Azabudai Hills represents a 35-year-long urban revitalization project that involved collaboration between government agencies, private enterprises, and the local community in Tokyo's Minato Ward, specifically in the Toranomon, Azabudai, and Roppongi areas. It offers direct access to the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line's Kamiyacho Station and is just a 4-minute walk from the Namboku Line's Roppongi-itchome Station.

Within these three high-rise buildings, including the tallest one in Japan at 64 stories and 330 meters, known as Mori JP Tower, you'll find a mix of residences, offices, commercial spaces, and a hotel. Additionally, the area features other commercial facilities, an international school, preventive healthcare centers, and public squares, housing approximately 150 shops covering various categories such as food, fashion, art, and wellness.

Now, let's dive into our recommendations for what to see and do at Azabudai Hills!

The Mori JP Tower soars to a height of approximately 330 meters, making it Japan's tallest skyscraper, surpassing even Osaka's Abeno Harukas building. Its height is nearly equivalent to that of Tokyo Tower.

On floors 54 to 64, you'll find residential units, while floors 5 to 52 are for offices, and the lower floors are designated for commercial spaces. Typically, the upper floors, except for the commercial areas, are restricted to building occupants, employees, and Members' Lounge club members. However, on the 33rd and 34th floors within Hills House Azabudai, you'll discover event spaces and restaurants open to everyone.

This is the space beneath the grand staircase that connects the 33rd and 34th floors. You won't want to miss the breathtaking urban panorama that unfolds below.

At Dining 33, a restaurant accessible to non-clubhouse members, you can savor your meal with the backdrop of Tokyo Tower and the cityscape visible through the vast windows that reach for the sky.

Crafted under the expertise of French cuisine maestro Kiyomi Mikuni, the innovative French dishes with a touch of Japanese essence are unique and can only be savored here.

"Sipping champagne and enjoying French with Tokyo Tower in the background is really wonderful! I'm sure the nighttime views are also breathtaking," Timothy remarked.

Adjacent to the restaurant, you'll find "Dining 33 Patisserie a la maison," where you can indulge in sweets crafted by the former head pastry chef from Hotel de Mikuni in Yotsuya, which closed in 2022.

Particularly eye-catching is this innovative building's design, created by the world-renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick.

Once you've seen it, you won't forget it—impressive bold curves that perfectly complement the high-rise skyline, creating a remarkable landscape unique to Azabudai Hills.

Furthermore, Azabudai Hills embraces the concept of "Green & Wellness," with around a quarter of its grounds dedicated to greenery, all within the heart of a bustling metropolis.

Not just plants but also vegetable and fruit gardens! They actively cultivate vegetables and fruits on-site.

The lush central square hosts various events, including the kickoff of the Christmas market in December, offering ongoing excitement for visitors to look forward to.

Azabudai Hills is known for its art-inspired urban planning. One notable aspect is the public art designed by Yoshitomo Nara. Whether it's in the architectural design or museums, art is integrated into the surroundings, making it easily accessible for everyone to appreciate.

(*Scheduled to Open in February 2024)

The world-renowned luxury hotel chain Aman introduces its new brand, "JANU." The first in this global series, "JANU Tokyo," is set to open in February 2024.

The hotel boasts 122 rooms, with a majority being suite rooms. It will feature eight restaurants and bars, and a wellness facility that includes Tokyo's largest hotel spa treatment area, spanning approximately 4,000 square meters, along with a gym.

JANU Tokyo is elevating the traditional spa experience by introducing a modern twist to conventional health therapies. With "Social Wellness" and "Goal Setting" as its two core concepts, the hotel promises a revolutionary wellness experience that significantly evolves beyond the traditional spa concept. The anticipation for this new and advanced approach to wellness is already high.

(*Scheduled to Open in February 2024)

In June 2018, the "mapless museum" known as "Epson teamLab Borderless" opened in Tokyo's Odaiba area and quickly became a globally recognized hotspot. It had been closed due to relocation, but finally, in early February 2024, it will make its much-awaited reopening at Azabudai Hills.

Timothy, having experienced the new "Bubble Universe," had this expression to share: "I am amazed once again by the beautiful art that surpasses imagination! I'm eagerly looking forward to the opening."

With numerous new artworks and previously unreleased pieces, this upgraded version of teamLab's world promises an even more immersive experience.

Food enthusiasts are in for a treat as well! The lineup includes gourmet offerings that can only be found here, featuring Japan's first and Tokyo's first outlets, dining experiences from luxury inns, and exclusive Azabudai Hills limited menus at various stores, ensuring a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.

"ALCHEMY" is a globally renowned plant-based restaurant that originated in Ubud, Bali, often referred to as a vegan haven and recognized by vegans worldwide. Its debut in Japan, here at Azabudai Hills, aligns perfectly with the concept of "Green & Wellness," making it one of the iconic establishments in the area.

Ubud is a favorite destination of mine that I've visited multiple times, and as someone who has a penchant for vegetables and a strong inclination toward a healthy lifestyle, "ALCHEMY" was the establishment I was personally most excited about.

ALCHEMY's cuisine and products are completely free from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, gluten, white sugar, and chemical seasonings.

Additionally, the flexibility to choose your favorite ingredients is a delightful feature. At the salad bar, you can create your own salads and grain bowls, while the TEISYOKU bar offers a selection of main dishes, soups, and toppings to assemble your own original set meal.

The vibrant and carefully selected ingredients not only offer a feast for the eyes but also provide a sense of vitality.

Inside the restaurant, there's a corner featuring a bulk store booth where you can purchase your favorite cereals by weight. They also offer a curated selection of food items, basic cosmetics, accessories, and more for sale.

The spacious and open interior creates a calming atmosphere. When you're looking to connect with the bounty of nature, nourish yourself with wholesome goodness, and revitalize both your mind and body, this is the first place you'll want to visit.

When it comes to a specialty store for premium fruits, you can't overlook Nihombashi Sembikiya, a heritage fruit shop founded in 1834.

The Azabudai Hills branch offers a unique fruit parlor experience with features like counters where they prepare products right in front of you and showcases adorned with an array of fruits, adding to the sense of exclusivity.

Sembikiya's fruit sandwiches are truly iconic. The beauty of their color and form resembles a work of art. Interestingly, in alignment with the overall design image of Azabudai Hills, this branch incorporates curved elements into the shape of the fruit sandwich and the tableware used, showcasing unique touches that are exclusive to this store.

Timothy exclaimed, "The fresh fruits and cream are a perfect match. It's so delicious that I could just keep eating and eating," as he quickly devoured his treat. At Azabudai Hills, with its many green spaces, we recommend getting your food to-go and enjoying it in the outdoor plaza.

In addition to the grand menu, there's an Azabudai store-exclusive dish, the "Fruit Salad Parfait." This, too, aligns with Azabudai Hills' "Green & Wellness" concept, featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables. Be sure to give it a try!

Nakamura Tokichi Azabudai is a takeout and to-go style shop from Nakamura Tokichi, a Japanese tea specialist based in Uji, Kyoto, one of Japan's foremost green tea regions.

They offer a variety of items for takeout, including beverages made from their tea leaves, fresh tea jelly, and exclusive to the Azabudai branch, matcha pecan nuts.

One unique feature of this store is its rare tea-tasting booth. You can actually taste the teas and consult with the staff to find the one that suits your preferences. Each type of tea has its distinct flavor and personality, allowing you to experience the depth of Japanese tea.

For coffee enthusiasts, % ARABICA, originally from Kyoto and now with 168 stores in 21 countries worldwide, needs no introduction. It's a coffee shop that has gained popularity on social media and beyond.

The owner, who pays attention not only to the coffee itself but also to the choice of locations, selected Azabudai Hills as the debut location in Tokyo. With its sleek and stylish store design unified in white, it perfectly aligns with the overall image. They have two branches, one in Garden Plaza and another in Tower Plaza.

They have the actual coffee beans they use on display, and you can even have them roasted on the spot (usually up to around 200g). It's a delightful experience to savor professionally curated delicious coffee while selecting beans that suit your taste to take home.

Ochiairo Steakhouse Tokyo is a new concept restaurant offering the popular teppanyaki dishes from the registered cultural property hot spring inn, "Ochiairo," located in Izu. This marks their first establishment in Tokyo.

The restaurant maintains the same design as the inn's restaurant, with marble tables and lavish ceiling decorations. The spacious views from the windows are magnificent, creating an open and luxurious ambiance inside.

The highlight of the steakhouse is undoubtedly the Japanese beef, along with other fresh ingredients, expertly prepared by the chef right before your eyes at the live kitchen – a true teppanyaki experience. What sets this establishment apart is the original creative Western cuisine crafted by a chef who honed their skills at top-tier restaurants, and the option to request wine pairings tailored to your meal, unique to this location.

The meticulously simmered beef stew, infused with the flavor of truffles and a touch of balsamic vinegar, adds a delightful accent. Moreover, the use of rum in the pudding imparts a mature and flavorful twist. With lunch short courses starting from 3,500 yen and dinner full courses with 11 dishes starting at 12,000 yen, considering the ambiance, location, and taste, it's undoubtedly a satisfying experience that offers great value for the price.

Azabu, a sushi restaurant that earned a Michelin one-star rating in New York and Manhattan, made its debut in Japan under the name Sushi Azabu in a reverse-import fashion.

You can savor the Edo-style sushi, hand-rolled sushi, and various side dishes that have impressed food connoisseurs abroad.

The menu offers "Omakase Courses" for both sushi and lunch. Lunch prices start from 4,800 yen, while dinner prices begin at 9,800 yen, making it a comfortably priced sushi counter restaurant.

The contemporary art-adorned counter is in line with the Azabudai Hills' interior style. You can enjoy exquisite sushi while appreciating both the art and the skillful craftsmanship of the sushi chefs.

Tonkatsu Kawamura is a popular tonkatsu specialty restaurant in Ichigaya. Among various types of Japanese cuisine, tonkatsu has gained significant popularity, particularly among international visitors.

The meat used is the renowned "Hayashi SPF Pork" from Chiba, and even the breadcrumbs, frying oil, and salt for seasoning have been meticulously selected. With such attention to detail, from sourcing to ingredients, the anticipation for the dining experience only grows.

Here is the meticulously crafted tonkatsu that showcases the chef's exceptional skills, using carefully selected ingredients. The thick, succulent meat, likely exceeding 2cm in thickness, is beautifully cooked to a delightful pale pink hue.

Timothy digs into the restaurant's highly recommended 260g rib roast set meal. "The coating has a great crispness, the meat is juicy and tender - really delicious without being overly oily. Easily some of the best I've had recently," he says, unable to stop smiling.

For those who want to savor a fattier cut, the upper loin is also recommended. The aroma and the sweet fat of the meat spread juicily in the mouth, offering a lightness unexpected in fried food. Once you try it, you're likely to become hooked on this Japanese-style tonkatsu.

In Tower Plaza, you'll find a variety of retail shops, including those specializing in lifestyle and miscellaneous goods. We'll introduce shops unique to Azabudai Hills, with some making their debut in physical stores or presenting new concepts.

MARK'STYLE Azabudai Hills is the flagship store of the design stationery and miscellaneous goods brand MARK'S. They offer a selection of elegant stationery and stylish miscellaneous items.

Japanese stationery is known for its high quality and wide variety, making it popular even overseas. Among the standout items are writing instruments, including fountain pens. There are various types available, such as the uniquely designed Japanese lacquerware fountain pens like "Namiki" and the Pilot-made "Capless" fountain pens, which have garnered attention.

There's also a space where you can test the writing feel, which can be an interesting experience in itself.

Y.YACHT STORE is the first flagship store operated by this global kitchen and dining tool specialist. It offers lifestyle suggestions and products from around the world.

It's not just a retail store but also characterized by its proposal-oriented approach. The store has concierges on hand to suggest items tailored to your needs and can even source items that are not currently in stock, offering a higher level of service.

The opportunity to discover high-quality kitchen and dining tools from all over Japan, showcasing the craftsmanship and manufacturing expertise of Japanese artisans, makes shopping at this store a highly recommended experience that is unique to this location.

Established in 1958, Kaneko Optical is a dedicated manufacturer located in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, known as a major eyeglass production hub in Japan and renowned worldwide. They handle every aspect of eyeglass production, from manufacturing to retail, all in-house.

Known for its exceptional quality and stylish designs, Kaneko Optical has earned international recognition as a renowned eyeglass brand. Despite its long-standing history, the brand continues to evolve, collaborating with various other brands and consistently capturing the hearts of fashion enthusiasts. It stands as a representative of Japanese fashion brands with a large fan base.

The meticulous attention to detail and the high level of craftsmanship that transforms these details into tangible products reflect the essence of Japanese craftsmanship. I invite you to experience the intricacy and user-friendliness firsthand.

TRUE TOWELS, which was previously exclusively available online, has made its debut in physical retail. They bring the expertise and tradition of towel craftsmanship from Imabari, Japan's largest towel-producing region, to create genuinely high-quality towels made with premium yarns – truly living up to their name.

Upon actually handling and touching them, Timothy remarked on the clear difference, saying, "Even though they look similar at a glance, each one has a completely different feel to it. It's truly incredible craftsmanship."

They also offer exclusive products in colors unique to their Azabudai Hills store, making them perfect for souvenirs. I have upcoming plans to give gifts, and this store is currently my top choice. It's because items like towels, which everyone uses every day, deserve to be of the highest quality.

As a project aimed at preserving manga culture for future generations, the major publishing house Shueisha has launched a new venture: an art gallery named Shueisha Manga Art Heritage.

This gallery features the latest printing technology, developed to fulfill two key goals: durability for long-term appreciation like traditional paintings, and the ability to accurately reproduce the unique colors and details characteristic of manga. The exhibited works, which embody both these qualities, are also available for purchase.

Until February 29, 2024, the gallery is hosting "ONE PIECE/regenesis" by Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the globally beloved Shonen manga "ONE PIECE." Following this, various manga works will be featured regularly. This new genre of manga art, transforming Japan's globally acclaimed manga culture into paintings, is a must-see.

Following its general opening on November 24, 2023, new facilities and stores will continue to emerge. In January 2024, the Azabudai Hills Market, a specialized food area with 34 stores, is slated to open. Poised to lead as a trendsetter and information hub for Japan's food culture, the anticipation for the grand opening and the variety of culinary experiences it will offer is growing.

Azabudai Hills transcends the typical framework of a mere commercial facility or area; it's a new destination where the entire complex stands as a unified town. It offers a sense of possibility for a multitude of new experiences in living, working, shopping, and culture. Additionally, the fusion of high-rise buildings with nature creates a cityscape unique to urban environments.

Azabudai Hills, a highly recommended new destination for outings and tourism in Tokyo, is definitely worth a visit.