TASTE OF AZABU-JŪBAN: THE MIXING POT OF PAST AND PRESENT

Azabu-Jūban is an area in the Minato ward of Tokyo, and dates back to the Edo period as a critical location for trade. The rich history is still visible in some aspects, such as the cobblestone roads and the temples, but since then it has gained quite a bit of modernity. Many embassies are located around Azabu-Jūban, and trendy shops and cafes have filled its streets. It even found itself as the setting for a popular anime! If you have a free afternoon and are looking for a quick bite to eat in a more peaceful area of Tokyo, Azabu-Jūban is a great place to visit.

THINGS TO SEE

Kimi-chan and the Smile Monuments

As you start exploring Azabu-Jūban, you may encounter some small statues along your path. These are actually a set of art exhibits known as the “Smile Monuments,” with the theme of bridging the local and international communities, reflecting the presence of the embassies. There are sixteen statues in total, the most famous of which is Kimi-chan, who is the subject of a children’s song, “The Red Shoes.” Looking for all these statues is a great way to get started exploring the main street, Azabu-Jūban Shotengai.

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/kp89pZT99B4TLaPV8

Arisugawa-No-Miya Memorial Park

If you’d like an escape from Tokyo’s city life, Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park is just a short walk from Azabu-Jūban station! This park is a small but beautiful slice of Azabu-Jūban full of nature. You can walk on the dirt and stone paths, shaded by lush trees, or watch fish at the pond, or take a break on a bench covered with a leafy canopy. You can also find the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library in the park, which is home to four floors of material and even a coffee shop and cafeteria!

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/iDQKH5z2Sn6w5TA18

Azabusan Zenpukuji

For a little bit of history, check out the Zenpuku Temple! It was established in Japan’s Heian Period, over 1,200 years ago, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Tokyo. Inside, you can find a 750-year-old gingko tree, another feature that is unique to this temple. Zenpukuji was involved in several major points of Japanese history, such as the main hall being donated by a shogun and being Tokyo’s first Legation of the United States. This temple is beautiful regardless of which season you visit, and is worth a quick detour if you are interested in its history.

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8jPEVjf2Pbc15Lxb6 

Minato Seven Lucky Gods Shrines

In the area surrounding Azabu-Jūban, there are seven shrines and temples that are said to house lucky gods. The most well known may be the Azabu Hikawa shrine, for its appearance in the Sailor Moon series. There is a route to visit all of the shrines, including an extra eighth shrine to represent the treasure ship of the gods, which is another great way to explore the Azabu-Jūban area! If you are visiting near the New Year, there is also an opportunity to collect stamps from each of the shrines.

Maps: Azabu Hikawa Shrine: https://goo.gl/maps/xeLDMZKq9hHj4bNg9

THINGS TO DO

Azabu Kokubisui Hot Spring Takenoyu

Onsen are one of the best ways to relax and wind down after a long day. Take-no-Yu has been around for over a hundred years, but what really makes it special is that the water is almost black. This is a result of minerals and volcanic ash, but the water isn’t dirty – due to the heat, most of the solid minerals will have melted, and the water is actually said to be great both for relaxation and skincare, with anti-aging effects!

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/bKMqJfbkgzs24hxX9

Azabu-Jūban Shopping District

Right by the station, you can find a street full of shops, bakeries, cafes, and more. While the shopping district formally refers to one street, which has brick cobbled roads and runs towards Roppongi, the entire area of side streets branching off from the main street is also filled with coffee shops and restaurants. There is a mix of chain store cafes and local ones, such as Robert’s Coffee, which has its sole Tokyo location in Azabu-Jūban (and also sells gelato!), and Sepia, a small cafe with antique decor. Of note, some of the cafes do allow smoking.

Azabu-Jūban also has some great bakeries, such as Pointage, which sells delicious bread and has an extensive lunch menu. Finally, the shopping district is the location of the Azabu-Jūban Noryo Festival, which occurs in late August, and features performances, food stalls, and more shops. It typically occurs yearly, but 2023 will be its first return in four years.

Azabu-Jūban Shopping District: https://goo.gl/maps/VwRcjCF5Z7eg4mDs6

Sepia Coffee: https://goo.gl/maps/Lp2QYS5CSEx12sDL8 

Robert’s Coffee: https://goo.gl/maps/nvjK69NDHLYiKNHB9

National Azabu Supermarket

In the same international spirit as the rest of the neighborhood, the National Azabu Supermarket carries not only local goods which you can find in most supermarkets, but many products from abroad as well. This is also a great place to find foods for special dietary needs, such as halal, vegan, or gluten-free. If you’re visiting Japan and feeling a little homesick, consider dropping by National Azabu Supermarket for a taste of home, or explore a little further and try something from a different country!

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/grULZnu8ULJL59VG8 

WHERE TO EAT

Don’t miss out on the great food in Azabu-Jūban! There are restaurants serving dishes from all over the world. We’d like to introduce some of the tastiest cuisine in the area:

Naniwaya Sohonten

While Naniwaya Sohonten has a seating area where you can order a meal, what it is best known for is as the “origin” of taiyaki, a fish-shaped pancake usually full of red bean paste. Taiyaki is a snack that has gathered a lot of popularity worldwide and is sold in plenty of places around Japan, but it’s worth dropping by Naniwaya Sohonten if you are interested in trying out a taiyaki shop with over a hundred years of history.

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/E9pse21V9fnsYhbK8

Kawakami An

Kawakami An is a shop from Nagano, serving primarily soba and tempura. During the evening the courses reflect habits from the Edo period, where people would enjoy appetizers with sake and end their meal with soba. The products for the tempura and the soba are extremely fresh and delicious!

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ESktJzxrF8vpuh6L7

Yakinikuen

If you’re traveling in a group, yakiniku is one of the best foods to eat together. One special point about Yakinikuen in Azabu-Jūban is its sauce, which is an original teru teru sauce made from fruits and vegetables, and is great to pair with cuts of beef, pork, or chicken!

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Ne8ft2voz2iVkLiSA

Tokyo Confidential

If you’re in search of a sleek, stylish bar with a rooftop view, look no further. Tokyo Confidential is an absolute must-visit for any cocktail lovers or bar enthusiasts—the vibes of this bar radiate elegance while still being warm and friendly.

Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oZey95kuxs2jwhRy6

Sarashina-Horii

This soba restaurant has an extremely long history, having been proudly serving soba for over 230 years. It is said that they have served shoguns and feudal lords in Edo, and have been favored by the Imperial Household, making this one impressive noodle shop. Try out the shop’s signature Sarashina soba, which has a distinct white color, compared to the typical brown soba you may find commonly.

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TVSuuxcYFozvPWtM6

Fior di Maso

While not Japanese cuisine, Fior di Maso is worth the visit for fans of cheese! This shop holds a large selection of Italian cheeses, and sells them along with cold cuts, pasta, and other snacks to pair with. Milk is delivered daily, their factory is certified by the Veneto Region in Italy, and they have a streamlined delivery from the manufacturers to the shop, so you can be sure that you’re receiving high quality products, directly from the farm to your table. They even have a cheese cellar at the store!

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/M6EyaQ8uj7qATp756 

Whether you love history, nature, shopping, or food, there’s a little bit of everything in Azabu-Jūban, so check it out on your next trip to Tokyo!

Feature photo credit: Scenic view of the Azabu Juban skyline courtesy of nakamurax

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