This article introduces the latest livability of Azabujuban Station. We present data-driven insights on safety, average rent, transportation access, and dining options. If you're curious about what kind of neighborhood it is, please use this as a reference.
A Comprehensive Guide to Living in Azabu-Juban!
Features of Azabujuban Station
- A town where luxury and the warmth of the downtown area coexist.
- The area is home to embassies and has a large foreign population, giving it an international flavor.
- Perfect for those seeking a calm city center lifestyle.
| 項目 | 詳細 | 情報 |
|---|---|---|
| Public order | Safety day and night | |
| The atmosphere of the town | Calm and refined | |
| Convenience of daily life | Supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops are plentiful. | |
| Access | Excellent access to central Tokyo via the Namboku Line and Oedo Line | |
| Rent cost-performance ratio | Due to its location in an upscale residential area, the rent is top-tier. | |
| Suitability for walking | With many parks and green spaces, it's perfect for walking. | |
| Dining options | High-end shops abound |
Explaining the Livability of Azabu-Juban with Data
Rental Market Rates (by Floor Plan)
Among the highest in Tokyo
Needless to say, rent is expensive. Even a studio apartment costs over ¥150,000!
In Motomachi Azabu and Nishi Azabu, there are ultra-luxury properties exceeding ¥1 million per month.
| Floor plan | Average rent |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | ¥150,000 |
| studio with a separate kitchen | ¥151,000 |
| one-bedroom apartment with living, dining, and kitchen | ¥290,000 |
| 2LDK | ¥439,000 |
| 3-bedroom flat with LDK area | ¥664,000 |
出典：https://suumo.jp/chintai/soba/tokyo/ek_00800/
Land prices in Azabu-Juban average approximately ¥2.87 million per square meter, placing it among the highest in the city. Specifically, the area around Azabu-Juban 2-20-7 commands approximately ¥4.39 million per square meter (2024 official land prices), one of the highest levels in Tokyo. The high rents are backed by these land values.
Public order
Public safety is very good.
Azabu is one of the safest areas in Minato Ward. Though it borders the bustling district of Roppongi, it feels like a completely different world. With few incidents or disturbances, it offers a peaceful lifestyle. Streetlights are bright even at night, and the presence of people walking around makes it safe for women to walk alone.
| Area | Annual crime rate |
|---|---|
| Mabuchi (Minato Ward, Motoazabu) | 21 |
| Shirokane (Shirokane, Minato Ward) | 35 |
| Hiroo (Shibuya Ward, Hiro) | 44 |
| Motomachi 1-3 Chome | 21 |
| Roppongi | 95 |
Transportation Access
Access is super convenient!
Azabu, with its comprehensive transportation network including trains, buses, and walking, is truly an ideal base for urban living.
Served by two subway lines—the Namboku Line and the Oedo Line—it offers access to major stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo in just 20 to 30 minutes.
Furthermore, its location benefits from extensive local bus routes, including the “Chii Bus” and Toei Bus lines, ensuring effortless mobility.
| Destination | Estimated Time Required | Route Used / Via |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | 20 min | Toei Oedo Line |
| Tokyo | 25 min | Nanboku Line → JR Chuo Line at Iidabashi |
| Shibuya | 20 min | Nanboku Line → Direct service to Tokyu Meguro Line |
| Meguro | 4 min | Direct service to the Namboku Line |
| Shirokane-Takanawa | 2 min | Direct service to the Namboku Line |
| Iidabashi | 13 min | Direct service to the Namboku Line |
Comfortable access by bus and on foot
- Chii Bus (Minato Ward Community Bus) covers the Azabu area
- Multiple Toei Bus routes are available, allowing direct access to Shinagawa and Shimbashi without transfers.
- Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are also within walking distance.
Shopping environment
A comprehensive lineup of stores for hassle-free everyday shopping
Within walking distance, there are 5 to 6 supermarkets. The appeal lies in being able to choose based on your needs. They cater to everyone from discerning shoppers to those focused on value.
There are also about 26 convenience stores just around the station. A few minutes' walk will always lead you to a Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson, making shopping easy and convenient 24 hours a day.
| Store Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Daiei Azabujuban | Large store open until 3 a.m. |
| Naniwaya | Long-established high-end supermarket |
| Seijo Ishii (Azabujuban, Higashi-Azabu) | A wide selection of high-quality imported foods |
| Bio C'Bon Azabu-Juban Store | Popular among those with an organic mindset |
| Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Kusuri no Fukutaro, Welcia | Nationwide chain with reliable pricing |
Parks and Natural Environment
A large park and a small children's playground are arranged in a well-balanced manner.
Azabu is an area where you can feel nature without sacrificing convenience. While the number of parks isn't large, the quality and placement of green spaces are carefully considered. Natural spaces within the city are well preserved.
| Park Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park | A large park rich in nature (equivalent to 1.4 Tokyo Domes) |
| Tanuki Cave Park | A quiet little park nestled within a residential neighborhood |
| Motomura Park | A place of relaxation for local residents. Abundant greenery and an open atmosphere. |
| Amishiro Park | A quiet playground blending into the residential neighborhood |
A prime example is the Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park. It spans an area equivalent to about 1.4 Tokyo Domes. Within it lies a Japanese garden featuring a stream, offering a tranquility unimaginable for a central Tokyo location.
Noise environment
Generally quiet, but note the following points.
Azabu is fundamentally a quiet residential neighborhood.
However, since the Metropolitan Expressway runs through it, be aware of traffic noise in some areas. If you prioritize a “quiet life,” the trick is to choose an area one block back from the main thoroughfare.
| Area/Condition | Noise risk | Notes and Features |
|---|---|---|
| Along the Metropolitan Expressway (such as the Central Circular Route) | 🚨 High | Late-night driving noise, exhaust fumes, sunlight exposure, and vibration also have an impact. |
| Along major roads (such as Azabu-dori) | ⚠️ Slightly Caution | Heavy traffic requires caution when hanging laundry or opening windows. |
| Residential areas of Minami-Azabu and Nishi-Azabu | ✅ Low | A quiet residential neighborhood away from the main roads. It features many high-end condominiums and has excellent security. |
| Around Azabu-Juban Shopping District | ✅ Low (moderate foot traffic) | Even at night, there are people walking around, but the noise from drunk patrons is minimal, making it a calm atmosphere. |
| The Slope Area of Motoazabu and Nishi-Azabu | ⚠️ Some caution advised (many shortcuts) | There are routes with heavy through traffic, so we recommend individually confirming the location on-site. |
- While it is generally a quiet residential area, caution is required along highways and major roads.
- Minami-Azabu and the central residential areas are very quiet and comfortable.
- No bustling crowds like in Roppongi
Pros and Cons of Living in Azabu-Juban
Benefits of Living Near Azabu-Juban Station
An elegant, safe, and sophisticated neighborhood for adults
Azabu can be summed up as a quiet, sophisticated neighborhood. It has excellent safety. Rather than the glitz of Omotesando or Daikanyama, it has a “quiet elegance.” Celebrities walk around normally, but passersby don't make a fuss. They live ordinary lives here. Back in my student days, I even worked the register for the Kano Sisters at a supermarket in Azabu-Juban (lol).
Right in the heart of the city runs the Azabujuban Shopping Street, lined with cafes and restaurants. Just a short walk away is Roppongi Hills, so you'll never be short of places to eat or stroll. While the city center itself doesn't have much greenery, a short walk takes you to large parks like Arisugawa Park and Shiba Park.
Walking is comfortable
It's comfortable for walking, and climbing the gentle slopes of Azabu-Juban brings you to Roppongi Hills, Mouri Park, and Asahi Television. Heading toward Nisshin Delicatessen takes you past Zojoji Temple and out to Hamamatsucho. You can even walk to Tokyo Tower. With many large parks, it's a delightful place if you enjoy walking. Just be aware there are quite a few slopes. Tokyo Tower itself sits atop a hill. Ariake Park is also a park nestled within slopes. However, it boasts such deep greenery you'd hardly believe it's within Tokyo, making it highly recommended for strolls.
The quality of life that affluent individuals choose
Areas like Azabu, Hiroo, and Motoazabu have long been known as upscale residential districts, and many celebrities and prominent figures still live there today. They are also home to numerous embassies, making them a true symbol of an international city where people from diverse backgrounds reside. Condominiums typically feature concierge services and advanced security systems as standard amenities. Walking through the streets reveals a scene of luxury, with high-end car dealerships and shops catering to diplomats lining the roads.
In a word, it's recommended for the affluent. This is a place where the very lifestyles of its residents shape the neighborhood's atmosphere—a prime location in Tokyo chosen by those who value safety and privacy, offering peace of mind.
Disadvantages of living near Azabu-Juban Station
There are quite a few hills. Cycling is tough.
One of the defining features of the Azabu area is its undulating terrain. Particularly from Motoazabu to Nishi-Azabu, steep slopes follow one after another, with several sections that leave you breathless even on an electric bicycle.
While daily commutes provide a bit of exercise, whether you live uphill or downhill greatly affects livability. When choosing a property, checking elevation differences is essential. Low-lying areas like around the Azabu-Juban shopping district are relatively flat, making them easy to walk around and popular as living bases. While the abundance of slopes can be a drawback, some people choose to live there precisely for the views from the high ground.
Rent is high. “If you think you can afford it, go ahead and try living here!” area
If I had to name a downside, it's definitely the high rent. Only the wealthy can afford to live here. If I were to tag it, it'd be the “If you think you can afford it, go ahead and try” area. It's no wonder it's famous as a residence for top celebrities and the elite. It's a recommended area for wealthy individuals who can afford to live here.
Parking fees are also high, costing around ¥40,000 to ¥70,000 per month.
famous restaurant
Naniwaya Main Store
The famous taiyaki shop “Naniwaya Sohonten” This taiyaki shop is delicious and popular. It's also recommended as a souvenir. There's often a long line, making it hard to buy. It's said to be the shop that inspired the song “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun”. The skin is thin and crispy, and it's packed with sweet red bean paste all the way to the tail.
- Naniwaya Main Store
- 1-8-14 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- 11:00 - 19:00
- Regular Holidays: Tuesday and Wednesday
Actual resident reviews
Conclusion
While rent and living costs are high, this area offers high satisfaction due to its convenience and safety.
So that was Azabu-Juban Station. Actually, I was born in Azabu. Having grown up here, I have absolutely no complaints about Azabu. The residents are calm, the area is safe, and there's no shortage of shops. If you can tolerate the high rent and cost of living, it's an area that offers top-tier livability in terms of safety, convenience, and environment. It's an ideal neighborhood, especially for those prioritizing safety and a good environment for raising children.
If I had to point out a downside, it's that being right in the heart of the city means there isn't much nature around. To experience nature, you'll need to head to places like Mouri Park, Shiba Park, or Arisugawa Park.
People who prefer “having nature within the city” might consider Futakotamagawa (with many stylish shops and proximity to the Tama River, offering abundant nature) or Denenchofu (featuring extensive natural areas within the city, numerous tree-lined avenues, and a quiet residential area with fewer shops) as alternatives.
