Top 5 recommendations in Minato
※updated on June 2 2025
Known as one of Tokyo’s most luxurious residential areas, Minato city is home to stylish and trend-savvy individuals. With excellent safety, top-tier gourmet dining 🍣 and premium shopping 🛍️, it's the perfect place to experience the cutting edge of Japanese lifestyle.✨
1) Takanawa Gateway City 🚉
In March 2025, part of the long-awaited Takanawa Gateway City officially opened. This area is historically significant—it was once where Japan’s first railway ran over the sea more than 150 years ago.
Now, it’s being developed under the concept: “An experimental ground for an enriched life 100 years into the future, aiming to be the most vibrant city in the world.” 🌏 One of its signature attractions is the vibrant art installation "100 colors no.53" by French architect and designer Emmanuelle Moureaux. The colorful pillars are engraved with 100 years, symbolizing the city’s futuristic vision. 🌈
There are many more exciting spots in the area—don’t miss the chance to explore!
📍 Address: 2-21 Takanawa, Minato-ku
🕒 Opening Hours: varies by shop
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: direct connection from JR Takanawa Gateway Station
2) ⛩️ Toranomon Kotohiragu Shrine
Nestled among skyscrapers in Toranomon, this shrine is a peaceful oasis in the city. Next to the main hall is "Musubi Shrine", known for bringing good romantic connections. 💘 Loved since the Edo period, it’s still a popular spot for those seeking love and good fortune. 💑
📍 Address: 1-2-7 Toranomon, Minato-ku
🕒 Opening Hours: 24 hours
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 2 minutes from Toranomon Station
3) 🌸 Izumi Street
From March to April, the "Sakura Festival" lights up the Roppongi area’s Izumi Garden. The illuminated cherry blossoms along Izumi Street create a breathtaking tunnel of sakura. Whether you’re taking photos or strolling with someone special, it’s a springtime must-see. 🌸📷✨
📍 Address: 1-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku
🕒 Opening Hours: 24 hours (Sakura Festival is seasonal)
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 1 minutes from Roppongi-1chome Station
4) Shimbashi - Tokyo’s Iconic After-Work IZAKAYA District -
Shimbashi, located in Tokyo’s Minato city, is not only a major business district but also one of the most well-known areas in the city for its high concentration of traditional Japanese IZAKAYA.
As evening falls, the streets come alive with suited office workers gathering at local bars and eateries, chatting over cold beer and sharing small plates. It’s the quintessential “after-work drink” culture that represents the everyday rhythm of Tokyo life.
What makes Shimbashi especially appealing is its wide variety of old-school, affordable IZAKAYA where visitors can enjoy classics like yakitori (grilled skewers), oden (hotpot), and fresh sashimi at reasonable prices.
Shimbashi is also known for its tachinomi (standing bars) — places without seating that offer cheaper drinks and quick service, making them perfect for a brief but immersive experience. This casual style has grown in popularity among international tourists seeking a slice of authentic Tokyo nightlife. The sight of suited professionals unwinding with colleagues at small, crowded bars is a truly distinctively Japanese experience. If you're looking to feel the real Tokyo night, grab a beer and immerse yourself in this vibrant local culture.
5) Azabudai Hills
Opened in 2023, Azabudai Hills is a cutting-edge urban redevelopment project located in Tokyo’s upscale Minato city. Developed by Mori Building, it introduces a new model of “vertical garden city” — a sophisticated blend of nature, architecture, commerce, and culture all in one place.
Situated between Roppongi and Azabu, this futuristic complex includes luxury residences, state-of-the-art office towers, premium shopping and dining, and world-class cultural spaces. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Mori JP Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Japan at approximately 330 meters.
Azabudai Hills features high-end fashion boutiques, global designer brands, and concept stores that cater to luxury shoppers. Visitors can also enjoy the lush greenery, art installations, and open-air plazas that make the space feel like a sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo.
Don’t miss the chance to stroll through this elegant district, experience Tokyo’s modern lifestyle hub, and indulge in some premium shopping surrounded by stunning architecture and urban greenery.
📍 Address: 1 Azabudai, Minato-ku
🕒 Opening Hours: varies by store
🎟️ Price: Free (entry)
🚉 Access: direct access from Kamiyacho Station
Minato City is known as one of Tokyo’s most upscale and sophisticated areas, attracting elite residents and trendsetters alike. From cutting-edge fashion and gourmet dining to innovative urban design, Minato is always one step ahead of the times. For first-time visitors to Tokyo, this area might feel a bit overwhelming—so it’s a great idea to explore it with a local friend or someone familiar with the city. If you have a Japanese friend who can guide you around, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Minato offers a glimpse into the modern, luxurious side of Tokyo.
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