A look at Tokyo’s most luxurious neighbourhoods.
The Imperial Palace forms the centre of the Japanese capital—and since the Edo era, the most desirable quarters have been those closest to the palace grounds.
These are modern-day Aoyama, Azabu and Akasaka, also known as the 3A areas. Here, we take a closer look at each neighbourhood and its landmark real estate.
Price: $$$$$
Residential neighbourhoods: Minami-Aoyama, Kita-Aoyama, Shibuya 4-Chome, Jingumae
Most common type of housing |
1. 2-bedroom |
2. 1-bedroom |
3. 3-bedroom |
Aoyama is only a short commute from the major business centres of Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akasaka and Otemachi. It is primarily a commercial area that harbours Tokyo’s most famous and high-end shopping street, Omotesando, but quiet residential pockets exist.
The area is synonymous with high-end fashion and design, elegant café culture and world-class cuisine. The residential neighbourhoods are conveniently located on five subway lines (the Ginza, Hanzomon, Oedo, Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines), as well as the JR Yamanote Line.
Units here are pricey and compact, due to their extremely central location. Most units are also older, making it hard to find the perfect home here. Some expat families like the area due to its proximity to most of Tokyo’s business centres and the nearby British School, as well as several international supermarkets, like Peacock and Kinokuniya. However, residents must cope with considerable crowds of shoppers every weekend, and the rising number of tourists visiting the area on a daily basis.
Fortunately, the area has one of the highest concentrations of parks in Tokyo, including the beautiful Aoyama Cemetery, Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Gaien Park.
A 20-storey commercial building is being built on the site of the former Aoyama Bell Commons building Gaienmae area in Tokyo. Completion is scheduled for early 2020. The 90m tall Kita Aoyama 2 Chome Building will include retail, hotel and office space.
Construction of the Kita Aoyama 3 Chome District Project started in March 2018. It is a redevelopment of the demolished Aoyama Kitamachi Apaato public housing complex, located close to Omotesando Station. The planned 25-floor, 90m tall building will include 229 rental-only apartments, as well as aged-care rooms, a nursery and retail space. Almost half of the 8,000 sqm site will be turned into a park and garden. Planned facilities for residents include a bilingual concierge service, gym and co-working space.
The luxury residence Sunwood Aoyama is located just three minutes from Aoyama-Itchome Station, surrounded by parks and embassies. It will include 12 spacious units with 1 or 3 bedrooms and, while it is still under construction, units are available for sale already.
Price: $$$$$
Residential neighbourhoods: Minami-Azabu, Moto-Azabu, Azabu-Juban, Nishi-Azabu 3-Chome, Nishi-Azabu 4-Chome, Azabudai, Azabu-Nagasakacho
Most common type of housing |
1. 3-bedroom |
2. 2-bedroom |
3. 4-bedroom |
The Azabu area was historically home to feudal lords that served the Emperor. Today, its history has made it the preferred choice of diplomats, and many embassies are found here and in neighbouring Hiroo.
It also appeals to many international executives, with its proximity to several international schools and hospitals like Red Cross and Hiroo Hospital, as well as convenient access to Tokyo’s business areas and major train stations via the Oedo, Hibiya, Namboku and Mita subway lines.
The area offers a unique mix of long-established, high-end Japanese stores, boutiques and restaurants that are family-run, intertwined with Western-style establishments and apartments, all located on pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets.
A landmark is the mushroom-shaped Moto-Azabu Hills. The nearest park would be Arisugawa Park in Hiroo. Many residents appreciate the close-knit expat community that lives here, which makes the area akin to Tokyo’s most cosmopolitan village.
Azabu Gardens, completed in 2015, is a luxury family-oriented apartment complex with large units on the hilltop in Moto Azabu 3-chome. It is the first property in Japan to have LEED authorisation, an international environment and energy efficiency standard. It offers a 24-hour gym, bilingual concierge and expansive gardens. Arisugawa Park and Azabu Juban’s shopping area are within walking distance.
The Mita Koyamacho West District Redevelopment is located west of the established high-end complexes Park Court Azabu Juban The Tower and City Tower Azabu Juban. Plans include one 10-floor office tower and three 16- to 45-floor residential towers. Construction is expected to start in 2020, with completion in 2024. The project is projected to include as many as 1,300 residential units.
Mori Building is planning a 65-floor mixed-use building in Azabudai of mostly office space, as well as 80 generously-sized luxury apartments on the top floors, and an international school. Construction is scheduled to start in 2018. The building will be Japan’s tallest building when complete in 2022, and it will offer one of Japan’s largest apartments, planned with a floor size of 1,000 sqm.
Price: $$$$
Residential neighbourhoods: Akasaka, Roppongi 1-Chome, Nogizaka, Hikawa Shrine area
Most common type of housing |
1. 2-bedroom |
2. 1-bedroom |
3. 3-bedroom |
For decades, Japanese politicians have gathered under Akasaka's black-tile roofed restaurants and geisha houses. After the Second World War, US troops made the area their home and frequented it at night, which added international restaurants, bars and jazz clubs to the mix. Today, Akasaka is an established business district besides an entertainment area.
It is in close proximity to the Ginza, Hibiya, Marunouchi, Namboku and Chiyoda Lines and conveniently located. Housing here is usually in the form of modern high-rise buildings and apartment complexes, like the landmark Izumi Gardens.
The mix of traditional Japan, as one of Tokyo’s last areas home to geishas, together with modern office, residential and green spaces, attracts many expats. Akasaka is also a recognised gourmet centre, with traditional Japanese Michelin-star restaurants hidden behind simple entrances most tourists walk past. Besides local cuisine, one can find almost any world cuisine in Akasaka.
Due to its history, it is considered one of Tokyo’s most prestigious neighbourhoods and offers a truly urban lifestyle.
A redevelopment is planned for the Akasaka 7 Chome area. While details are yet to be confirmed, it may include a 46-floor residential building with around 700 units and a five-storey commercial building. A decision is expected within 2018, and construction is scheduled to begin in 2021, with completion in 2025. The site is a six-minute walk from Aoyama-Itchome Station, and located across the road from the Akasaka Imperial Estate.
Mori Trust is planning The Akasaka Twin Towers in Akasaka 2 Chome. It is a mixed-use office, retail and hotel building with 43 floors, and a 5,000 sqm public park will surround the complex. Construction start is scheduled for 2020, completion for 2024. With the construction, units of the neighbouring Akasaka Tower Residence condo that are facing east and are on the lower levels may lose morning sunlight that will be blocked by the new building.
The Akasaka Toranomon Green Road connects the newly completed Akasaka Intercity Air office tower with the landmark building Toranomon Hills. The green path extends further toward Toranomon. When fully completed, it will be a total of 850 meters of green urban space, allowing residents and office workers to enjoy walks, rest, and refreshment in more greenery in Tokyo’s dense urban centre.
By Mareike Dornhege
Similar to this:
Tokyo's Yamanote Line: Is it better to buy property on the inside or outside?
Japanese real estate investment trusts vs. properties: Where should you invest?
Beyond Tokyo 2020: Prospects for the Japanese real estate market