Minato

You will never find yourself bored in Minato thanks to its diverse offering of shops, eateries, and entertainment. For all you trendsetters, be sure to visit Roppongi Hills for designer clothes and sophisticated cafes and restaurants. Within one of its towers, you will also find the Mori Art Museum, a modern gallery and exhibition space regularly featuring works by both local and internationally acclaimed artists.

Compared to other areas of Tokyo, residents of Minato are spoiled for choice when it comes to working out. There are the usual chains such as Anytime Fitness and Gold’s Gym, as well as a number of independently owned gyms with their own special programs and trainers. Members of the Tokyo American Club can use the facility’s fitness center, however, with the high concentration of luxury apartment complexes in Minato, you may be lucky enough to have a private gym in your own building.

There are many small parks scattered throughout Minato so wherever you choose to live, you’re certain to only be a short walk from one. The most notable park in the area is Shiba Park with its unparalleled view of Tokyo Tower. Popular with dog walkers and runners, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend picnic or date. For those of you who really want an escape from the city, toward the south of Minato, you’ll find the Institute for Nature Study. This sprawling natural reserve has several botanical gardens, a pond, and walkways surrounded by towering trees.

Due to the high concentration of embassies, international companies, and foreign residents, many English speaking clinics and services are situated in Minato. Tokyo Midtown Clinic, Roppongi Hills Clinic, and Nishiazabu International Clinic all accept Japanese health insurance and come highly recommended by expats living in the area. There are also several clinics specializing in health services for women and children. If being a short taxi ride away from English speaking doctors is important to you and your family, you may wish to consider living in or near the Minato area.

Home to Tokyo’s first blow-dry bar, Minato also boasts a large number of English speaking salons with award-winning stylists trained at salons across the world, from London to New York. We have listed eight of these on our map, and new salons are opening every year. You can also visit ‘Elana Jade Organic Salon’ and ‘Nua’ for Brazilian and bikini waxing services, with few other salons offering such services in Tokyo.

When it comes to international schooling, Minato simply cannot be beaten. If you are a family with young children, you will be especially pleased with the number of English speaking preschool and elementary schools. For middle and highschool aged children, there is Tokyo International School and Nishimachi International School, as well as bus routes offering easy access to schools outside of Minato. You can read our article on the Top International Schools in Tokyo for more information.

Located in Minami-Azabu is National Azabu, one of Tokyo’s most beloved international supermarkets, with its extensive collection of wines, cheese, and other home comforts. National Azabu is far from the only choice when it comes to international shopping in Minato; Nissin World Delicatessen, Seijoishii (成城石井), Kaldi Coffee Farm, and several other stores are also available to provide you with that nostalgic taste of home.