfect fit.

For those on a "trial relocation," I recommend staying in multiple areas to narrow down your preference.

Author: Yuki Ishida

Writer based in Thailand

In 2017, I fulfilled my long-cherished desire to move to Thailand and have been working as a sales and career consultant at a Japanese staffing company there.

I began my activities as a writer in 2019 and mainly share information useful for living in Thailand and moving abroad through both domestic and international media. Based on my own experience of relocating overseas, I strive to provide realistic information to help those planning to move abroad avoid regrets, and I write with this motto every day.

The media I have contributed to so far are not limited to Thailand-related topics, but also cover a wide range including domestic and international travel, local governments, food manufacturers, and educational institutions.