Luxury Residential Areas in Tokyo – Branded dream areas to live in

Poste date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024

High class residential areas in uptown Tokyo such as Hiroo, Azabu, Shoto, Akasaka, and Takanawadai are known throughout Japan as prestigious areas within Tokyo. A common feature among most of these areas is being located at the top of hills–in the center of Tokyo–with nice views in quiet living environments. These areas are lined with low-rise luxury condos and rental apartments, creating a refined upper class atmosphere.

This area is home to many luxury rental apartments, large houses (with spacious grounds), and luxury condos that were designed to attract foreign executives and their families.

Inside the Yamanote Line

The phrase "Inside the Yamanote Line" gives Japanese people the immediate image of wealth, a place where celebrities live, and a prime location within Central Tokyo.

Originally, many Daimyo's (upper class samurai lords) residences were built around the Edo Castle (residence of the Shogun during the Edo period, currently the Imperial Palace), and many of these old high class residential areas still exist inside the Yamanote Line.

Historically hill top areas were home to upper class samurais and Daimyos–who had residences on more spacious grounds on the hill tops–which were easy to protect in the event of an attack. During the Meiji era these areas became known as places where the residences of noble families, foreign embassies, universities, government offices, large hospitals, and others could be found.

Hiroo

Within the Hiroo area one can easily find many stylish cafes and restaurants. This area is also home to the embassies of various countries and the surrounding neighborhoods have many foreign residents as well. Since the end of Edo period, an international atmosphere formed in the area due to the surrounding foreign embassies built here as well as from geographical reasons. Stretching all the way back to the Meiji Restoration, due to its history of being the residential location for royal families and noble families, Hiroo's reputation as a high class residential area has been well established.
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Akasaka

Akasaka is home to Tokyo's most well-known hotels and has its business areas adjacent to government offices. Larege hotel-like luxury tower condos are also concentrated in this area. Taking one step away from the busy streets, will take you to a quiet high-class residential area such as Akasaka Hikawacho.
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Azabu

The Azabu address name in Minato-ku includes the areas of Minami-Azabu, Nishi-Azabu, Higashi-Azabu, Moto-Azabu, Azabujuban, Azabu-Nagasakacho, and Azabudai. Azabujuban Shopping Street is a popular spot in Minato-ku with its mixture of a traditional atmosphere and shops selling the latest trends. Moto-Azabu is a quiet, high class residential area with an atmosphere of refined elegance.
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Aoyama

Along Aoyama Dori Street and Kotto Dori Street are fashionable shops and cafes that provide a stylish atmosphere for the whole town. This area has lush greenery and neighbors Shibuya, Omotesando, and Akasaka.
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Shirokane

Shirokane is a residential area with many Low-rise buildings surrounded with lush greenery in Central Tokyo. Shirokane's high class residential area spreads out from behind Platinum Street.
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Along the Yamanote Line

"Along the Yamanote Line" refers to the areas that are within walking distance of any station on the Yamanote Line and is an important standard for those seeking the convenience of living and quality of a location.

Tokyo's government offices and business districts are concentrated inside and along the Yamanote Line. The Yamanote Line has many terminal stations such as Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, and Ueno, which connect it to multiple train lines going to Tokyo suburbs and local cities. Due to its convenience of transportation, a location along the Yamanote Line has been valued as a place of worth since old days.

Shoto

Shoto is a quiet area within walking distance from Shibuya Station that is lined with luxury residences.
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Takanawa, Mita

This high class residential area is dotted with old luxury residences and neighbors Shinagawa, Tamachi, and Azabujuban.
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Jonan Gozan Areas

The Jonan Gozan areas are the areas around the stations from Meguro to Shinagawa on the Yamanote Line and are well-known as high class residential areas located on the tops hills.

High Class Residential Areas in Tokyo's Suburbs

Denenchofu

Denenchofu was first developed as a high class residential area during the Taisho era. Since the sales of lots in 1922, it has been a highly desired place to live in.
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Though there are many high class residential areas with historical prestige scattered throughout Tokyo, their names cannot be found on any maps.
>> Tokyo’s high class residential areas with the historical names not shown on a map