Azabudai: Tokyo’s Most Livable Neighborhood

Tucked between the bustle of Roppongi Hills and the slopes of Toranomon Hills, Azabudai in Minato-ku is a neighborhood of striking juxtapositions. Ancient cobblestone lanes and serene Buddhist temples coexist with sleek embassies, upscale condominiums and cosmopolitan eateries. Its prime central location in Tokyo’s Minato Ward—a top choice for expatriates, international businesses and home to more than 80 embassies—gives the area a unique international flair, while local festivals and traditional tofu shops preserve a sense of community warmth.

Once farmland during the Edo period, Azabu later evolved into Tokyo’s largest horse market. In the Taishō era, it became a buzzing nightlife destination. Today, Azabudai is one of the best places to live in Tokyo for expats, diplomats and families, thanks to walkable streets, high-quality bilingual services and one of the highest concentrations of international residents in Tokyo.

Azabudai Hills: Redefining the Tokyo Skyline

The most ambitious transformation in the area is Azabudai Hills, an 8.1-hectare urban redevelopment crowned by Mori JP Tower, now Japan’s tallest skyscraper at 330 meters. Partly designed by London-based Thomas Heatherwick, the project integrates 24,000 m² of greenery in central Tokyo, rooftop orchards and a 6,000 m² central lawn across its three towers.

Azabudai Hills blends business, lifestyle and leisure in one dynamic space: more than 214,500 m² of premium offices, the Janu Tokyo luxury hotel, 1,400 Aman Residences, the reopened teamLab Borderless Tokyo museum and a sprawling underground gourmet hall. Designed as a “Green & Wellness” vertical village, it hosts 20,000 workers by day and transforms into a cultural and culinary destination in Tokyo at night.

Tokyo American Club: Community Anchor Since 1928

Well before skyscrapers arrived, the Tokyo American Club (TAC) in Azabudai served as the heart of the international community. Founded in 1928 and rebuilt in 2011, TAC remains a cornerstone of expatriate life, offering luxurious amenities such as a rooftop pool, spa, six-lane bowling alley, library, event venues and guest studios.

With more than 4,000 members from 60 countries, TAC is one of the best expat clubs in Tokyo. Dining options abound, from the family-friendly Rainbow Café to 51 East, which promises evenings of elevated modern Italian-American cuisine. With seasonal events, wine tastings and kids’ sports leagues, TAC fosters a vibrant social scene that extends beyond members to the wider Azabudai community.

Best Things to Do in Azabudai

Azabudai also delights with diverse experiences that reflect its global yet local identity. Enjoy authentic Italian at Ristorante Pizzeria Giancarlo Tokyo or savor rich Singaporean flavors at Oriental Café & Restaurant. Refuel with fresh smoothies from Tokyo Juice in Azabudai Hills or enjoy French pastries at Maison Landemaine.

Freude by BMW Tokyo offers car lovers an immersive lifestyle experience, while kakimoto arms, a luxury salon in the Garden Plaza, provides expert haircare in a tranquil setting. Azabudai is a lifestyle destination in Tokyo where food, fashion, wellness and design are seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Education in Azabudai: Top International Schools in Tokyo

Families benefit from world-class education options. The British School in Tokyo’s new campus in Azabudai Hills provides a creative and nurturing environment for students aged 3 to 11. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the campus fuses natural beauty with cutting-edge learning facilities.

Meanwhile, Keio University’s Center for Preventive Medicine, now inside Mori JP Tower, is a leader in digital health and wellness research. These institutions make Azabudai one of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo for international families.

Diplomacy and Global Ties in Azabudai

Azabudai plays a key role in Tokyo’s diplomatic community. The Iikura Guest House, a discreet yet essential Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan facility, hosts receptions and state visits. Neighboring embassies—including those of Russia, Afghanistan and Bahrain—underscore Azabudai’s reputation as a Tokyo diplomatic hub. The area attracts diplomats and professionals seeking a secure, convenient and cosmopolitan lifestyle in Japan’s capital.

Vet in Azabudai: Best for Expats with Pets

Pet owners will appreciate Azabudai’s high-end pet services in central Tokyo. GREEN DOG SALON ILOR, located in Azabudai Hills Residence A, offers holistic grooming with personalized consultations, microbubble baths, aromatherapy and coat care. Their dog-centered approach ensures a stress-free experience.

Nearby, Cross Animal Medical Center Azabudai delivers compassionate care with English-speaking veterinarians in Tokyo. Open late and equipped for emergencies, it offers bilingual support for advanced diagnostics, grooming and preventive medicine—ideal for expats and international families.

Earthquake Preparedness and Evacuation in Azabudai

Located in a seismically active country, Azabudai is one of Tokyo’s most earthquake-ready neighborhoods. The area features designated evacuation areas such as Hinokicho Park and Shiba Park, where residents and visitors can gather safely during emergencies. Many residential buildings, including the new Mori JP Tower, are constructed with advanced seismic isolation technologies to withstand strong tremors. 

Local authorities and community centers regularly distribute multilingual disaster preparedness guides in English and Japanese and conduct evacuation drills, ensuring that both Japanese and international residents are informed and ready. Emergency supplies and first-aid kits are also maintained in key facilities throughout the district.

Getting to Azabudai: Convenient Access in Central Tokyo 

Azabudai is one of the most well-connected neighborhoods in central Tokyo. Linked by the Tokyo Metro Hibiya and Namboku subway lines, via Kamiyachō and Roppongi-itchōme Stations, it offers easy access to Ginza, Shibuya and Otemachi in under 15 minutes. Haneda Airport is just 25 minutes by taxi, making travel convenient for international residents.

The Take‑Away: Why Azabudai is the Best Place to Live in Tokyo

Azabudai proves heritage and hyper-modernity can coexist. Whether swimming beneath a glass dome at Tokyo American Club, enjoying taiyaki by a centuries-old temple or sipping wine 330 meters above the skyline at Mori JP Tower, the neighborhood blends global ease with Japanese charm.

Azabudai’s Sakura-asa Street area is home to international supermarkets in Tokyo, bilingual dentists and family-friendly clinics. Housing options range from renovated 1960s apartments to luxury Aman-branded penthouses, with premium rents reflecting school zones and prestige.

For expats, digital nomads, diplomats and international families in Tokyo, Azabudai delivers rare lifestyle integration: top-tier education, Michelin-level dining, green spaces and modern culture all within a compact, walkable village atmosphere. Book your teamLab Tokyo ticket and explore Azabudai—Tokyo’s most livable neighborhood for global citizens.