Roppongi

Roppongi has two faces that contrast. On the one hand, Roppongi is the upmarket area, where Michelin-starred restaurants, loads of high-end brands, and many headquarters of world-leading global companies are gathered. On the other hand, it is Tokyo's biggest party neighbourhood with heaps of bars, night clubs, hostess and host clubs that stay open late. These two different flavours that form Roppongi attract many locals and expats living in the neighbourhood.

Also there are two huge iconic tower complexes having both commercial and residential spaces : Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown.

Besides apartments and offices, Roppongi Hills features luxury clothing stores, fancy restaurants and cafes, cinemas, art museums, Tokyo Grand Hyatt Hotel, and Tokyo Midtown offers a shopping complex, museums and galleries, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel on the top floors.

The two of Tokyo's largest recent redevelopment projects have helped Roppongi develop a reputation as a cultural centre. The National Art Center is Japan's largest art museum, and together with Roppongi Hills' Mori Art Museum and Tokyo Midtown's Suntory Museum of Art form the "Art Triangle Roppongi".

ACCESS

- Roppongi station on “Hibiya” line & “Oedo” line

- Roppongi-ichome station on “Namboku” line

- Nogizaka station on “Chiyoda” line

- Azabujuban station on “Namboku” line & “Oedo” line

- Kamiyacho station on “Hibiya” line

Akasaka

Akasaka is a high-class district and a grown-up destination with grand hotels, corporate headquarters, and fine dining establishments on a broader scale. But once you step into the narrow cobbled back streets, you will notice Akasaka boasts an old historical side as well on a local scale. This area used to be the main entertainment area after the Second World War, and there used to be hundreds of Geisha entertainers (“Geisha” = professional entertainers in Kimono trained in a variety of Japanese traditional arts, such as dancing, singing, and shamisen (a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument). Although it has lost a bit of its vibrant nightlife scene after the major redevelopment projects done in the area, there are still some parts that are in keeping with its history, and it has become a very popular district overall amongst locals, expats, and even visitors to travel back in time to a quieter era.

There is also a peaceful and green park called "Hinokicho Park", which is popular amongst families and busy workers on their lunch breaks. The name comes from the time where there were once many towering cypress trees in the area (hinoki is the Japanese word for cypress). The park has a pond, children's playgrounds, gardens with a little stream and rockery area.

Akasaka Sacas is an urban renewal project standing just above Akasaka station (a subway station). It comprises TBS Broadcasting Centre, Akasaka ACT Theatre, Akasaka Biz Tower that offers a wide range of shops and high-rise condominiums, and Akasaka Blitz that is a live performance space with a capacity of about 1,500 people.

Akasaka is well known for Akasaka Imperial Palace built for the Crown Prince in 1909. It may be visited, unless closed to the public because of state functions there.

One thing about Akasaka to keep in mind when considering living in this area is that Akasaka sits on many hills. "Akasaka Mitsuke"is the lowest point of the hilly district. It is very safe, and has a low-profile feel with reasonable options for eating out and drinking. And as you go uphill to Akasaka station closer to the vibrant nightlife area of Roppongi, the bustling neighbourhood feel starts to show.

ACCESS

- Akasaka station on “Chiyoda” line

- Nogizaka station on “Chiyoda” line

- Akasaka-mitsuke station on “Ginza” line & “Marunouchi” line

- Tameike Sanno station on “Ginza” line & “Namboku” line

Toranomon

Toranomon is a high-class, affluent business district located between Roppongi and Tokyo Bay area. There have been multiple redevelopment projects in the district including the Toranomon Hills Station which was opened on June 6, 2020 to provide ease of transportation access for visitors for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Business and commerce have been the first priority in this district so during the weekdays, this area gets densely populated with people that commute in. In contrast, the weekends are somewhat calm. When people look for an ideal neighbourhood to live, this area tends to be dismissed as a nondescript business district just for offices with sparse options of living amenities like supermarkets. But due to the urban redevelopment projects aimed to turn Toranomon area into a more glitzy international hub, the district now can rival other popular areas like Roppongi, Azabu, and Hiroo.

The 56-floor residential tower will supply roughly 550 premium residential units, bringing the total number in the Toranomon Hills complex to about 800. Responding to the needs of long-term foreign visitors, it will also offer large-scale serviced apartments with Western-style en-suite bathrooms, a spa and fitness center, childcare facilities and a 24-hour bilingual concierge on site.

With the high density of embassies in the area, it’s not uncommon to see non-Japanese out and about in the neighbourhood. Nearby embassies include: the U.S. Embassy, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Nigeria, and Embassy of Spain. The number of embassies increases as you make your way toward Roppongi and Azabu-Juban.

ACCESS

- Toranomon station on “Ginza” line

- Toranomon Hills station on “Hibiya” line

- Kamiyacho station on “Hibiya” line

- Kokkaigijidomae station on “Chiyoda” line

- Onarimon station on “Mita” line

- Uchisiwaicho station on “Mita” line