Azabu,
Hiroo & Shirokane in Tokyo Prime Expat Properties Azabu, Hiroo, and Shirokane are prominent cosmopolitan
areas right in the heart of Tokyo’s Minato ward.
Here you will also find pedestrian-friendly smaller streets
lined with boutiques, restaurants, and upscale apartments,
which are some of Tokyo’s prime expat properties. The
Hiroo and Azabu areas have historically been home to many
diplomats, senior executives, and expats who want a more convenient
western lifestyle in the center of Tokyo's foreign community.
Access to just about anywhere in central Tokyo couldn’t
be better via the Hibiya, Namboku, and Oedo Subway lines.
A Brief History Azabu Hiroo and Shirokane
From the 17th-19th centuries feudal nobles built huge estates
that remain today as the premises for some of the many embassies
in the area. Naturally, diplomats and foreigners associated
with these embassies made their homes in the Azabu and Shirokane
areas establishing some of Tokyo’s first upscale suburbs.
Azabu Juban
The town of Azabu Juban became a particularly active area
more than 300 years ago in the middle of the Edo period after
two major events that shaped the development of the area.
The first event was a big fire in 1657, after which, the Tokugawa
government cleared the Furukawa river to improve water transport
making Azabu Juban more accessible. When the riding grounds
in Shiba were moved to Ichinohashi, a short time later, a
new residential area was opened up allowing people to live
in and visit Azabu Juban more readily.
The
Residential Neighborhoods Azabu
Azabu is the hub of the expatriate community and has been a
prestigious residential neighborhood for generations.
Azabu is made up of 5 areas - Azabu-Juban, Nishi-Azabu, Minami-Azabu,
Higashi-Azabu, and Moto-Azabu. It lies between Tokyo Tower,
Aoyama, Hiroo, and Roppongi in the center of Minato Ward. Three
subway lines serve the Azabu area - the Hibiya, Namboku and
Oedo lines - adding convenience to the list of reasons to live
here. Despite its central location, surprisingly, the Azabu
area has many quiet residential areas. The Moto-Azabu area is
in the center of the 5 Azabu areas between Azabu Juban, Hiroo,
and Roppongi Hills. This location has become one of the most
desired residential neighborhoods. It is home to the tree-shaped
landmark Motoazabu Hills residential high-rise building, and
the Nishimachi International School. Azabu Juban is very suburban
yet also has a Japanese traditional downtown atmosphere with
various traditional Japanese shops selling items such as soba
and Japanese sweets. The Azabu Juban shopping district has become
much more accessible and lively since the development of nearby
Roppongi Hills, and the connection of the Nanboku and Oedo lines
at Azabu-Juban station (opened in 2000).
Hiroo
Although the area is situated in Shibuya ward, Hiroo is just
west and almost a part of the Azabu area. The area has
been popular for its’ clean charming neighborhoods with
tree-lined streets, and many western-style apartments.
The area directly around Hiroo station is convenient for shopping
with National Azabu Supermarket as well a several smaller shopping
streets, which have a nice selection boutiques, cafes, restaurants,
and bars - yet it is very quiet after the last train around
midnight. Arisugawa park provides a great getaway to enjoy a
little nature on weekends. The Hiroo and Red Cross Hospitals
are both located here and well-equipped to treat foreign residents.
The International School of the Sacred Heart is within a few
minutes walk of Hiroo station and Nichimachi International School
is nearby in Moto-Azabu. All in all, with Arisugawa park, the
National Azabu supermarket and a lot of international schools
and amenities, this area is perhaps the most popular, and expensive
residential area. It is an ideal environment for families, couples,
or singles, who are looking for a somewhat lively central location
with a truly semi-suburban lifestyle.
Shirokane Shirokane is an “old money” neighborhood
just one block south of Minami-Azabu but boasts a much quieter
residential experience with smaller neighborhoods and plenty
of greenery. The area has become much more popular
since Shiroganedai station, (Namboku line), opened in 2000.
There are several shopping streets between Shirogane 1-Chome
and 3-Chome and a nearby Marusho supermarket. The Nature Study
park, in Shirogane 5-Chome, is one of the city’s most
tranquil getaways. The “Platinum” shopping street
offers small trendy boutiques and nice restaurants. The Shirogane
area is a popular alternative to the Azabu, and Hiroo area –
it is still very central and convenient, but also a place where
you can sometimes find houses with gardens.
Residential Neighborhoods in Azabu:
Minami-Azabu , Motoazabu, Azabujuban, Nishiazabu 3-Chome Residential Neighborhoods in Hiroo:
Hiroo, Nishiazabu 4-Chome, Minami-Aoyama 7-Chome Residential Neighborhoods in Shirokane:
Shirokane 2-Chome, Shirokane 4-Chome, Shirokane 5-Chome, Shirokane-Dai
2-Chome, Shirokane-Dai 3-Chome Building/ Area Type:
Modern low-rise apartment complexes in mostly dense areas
with some semi-surburban pockets. Recreation & Shopping Azabu and Hiroo could be described as a self-contained
community where residents can shop, dine, dance, worship,
work out and study. Especially along Azabu-Juban
shopping street and in neighboring Roppongi Hills, the area
offers the best selection of foreign food shops and restaurants.
The smaller back streets of Azabu and Hiroo are great for
an evening stroll, or a morning jog. Arisugawa Memorial Park
offers a plush green space for getting away. Azabu is right
n the middle of some of Tokyo's most exciting communities.
Roppongi, Nishi-Azabu, and Aoyama are hotspots for clubbing,
dining, or shopping. The international neighborhoods around
Hiroo Station feature outdoor cafes, boutiques and the National
Azabu - one of Tokyo's best foreign food supermarkets.
Azabu,
Hiroo & Shirokane in Tokyo
