Azabudai Hills: Unveiling Living Comfort and Residential Environment
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The much-anticipated “Azabudai Hills” is scheduled to open on November 24, 2023. Mori Building, known for its development of Roppongi Hills, invested a staggering 580 billion yen in this project.
Azabudai Hills is Japan’s tallest building and has garnered considerable attention for being home to the country’s most expensive condominiums, among other highlights.
Azabudai Hills has a total of approximately 1,400 units, making it a large-scale residential complex. Among these, two Azabudai Hills Residences buildings, which make up 90% of the complex, are still under construction, and no units are currently available for sale.
I reside right in front of Azabudai Hills.
So, I would like to focus on Azabudai Hills and introduce you to the living environment and convenience of residing here.
Overview of Azabudai Hills Residences
Azabudai Hills is scheduled to open on November 24, 2023.
The planning and development of Azabudai Hills are by Mori Building, a well-known Japanese real estate developer responsible for projects like Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills. Internationally, they’ve also managed buildings such as the Shanghai World Financial Center, completed in 2008.
Azabudai Hills is a massive project that has taken 35 years to develop, with a total cost of 580 billion yen.
Azabudai Hills consists of four main areas, each housing residential units. Mori Building has put a strong emphasis on creating a residential community.
The highest tower within Azabudai Hills, standing at approximately 330 meters, is the Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, home to the “Aman Residences Tokyo” located on the top floors, from the 54th to the 64th. Rumors suggest that the condominium prices range from 20 billion to 30 billion yen, making it the most expensive condominium in Japan due to its location atop Japan’s tallest building.
Additionally, the two “Azabudai Hills Residences” towers, at heights of 270 meters and 240 meters, also have the potential to become Japan’s most luxurious rental apartments. Around 90% of the properties within the complex are in these two towers, making them iconic residential buildings.
There’s also a unique low-rise building called the “Garden Plaza,” consisting of four buildings. Among them, “Garden Plaza B” features residences, while the other buildings are scheduled to host luxury shops and restaurants.
The total number of units in Azabudai Hills is approximately 1,400, making it one of the largest residential complexes in Japan, especially considering the high property prices associated with it.
It’s rumored that the Aman Residences Tokyo is already sold out, and residents are expected to move in as soon as the facility opens. On the other hand, the Azabudai Hills Residences buildings are yet to be completed, and their availability for occupancy is currently uncertain. It may not be until 2024 or later that they are open for residents.
Residential Environment around Azabudai Hills
Communication in English
For foreign residents, one of the most important factors to consider is the ability to communicate in English.
In Minato Ward, around 10% of residents are foreigners. There are over 50 embassies from various countries, including the United States, Germany, France, China, and more, in the Azabudai Hills vicinity.
Many foreign companies such as Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Accenture, Adidas, AXA, and Walt Disney have a significant presence in the area.
With such a diverse environment, you’ll find that many shops in the area are English-friendly. For instance, the Starbucks I usually go to is often populated by foreigners, and many staff members speak English fluently.
Moreover, there are medical facilities, dental clinics, and pharmacies that cater to the needs of foreign residents. Major hospitals have specialized staff who can assist with medical terminology in different languages, making it easy to receive medical care when needed.
Additionally, for administrative procedures like registering your residence or obtaining a My Number card like Social Security Number after moving, it’s possible to communicate in English with the relevant authorities.
Tokyo, in general, has witnessed an increase in multilingual services across public transportation, healthcare facilities, and restaurants. Given that Minato Ward has a substantial foreign resident population, there should be ample English-language support available.
Excellent Convenience via Subways and Buses
The nearest stations to Azabudai Hills are Roppongi-itchome Station and Kamiyacho Station, both a 2-3 minute walk from the complex.
Within a roughly 10-minute radius, you can access other stations, including Roppongi Station, Azabu-juban Station, Tameike-Sanno Station, and Toranomon Hills Station. Roppongi and Azabu-juban Stations, in particular, are frequently used for shopping and the convenience of the Oedo Line.
Apart from the subway, Toei buses are also very convenient. Bus stops are right in front of the complex. These buses go through Shibuya Station, Shinbashi Station, and Meguro Station, making it another viable transportation option.
Robust Security Near the Russian Embassy
The security in the vicinity of Azabudai Hills is relatively good compared to surrounding areas. However, it might not be classified as an area with excellent security due to its location, within walking distance from bustling places like Roppongi and Tokyo Tower, where foot traffic continues even at night.
Still, I consider this area to be safe. The presence of 24-hour police security near the United States Embassy and Russian Embassy significantly contributes to the sense of security. In particular, the Russian Embassy, which is right across the street, provides strong security. I have been stopped by a police officer while walking with a camera right in front of the Russian Embassy.
High-Volume Street Protests Near Embassy
The noise in the Azabudai Hills area is considerably affected by street protests directed towards the Russian Embassy. These protests can be quite loud and noisy.
Even though I use earplugs when sleeping, the volume of the protest trucks, which come close to the complex, is loud enough to jolt me awake. While I believe that Azabudai Hills Residences have taken adequate soundproofing measures, those sensitive to noise might find this quite stressful.
A Wealth of Dining Options and a Supermarket
Azabudai Hills Market and Tower Plaza, located within the complex, offer numerous dining options and well-stocked supermarkets. There are also two convenience stores inside the complex, ensuring that you have access to essentials at any hour.
Within walking distance, you’ll find over five national chain supermarkets. They offer a wide selection of wines, champagnes, cheeses, and premium ingredients, making it convenient for cooking enthusiasts and those who enjoy fine dining.
If you’re looking for a variety of goods, including groceries, furniture, electronics, and daily necessities, you’ll find them at Don Quijote, located about a 5-minute walk away. This is incredibly convenient for newcomers to the area.
Additionally, Tokyo Midtown houses brands like MUJI and UNIQLO, and the nearby Mita area (around a 20-minute walk) hosts home improvement stores, perfect for DIY enthusiasts and gardeners.
Nearby Schools and Parks for Families
Azabudai Hills is conveniently located near nurseries, kindergartens, and primary schools.
“Azabu Kindergarten” and “Azabu Elementary School” are situated right next to Azabudai Hills, and the “Azabu Nursery” is located a short walk away.
Private primary schools and international schools are also available, with notable options including the “British School in Tokyo” and the upcoming “Kids Garden Prep School.”
The complex includes a central square spanning 6,000 square meters, and you’ll find other parks such as “Jozen Garden Park” and “Shiba Water Supply Park” nearby. Within a 10 to 15-minute walk, you can access larger parks like “Shiba Park.
Minato Ward garnered attention for being the first in the nation to provide subsidies of approximately 500,000 yen per middle school student for their Singapore exchange programs. This is possible due to the ward’s sound financial situation, offering a unique opportunity for quality education.
In Conclusion
All things considered, Azabudai Hills Residences is, in my opinion, a highly suitable condominium for foreign residents.
The presence of multiple nearby train stations ensures exceptional convenience, making it easy to reach any part of Tokyo by utilizing various rail lines.
Furthermore, Azabudai Hills offers a wide array of dining establishments and a well-stocked supermarket, guaranteeing that residents will never struggle with dining options. With the addition of on-site convenience stores and clinics, it’s an incredibly convenient place to live, allowing residents to meet their daily needs without leaving the complex.
