Introduction

Minato locates in the east of Shinjuku and Shibuya and borders Tokyo Bay. The famous Tokyo Tower can be found here as well as night life thriving district, Roppongi. The name minato means “harbor” as it borders the Tokyo Bay.

The ward is also home to ten universities and campuses, including Keio University.

Across from Tokyo Bay is Odaiba, another popular entertainment area with many attractions such as Joypolis, Palette Town, and Tokyo Big Sight.

Furthermore, Minato is home to large expat community so if you want to meet other foreigners, this is the area to live in. Populated areas include Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Aoyama, and Shinagawa.

Shiodome

The ward is home to many embassies and large companies such as Honda, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Sony, and many more. You can find many of these companies in Shiodome, an area filled with high rise developments and skyscraper.

Roppongi

Roppongi, well known for its popular night club scene, attracts many tourists and locals alike for its nightlife, restaurants, museums, and entertainment.

Aoyama

Aoyama is one of the wealthiest neighborhood in the district and known for its international fashion stores.

Ometesando

Take a walk down Omotesando avenue whenever you feel like shopping, eventually stretching into Shibuya.

Tsuki no Misaki

When you want to wind down, you can visit Tsuki no Misaki at night to get a beautiful night view. If you are looking to experience the Tokyo city life, this is the place to live.

Living in Minato

Minato is one of the most expensive ward to live in. It also has a high number foreigners living in the ward, with around 18,500 foreigners.

Its expensive living costs come with being in proximity to businesses, companies, and commercial districts. Roppongi, Azabu, and Hiro are popular areas with Westerners. However, with many foreign friendly places, there are few opportunities to interact with Japanese neighbors.

You can find many high-rise apartments as well as luxurious condominium. Upscale neighborhood districts include Aoyama, Akasaka, Azabu, and Shiba.

For your information, if you are a smoker, you are allowed to smoke only in designated smoking areas since the Minato has outlaw public smoking and disposing cigarettes in public places.

Transportation

You will have no trouble finding transportation living here. With over ten railway lines, you can get your destination anywhere in Tokyo. The major stations in Minato are Shinagawa and Shimbashi. The company with six railway lines serving all over Minato is the Tokyo Metro. Wherever you are, most likely you will be able to reach a nearby station in just few minutes. The Tokaido Shinkansen, bound for Shin-Osaka, can be boarded on at Shinagawa Station.

Main Points of Interest

  • Akasaka Palace    
  • Aoyama
  • Mori Art Museum
  • The National Art Museum
  • Nezu Museum
  • Okura Museum of Art
  • Tokyo Tower
  • Rainbow Bridge
  • Roppongi
  • Shiba Park
  • Shinbashi
  • Takanawa Shrine
  • Tsuki no Misaki

Blog

A day at Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square: Meeting the Makie artist Hariya Takayuki – https://www.japanroomfinder.com/en/blog/meeting-makie-artist-hariya-takayuki-at-japan-traditional-crafts-aoyama-square/

Links

Roppongi: 10 Free Things to Do in the High-End Hills – https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/free-things-to-do-in-roppongi/

Akasaka Palace – The State Guest House – https://expatsguide.jp/features/travel-sightseeing/akasaka-palace-the-state-guest-house/

Tokyo Tower – A Fascinating Reveal of Tokyo’s Symbol! – https://livejapan.com/en/in-roppongi/article-a0000146/

Rainbow Bridge – https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/371/

Shinbashi Guide – https://tokyocheapo.com/locations/central-tokyo/shinbashi/

Tokyo Neighborhood Strolls: The Elegant Aoyama – https://savvytokyo.com/tokyo-neighborhood-strolls-elegant-aoyama/