Tokyo Apartment Guide: Azabu-Juban Area Overview and Rent Prices

Tokyo is home to many unique neighborhoods, making it a challenge for foreigners starting a new life in Japan to decide where to live. Among these, Azabu-Juban stands out as a popular area that seamlessly blends an international atmosphere with traditional Japanese charm, making it an attractive choice for expatriates.

With excellent transportation links, a wide range of shopping and dining options, and a reputation for safety, Azabu-Juban offers a highly convenient living environment.

This article provides detailed insights for those considering relocating to the Azabu-Juban area.

What Kind of Neighborhood is Azabu-Juban?

Azabu-Juban is a prestigious residential area located next to Roppongi, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, yet it maintains a peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere. The area’s landmark, Azabu-Juban Shopping Street, is lined with about 400 stores along its stone-paved roads, where long-established traditional shops coexist with trendy cafes and restaurants. The picturesque streets resemble a European townscape, making it a symbolic location where traditional Japanese culture meets modern urban lifestyle.

Azabu-Juban is home to a large number of expatriates, creating a diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere. With embassies and international schools nearby, the neighborhood provides a global environment while still offering a strong connection to Japanese traditions.

Access & Transportation in Azabu-Juban

Located in central Tokyo, Azabu-Juban boasts excellent transportation connectivity. Both train and bus services provide easy access to major areas across the city.

Train Access

Azabu-Juban Station is served by two train lines: the Toei Oedo Line and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. These lines provide direct or convenient connections to Tokyo’s key destinations. You can reach Shinjuku or Roppongi without transfers on the Oedo Line, while the Namboku Line offers easy access to Meguro, Korakuen, and Tameike-Sanno stations.

One thing to note is that the platforms at Azabu-Juban Station are located deep underground. Reaching them from the station entrance takes some time, particularly for the Oedo Line, where the platform is on the 6th basement level. Elevators and escalators are available for convenience.

Bus Access

Azabu-Juban is well-served by Toei and community bus services. Buses to areas like Shibuya and Gotanda provide direct access, sometimes offering a more convenient option than trains.

Additionally, Minato City operates a community bus service called "Chiibus," which has multiple routes, including the Azabu and Tamachi routes, making it easy to travel within the ward. Bus monitors display information in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, while onboard announcements are available in Japanese and English, ensuring ease of use for non-Japanese speakers.

Is Azabu-Juban a Good Place to Live? 7 Reasons Why

Azabu-Juban is more than just an upscale residential area. It offers convenience, cultural charm, and a unique blend of international and traditional influences. While Roppongi and Tokyo Tower are within walking distance, the neighborhood maintains a relaxed and comfortable living environment. Annual events such as the Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival and historic public bathhouses add to its appeal. Here are seven reasons why Azabu-Juban is a great place to live.

1. A Prestigious Residential Area for Celebrities and Executives

Azabu-Juban is known as a high-end residential area where many celebrities and business executives live. It’s not uncommon to spot famous personalities, such as actors or athletes, around the neighborhood. The area features numerous luxury apartment buildings, and moving southward, the Minami-Azabu and Moto-Azabu districts house spacious residences and foreign embassies, creating a quiet and exclusive atmosphere.

2. Convenient Shopping and Traditional Markets

Despite its reputation as an upscale district, Azabu-Juban is surprisingly convenient for daily shopping. The "Daiei Azabu-Juban Store," for instance, offers reasonably priced groceries and operates from 7 AM to 3 AM.

For those with refined tastes, "Seijo Ishii" provides high-quality food products and is open 24 hours a day. The long-established "Super Naniwaya," serving the community for over 100 years, is particularly famous for its delicious roast beef.

Expats looking for international groceries will appreciate "Nissin World Delicatessen," which stocks a wide range of European and American food products, perfect for those missing tastes from home.

3. A Diverse Culinary Scene

Azabu-Juban is home to a diverse selection of restaurants, including Italian, French, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. In addition to chain coffee shops like Starbucks and Tully’s, you’ll find many unique and cozy cafés.

The dining scene ranges from affordable local eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants. The long-established soba restaurant "Sohonke Sarashina Horii," with a history spanning over 200 years, is a must-visit.

For those with a sweet tooth, "Naniwaya Sohonten," a 110-year-old taiyaki shop, is highly recommended. Its thin, crispy exterior and mildly sweet filling make it a beloved Japanese dessert.

Foreigners particularly enjoy "Frijoles BURRITOS & SALAD," which serves authentic Mexican food. The customizable burritos are especially popular.

4. Convenient Location for Shopping & Entertainment

One of Azabu-Juban’s biggest attractions is its easy access to Tokyo’s major sightseeing spots. Just a five-minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station, Roppongi Hills offers a variety of high-end brand shops, restaurants, a cinema, and museums. Tokyo Midtown, another popular shopping and dining destination, is also within walking distance. Roppongi is well known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy socializing after dark.

Another highlight of the area is the iconic Tokyo Tower, which is within walking distance from Azabu-Juban. Standing 333 meters tall, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji. At night, the tower is beautifully illuminated, making it a must-visit spot for anyone living in Tokyo.

5. Green Spaces and Parks

Despite being in the heart of Tokyo, Azabu-Juban offers plenty of green spaces, providing a family-friendly environment for children to play.

Some of the most popular parks in the area include:

• Ichinohashi Park (Located near the station, featuring a fountain)
• Sakurazaka Park (Also known as "Robot Park" due to its unique playground equipment)
• Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park (A famous cherry blossom viewing spot, perfect for strolls)

Additionally, Mori Garden at Roppongi Hills and Shiba Park are within walking distance, offering more opportunities to enjoy nature in the city.

6. Embassies and International Schools

Minato Ward, where Azabu-Juban is located, hosts around 80 embassies, with more than half concentrated in the Azabu area. Many diplomats, expatriates, and their families reside here, making it one of the most international neighborhoods in Tokyo. As a result, the area is well-equipped with services catering to foreigners.

Reflecting this global community, Azabu-Juban is home to several international schools. For example, Tokyo International School is an IB-accredited institution with students from over 60 countries. Many of these students come from families whose parents work in Japan.

In addition to Tokyo International School, the area offers a variety of international schools with different educational philosophies, making it easy for expatriate families to maintain connections with the global community while living in Japan.

7. Cultural Traditions and Events

The Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival, held every August, is one of the area’s biggest annual events, attracting around 300,000 visitors over two days. In addition to traditional Japanese festival stalls, the event features international food booths, reflecting the multicultural nature of the neighborhood. Many attendees wear yukata, offering a great opportunity to experience Japanese summer traditions.

Another local cultural gem is "Azabu Kurobisu Onsen Takenoyu," a historic black water hot spring with over 100 years of history. This rare hot spring in central Tokyo provides a unique relaxation spot, adding to Azabu-Juban’s distinctive charm.

Average Apartment Rental Prices in Azabu-Juban

Here is the average rental price range for apartments in Azabu-Juban:

While rental prices in Azabu-Juban are higher compared to areas like Ebisu and Meguro, the convenience, lifestyle, and international environment make it an attractive option for many expats.

Conclusion

Azabu-Juban offers a luxurious yet highly livable environment, featuring excellent transport links, abundant shopping and dining options, green spaces, and an international community.

Although rental prices are high, the quality of life makes it a worthwhile investment. With its rich cultural heritage and support for foreigners, Azabu-Juban is a top choice for expats looking to settle in Tokyo.