Night Walking in Azabudai Hills

Azabudai Hills is one of the newest commercial districts in Tokyo and it is located in the Minato neighborhood. This mixed used development opened in November 2023 and is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries and also the new teamLab Borderless exhibition, which moved from Odaiba. The Mori Building Company, also known for nearby Toranomon Hills and Roppongi Hills, is the builder behind this magnificent new megacomplex.  The architecture is unique and mixes natural landscapes with modern designs created by the British architectural firm Heatherwick Studio. The Mori JP Tower is also part of the complex and is currently the tallest building in Japan. During the day, this is a popular venue with a lot of visitors due to all the attractions. By night though, there are less crowds and the scenery changes to a relaxed and walkable viewing tour of beautifully illuminated iconic buildings.

Walking around the area at night offers constantly changing views of the landmark buildings of the Minato area including Tokyo Tower and the Mori JP Tower.  The Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza is a walkable green space with fashionable stores as well as a gourmet food market.  The Garden Plaza Residence with its unusual curves and greenery stands out and nearby cherry blossoms in season accentuate the scene and natural feel.  Public art on the Plaza grounds include works by Yoshitomo Nara and Olafur Eliasson.  The neighborhood skyline with the iconic buildings superimposed provides unique photo opportunities.  Other nighttime activities include dining at restaurants in the Azabudai complex or getting a view from the Mori JP Tower Sky Lobby on the 33rd floor, which is open until 9 p.m.

Make a trip to Minato in the evening to get a scenic walking tour of this brand new modern neighborhood and experience a different kind of nightlife.