What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Tokyo’s Minato area? The bustling nightlife, luxurious apartments, or the night skyline from Tokyo Tower? It’s obvious that the Minato area is one of the most wealthy parts of Tokyo, home to many large corporations, high-end shops and restaurants in Azabu, and many nightclubs and jazz bars in Roppongi.
However, the Minato area is more than just nightlife and luxury. Beyond those well-known aspects of Minato, there are also popular tourist attractions, underrated date locations, and perfect family-friendly spots for a day out. The Minato area is also known to be one of the most English-friendly wards in Tokyo as well, so what are some tips for enjoying the area? Let’s find out!
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Where is the Minato area in Tokyo?
Minato (港), which means ‘port’ in Japanese, is one of Tokyo’s 23 Wards and is considered to be one of the most wealthy areas of Tokyo. Most foreign businesses and corporations set up their offices in Minato, as well as the majority of foreign embassies. The main areas that make up Minato include Roppongi, Azabu, Shiba, Odaiba, and Akasaka.
Best Areas in Minato
Roppongi
Roppongi is one of the most well-known areas in Minato, known for its nightlife and international atmosphere. While it’s true that Roppongi is known for its party atmosphere thanks to its many nightclubs, it also has a cosmopolitan side, with many high-end shops, restaurants, and famous art museums. The area is also home to the multi-use complex Roppongi Hills.
Azabu-juban
Azabu-juban is a rather quaint neighborhood that combines both tradition and modernity. The area is known for having luxury residential areas and shops, but there are also affordable stores for those on a budget. Many embassies and foreign corporations have offices in Azabu-juban, as do some international schools, making this area a prime location for expat families.
Akasaka
While this area is known as a business district, Akasaka is home to many high-end hotels and restaurants. The district is also home to several commercial complexes, including Tokyo Midtown and ARK HILLS, which feature a variety of shops and restaurants. Akasaka is also home to the Hie Shrine and the Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the district.
Best Things to Do in Minato
1. Visit the Tokyo Tower
This place is perfect for those who want to see the Tokyo skyline at night! The Tokyo Tower, which opened in 1958, features an observation deck offering views of the Minato area and the rest of Tokyo. We recommend visiting the tower at night so you can not only see the Tokyo skyline, but also catch a glimpse of the lit-up tower.
2. Take a Japanese lesson
Minato is one of Tokyo’s most international neighborhoods, but even here, a little Japanese goes a long way. Whether you’re trying to read a menu, chat with a local, or just feel less lost on the train, picking up some basics makes the whole trip better.
Coto Academy Minato offers short, practical classes built around real, everyday Japanese. Are you a complete beginner? The Japanese Crash Course is designed exactly for that: a fast, focused introduction to get you functional quickly. Prefer something at a slower pace? Part-time classes run once a week and fit easily around sightseeing.
It’s one of those Tokyo experiences that’s quietly more memorable than expected.
3. Stroll around Roppongi Hills
If you want to experience the luxurious side of Tokyo, look no further than Roppongi Hills, a mixed complex containing a hotel, a cinema, and many high-end shops and restaurants. There’s also the Tokyo City View observation deck, for those who want to get a view of the Tokyo skyline. The complex also houses the Mori Art Museum, which displays mainly contemporary art.
Furthermore, during the winter months, Roppongi Hills hosts one of Tokyo’s most iconic illuminations! Read more on where you can find winter illuminations in Tokyo here.
4. Check out Odaiba
Though the majority of Odaiba is located in Tokyo’s Koto ward, the northern and northwestern parts of the island are part of Minato. The area is perfect for families looking for a perfect day out! Originally an artificial island created in the 1850s to protect Edo from naval threats, it has now become an entertainment area filled with shopping malls, a waterside fountain show, and an indoor theme park, SEGA Joypolis. Odaiba is also home to Tokyo Big Sight, which hosts a variety of events, including Anime Japan and, most famously, Comiket.
5. Visit Zojoji Temple
If you need a break from the modern-day buildings of Minato, this temple might be a great place to check out. Close to Tokyo Tower is Zojoji Temple, originally built in 1393 but relocated to its current location in 1598. This temple houses the mausoleum of the Tokugawa clan, including the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns. The temple’s main feature is the Sangedatsumon (三解脱門), the main gate, which has stood since 1622. Many of the temple buildings have been lost to World War 2, but there is a small museum in the temple’s basement that shows what they looked like before.
6. Look at exhibitions at the National Art Center, Tokyo
Are you into art? You might want to check out this place. The National Art Center in Tokyo opened in 2007 and hosts a variety of exhibitions across all kinds of art, including contemporary art, fashion, and even manga. The museum also hosts an art library that houses a variety of art books, magazines, and newsletters, perfect for art students conducting research. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, the museum hosts a brasserie, cafe, and cafeteria.
Planning a visit? You might want to check out our blog on Japanese phrases and words related to art here.
7. Check out Azabudai Hills
Another location for those who want to explore the luxurious side of Tokyo! Aside from luxury apartments and office complexes, Azabudai Hills is a mixed-use complex that hosts many high-end shops and restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines. In addition, you’ll also find the popular digital art museum, teamLab Borderless, which was previously located in Odaiba but has now found a home in Azabudai Hills.
For manga lovers, Azabudai Hills has the Manga Art Heritage Gallery, which hosts many artworks from famous artists who have created works such as One Piece, The Rose of Versailles, and even Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Read More: Best Manga to Learn Japanese
8. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Contrary to what you might think, this aquarium is not located in the Shinagawa Ward, so it’s no surprise that we’ve included this place on our list as both a perfect date spot and a place for families to go on a day out on the weekends. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa features a variety of aquatic creatures and fish, including stingrays, penguins, jellyfish, and sharks. For those looking for entertainment within the aquarium, there’s a dolphin show put on six times a day. The aquarium is also known for keeping dwarf sawfish.
Why Minato is a Great Place to Live in
If you’re looking to move to Tokyo with your family, then the Minato area might be for you. While it’s true that Minato is known for its nightlife, the one thing families look for when moving to Tokyo is the infrastructure and access. The Minato area is one of the most expat-friendly areas in Tokyo, as not only does the area host a wide range of international schools such as The British School of Tokyo and Tokyo International School, but also international supermarkets like National Azabu and Kinokuniya (not to be confused with the bookstore chain of the same name), perfect for finding ingredients that taste like home.
Furthermore, the Minato area has the largest number of embassies, making the area a prime choice for expats to reside in. In addition, the English-friendly environment of the Minato area makes this place perfect for expats who have just moved to Tokyo, and if you have very little knowledge of the Japanese language.
Want to study Japanese in Minato?
Is living in Minato expensive?
If you plan to reside in the Minato area, you’ll need to consider the cost of living during your stay. For starters, the area can be costly, as a single-room apartment there can cost more than the Tokyo average. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of entertainment and dining if you’re planning to live in the Minato area; as it is considered a ‘luxury’ area, you’ll find the cost of going out to eat in the area slightly more expensive compared to other areas in Tokyo. If luxury isn’t your thing, then you might want to consider living somewhere else in Tokyo.
Tips for Visiting Minato
How to access Minato by train
We recommend taking the train in the Minato area for convenience. You can take the majority of the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines around the Minato area, including:
- Tokyo Metro: Ginza Line, Hibiya Line, Nanboku Line, Hanzomon Line, Chiyoda Line, Marunouchi Line
- Toei Subway: Oedo Line, Asakusa Line, Mita Line
For access from Shinagawa Station to Shinbashi Station, we recommend taking the JR Yamanote Line.
If you’re looking to go to Odaiba, we recommend taking either the Yurikamome Line (which starts at Shinbashi Station) or the Rinkai Line (which connects to the JR Saikyo Line at Osaki Station).
When is the best time to visit Minato?
While we recommend visiting the Minato area at night for those who want to enjoy the many nightclubs and bars, for those who aren’t into Minato’s nightlife, we recommend visiting Minato during the day to enjoy the cultural side of Minato, as well as the high-end shopping and dining in the area.
We especially recommend visiting Minato in December for its many Christmas markets and winter illuminations. Keep in mind, however, that this month will be packed with people, especially in the multi-use complexes!
Nightlife safety tips
Planning to party out in Roppongi? Like the majority of Tokyo’s nightlife spots, it’s best to know the following safety tips:
- Only accept drinks that come straight from the bartender. When drinking, keep an eye on your drink at all times.
- Always bring a trusted friend or two when going out at night.
- Don’t follow strangers to areas where it’s secluded.
- If a stranger is trying to talk to you, ignore them or say “NO.” Read more on how to avoid “nampa” here.
- Keep your phone charged so you can call a trusted contact if things become unsafe or uncomfortable.
- If a situation is making you feel uncomfortable, walk away or leave as soon as you can. Your safety and comfort come first.
Conclusion: The Minato area is ideal for the international community.
While it might seem like an expensive place to live in (or even visit), the Minato area is great for the international community because of its multilingual support and infrastructure. Whether you’re a short-term visitor or a long-term resident, the Minato area should be on your list of places to visit in Tokyo if you want to see a more international side to this city.
Want to explore Minato? Study Japanese with us?
After reading this article, you might be considering learning Japanese in Minato, so that you have an opportunity to explore the area after classes. In that case, come study Japanese with us at Coto Japanese Academy! We have a campus in Azabu-juban, where we not only offer Japanese classes for adults but also for kids. Learning Japanese in Minato is perfect for expat families, whether you’re looking to make daily life in Japan easier or want your kids to learn Japanese as a second language.
Want to learn Japanese in the Minato area? Contact us below to get started!
What’s the average cost for an apartment in the Minato Ward?
On average, you can expect a single-room apartment to be higher than the average cost in Tokyo. You might end up paying at least 150,000 yen a month in rent, though this varies from apartment to apartment in the Minato Ward.
Is Minato a safe place to live in?
The Minato area is generally safe to live in, but just like any other area of Tokyo, it’s best to avoid shady areas, especially at night.
I want to go out to Minato. How can I know if an establishment is safe to go to?
There is a way to check whether an establishment is safe to visit, and that is to see whether they have a Minato Flag hung outside. The Minato Flag is a blue flag that shows that an establishment is guaranteed to be safe to come to. That being said, just because an establishment doesn’t have a Minato Flag doesn’t mean that it’s inherently unsafe, but if you choose to go, it’s best to exercise caution regardless.
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