How Toyosu’s High-Rises Became a Chinese Buyer’s Dream

In a video on Xiaohongshu—China’s version of Instagram—a real estate agent is enthusiastically praising Brandz Tower Toyosu, a high-rise apartment (or towerman) in the bay area of Tokyo. “The openness is unreal,” she says. “You get this amazing panoramic view of Toyosu!” Social media posts echo her excitement, showing off the tower’s stunning views. Unlike Minato Ward’s crowded high-rises, Toyosu’s buildings have breathing room, giving you wide-open vistas. The area’s broad streets, rare for Tokyo, feel more like Beijing’s avenues than typical Japanese alleys.

High-rise living is the norm in Chinese megacities, so it makes sense that Chinese newcomers to Japan want the same. They also lean toward brand-new buildings, and Brandz Tower Toyosu, finished in late 2021, hit the market just as wealthy Chinese started moving abroad in droves. That timing likely boosted its appeal.

One Chinese woman in her 30s, a resident of the tower, shared her thoughts. Having lived in a Beijing high-rise, she loves Toyosu’s spacious common areas and tight security. “It’s great value compared to Beijing,” she said. “A similar apartment there, in a prime spot, costs 100,000 yuan per square meter—about 2 million yen. Here, it’s around 1.2 million yen.” That’s roughly 40% cheaper, making Tokyo’s high-rises a steal for her.

Toyosu’s location adds to the draw. Ginza, known in China as “Yinzuo,” is a short ride away, and living near it carries serious bragging rights. Toyosu Station, served by the Yurakucho and Yurikamome lines, isn’t the most convenient, but remote work has eased that issue for some. “My husband and I work from home since COVID,” the woman explained. “If we need to go out, a quick taxi to Ginza or Tokyo Station does the trick.” Her main gripe? Not enough clinics nearby.

The area’s family-friendly vibe is another plus. During the day, you’ll see moms biking with kids, and the bayfront park buzzes with children on weekends. It’s unusual to find such a kid-centric scene so close to central Tokyo. Education is a big deal for Chinese families, and Toyosu delivers. “All four major cram schools for junior high entrance exams—SAPIX, Nichinoken, Yotsuya Otsuka, and Waseda Academy—are right here,” a Chinese resident noted.

It’s no surprise, then, that Toyosu’s high-rises are a magnet for China’s new rich. The area’s modern towers, open views, and urban lifestyle mirror what these buyers know from cities like Beijing. Add in the lower prices and proximity to elite schools, and Toyosu feels like a natural fit. It’s a reminder that city dwellers in Japan and China aren’t all that different—they’re chasing similar dreams in slightly different settings.

Source: Toyo Keizai report on Chinese buyers in Toyosu’s real estate market.