Azabu Hiroo Area Deep Dive

Overview: What Makes Azabu Special?

Azabu is one of Minato-ku’s most prestigious and internationally recognized neighborhoods. While the name “Azabu” refers to a larger administrative district, in everyday conversation people usually mean Azabu-Juban, Hiroo, and Moto-Azabu—three areas that together define the heart of Tokyo’s international residential zone.

For decades, Azabu has been the preferred choice for diplomats, executives of multinational companies, and expatriate families seeking a balance between Japanese culture and international convenience. The streets are lined with embassies, international schools, upscale supermarkets, and cafes that cater to an international clientele. Yet at the same time, Azabu retains a distinctly local atmosphere: small shrines, local festivals, mom-and-pop restaurants, and traditional shopping streets make it more than just a luxury district.

For expats, Azabu offers something rare in Tokyo: the ability to live in a cosmopolitan environment without feeling disconnected from authentic Japanese culture.

Geography and Sub-Areas

Azabu is centrally located within Minato-ku, bordered by Roppongi to the north, Hiroo to the west, and Akasaka to the northeast. It is divided into several key sub-neighborhoods:

Azabu-Juban: A lively yet charming area centered around a traditional shopping street (shotengai). Popular with both Japanese locals and expats for its balance of convenience and character.
Moto-Azabu: Known for luxury residences and embassies, Moto-Azabu has some of the most exclusive addresses in Tokyo.
Hiroo: Technically its own neighborhood but often grouped with Azabu. It is one of the most international areas of Tokyo, famous for the presence of international schools and the National Azabu supermarket.
Minami-Azabu: A quieter residential zone popular with families, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustle of Roppongi.

Each of these areas has a slightly different appeal, but together they form the “Azabu identity” that draws so many foreigners to Minato-ku.

Lifestyle in Azabu-Juban

Azabu-Juban is the cultural and social hub of the Azabu area. Its central feature is the Azabu-Juban shopping street, a long stretch filled with local food shops, bakeries, izakaya pubs, trendy cafes, and small boutiques. Unlike more commercialized shopping areas in Tokyo, Azabu-Juban retains an old-town atmosphere. You’ll find long-standing tofu shops, taiyaki vendors, and family-owned soba restaurants next to French patisseries and Italian wine bars.

Every summer, the Azabu-Juban Festival attracts thousands of visitors, both Japanese and foreign. It’s a neighborhood festival with food stalls, live music, and traditional performances, offering expats a chance to experience authentic Japanese community culture right at their doorstep.

Housing in Azabu-Juban tends to be a mix of older apartment buildings, luxury high-rises, and townhouses. Many embassies are nearby, so the neighborhood is considered safe and secure. It’s especially attractive to single professionals and couples who want a lively but refined lifestyle.

Moto-Azabu: Luxury and Diplomacy

Moto-Azabu is one of the most exclusive residential areas in Tokyo. Home to several embassies, including those of Germany and France, Moto-Azabu offers wide, tree-lined streets, gated residences, and some of the largest houses you’ll find in central Tokyo.

For expats with diplomatic or executive-level positions, Moto-Azabu is highly desirable. The area has a strong sense of privacy and security, and many properties are designed with foreign tenants in mind. Spacious living rooms, Western-style kitchens, and multiple bathrooms are common—features that are rare in typical Japanese apartments.

However, the cost of living here is extremely high. Rent for a family-sized house can easily exceed ¥1,000,000 per month, and even smaller apartments command premium prices. Yet for many expat families, the combination of safety, prestige, and proximity to international schools makes Moto-Azabu worth the expense.

Hiroo: The International Heart of Tokyo

If there is one neighborhood in Tokyo that epitomizes “expat living,” it is Hiroo. Located west of Roppongi and just a short walk from Ebisu and Shibuya, Hiroo offers a unique mix of international services and local charm.

International Schools and Education

Hiroo is home to some of the most prestigious international schools in Japan:

The American School in Japan Early Learning Center
Nishimachi International School
Sacred Heart International School

These schools attract families from around the world, and their presence has shaped the neighborhood into a family-friendly hub with English-speaking facilities.

Supermarkets and Daily Needs

The National Azabu Supermarket is legendary among expats. Open since the 1960s, it stocks a wide range of imported goods—everything from American breakfast cereal to French cheese and Indian spices. For many foreigners, shopping at National Azabu is a weekly ritual that makes Tokyo life feel more comfortable.

Hiroo also has international clinics, bilingual dental offices, and pharmacies that make healthcare more accessible.

Lifestyle and Dining

The main street of Hiroo is lined with cafes, bakeries, and international restaurants. You’ll find French brasseries, Italian pizzerias, and American burger joints alongside Japanese sushi and ramen shops. The atmosphere is upscale but relaxed, making it attractive to both families and single expats.

Housing and Rent in Azabu

Living in Azabu comes at a price. As of 2025, here are typical rent ranges:

Studio/1R: ¥150,000–¥220,000 per month
1LDK: ¥250,000–¥400,000 per month
2LDK: ¥350,000–¥700,000 per month
Family house/villa (Moto-Azabu, Hiroo): ¥800,000–¥1,500,000+ per month

Many properties are managed by real estate companies specializing in expat housing. These apartments often include features that cater to foreign lifestyles:

Larger kitchens with ovens (rare in Japan)
Storage space and walk-in closets
Western-style bathrooms with separate showers
Concierge or bilingual management services

While the cost is high, the convenience and quality of life are equally significant.

Safety and Security

Azabu is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Tokyo. The presence of numerous embassies means a constant police presence and enhanced security. Streets are well-lit, and the crime rate is very low compared to global standards.

For families, this sense of security is a major draw. Children can walk to school or play in local parks with minimal concern, something that many expats coming from large international cities deeply appreciate.

Community and Social Life

One of Azabu’s strongest appeals is the sense of community among its international residents. There are numerous clubs, cultural associations, and networking groups that bring people together. Examples include:

Tokyo American Club (near Azabu, membership-based social club with fitness, dining, and networking)
Embassy events and cultural festivals
Parent associations at international schools

This network makes it easier for newcomers to settle in, find friends, and access resources.

At the same time, Azabu’s local residents are welcoming. Participation in neighborhood events like the Azabu-Juban Festival or volunteering in community clean-ups can help foreigners feel integrated into Japanese society.

Transportation and Accessibility

Azabu is well connected by Tokyo Metro lines:

Azabu-Juban Station (Namboku Line, Oedo Line)
Hiroo Station (Hibiya Line)
Roppongi Station (Hibiya and Oedo Lines, short walk from Azabu-Juban)

From these stations, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and even Yokohama are easily accessible. For expats working in central Tokyo or commuting to international schools, the location is ideal.

Pros and Cons of Living in Azabu

Pros:

Strong international community
Excellent schools, clinics, and supermarkets for foreigners
Safe, secure, and family-friendly
Blend of Japanese tradition and global lifestyle
Central location with good transport links

Cons:

Extremely high rent and cost of living
Limited availability of budget housing
Popular areas can feel like an “expat bubble” rather than authentically Japanese
Traffic congestion around Hiroo and Roppongi during rush hours

Who Should Live in Azabu?

Azabu is best suited for:

Expat families who need access to international schools and large apartments.
Diplomats and executives who prioritize prestige, security, and convenience.
Long-term expats who want to settle in a stable, supportive community.

It may not be the ideal choice for budget-conscious students or young professionals seeking nightlife—Roppongi or other parts of Minato might be more suitable for them.