Hiroo and Minami-Azabu: Tokyo Top Expat Neighborhoods

Hiroo and Minami-Azabu form the historic heart of Tokyo's expat community. Embassies, international schools, English-friendly supermarkets, Western restaurants: everything that makes daily life easier for foreigners is concentrated in this two-kilometer radius south of Roppongi.

This guide gives you a complete and honest picture of both neighborhoods: what makes them a reliable choice, what is often left unsaid, and what to expect in terms of rents and availability.

Hiroo: Tokyo's Most International Neighborhood

Hiroo is probably the most international neighborhood in Tokyo. It hosts a high density of foreign embassies (Denmark, New Zealand, Italy, among others), several large diplomatic residences, and a commercial offering clearly oriented toward foreign residents.

What makes Hiroo attractive for expats

The National Azabu Supermarket, located directly in front of Hiroo station, is the reference point for every foreign resident: imported products, European grocery, cheese section, wines and fresh produce. Several international restaurants, cafes with Western menus, and specialty import shops are within a few minutes' walk.

The streets around Hiroo are quiet, tree-lined and safe. The neighborhood has a residential feel rare for Tokyo: few pachinko parlors, few loud commercial signs, few transit-oriented retail. On weekends, you see joggers, strollers, and expat families, not commuter crowds.

Transport from Hiroo

Hiroo station is on the Hibiya Line, running directly to Roppongi, Ginza and Tsukiji. Allow 10 minutes to Roppongi, 15 to Ginza, 20 to Shinjuku with one transfer.

Rents in Hiroo

Hiroo is one of Tokyo's most expensive neighborhoods for foreigners. A 1LDK (separate bedroom plus living room) rents for between 180,000 and 280,000 JPY per month depending on size, floor and condition. A family 2LDK frequently exceeds 300,000 JPY.

Quality properties move quickly and are often rented before appearing on public portals.

Minami-Azabu: The Premium Residential Side of the Hiroo Area

Minami-Azabu is adjacent to Hiroo, situated between Azabu-Juban and Hiroo. It is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in all of Tokyo, with high-end properties, secured residences and an even stronger diplomatic presence.

What defines Minami-Azabu

Several major European embassies and diplomatic residences are located in this neighborhood. The French community in Tokyo is particularly well represented in this area.

Streets are quiet, low-traffic, with large trees and properties that often include parking. The environment is markedly more residential than central.

Transport from Minami-Azabu

Minami-Azabu does not have its own metro station. You access the network from Hiroo (Hibiya Line) or Azabu-Juban (Namboku and Oedo Lines), each 10 to 15 minutes on foot. For families with a company car, this is not an issue. For daily commuters relying on public transport, it is worth evaluating carefully.

Rents in Minami-Azabu

Minami-Azabu is even more expensive than Hiroo. A 2LDK commonly rents between 300,000 and 450,000 JPY per month. Large properties with gardens or secured buildings with concierge services exceed 600,000 JPY.

International Schools Nearby

The proximity of quality international schools is one of the main reasons expat families choose this area.

Several international structures are within 20 minutes. The French high school in Tokyo (LFJTK) is accessible from Azabu-Juban on the Oedo Line in about 15 minutes.

For families with children, this area remains difficult to match in Tokyo.

See also: Tokyo neighborhoods guide for expat families

What Is Often Left Unsaid

Competition is intense. Properties in these neighborhoods are in high demand, often taken by companies housing their expats at fixed rates. Good apartments at 200,000 JPY move in 48 to 72 hours.

The informal network matters. Many properties in this area are never published on portals. They circulate between managers and agencies that work regularly with expat tenants. An intermediary with access to this network significantly expands your available options.

Nearby alternatives are worth considering. Ebisu (Hibiya Line), Daikanyama, and parts of Nishi-Azabu offer a similar profile at 15 to 20% lower rents.

How to Find an Apartment in This Area

Standard agencies have a presence in these neighborhoods but their portfolios are limited. The best properties often go through property managers specializing in expat profiles or through informal networks.

A real estate hunter familiar with this area can access a broader supply and prevent you from missing a property that matches your profile exactly.

Contact us for a brief focused on Hiroo, Minami-Azabu or adjacent neighborhoods.

Read next: [Tokyo neighborhoods guide for expats](/blog/tokyo-neighbourhoods-expats-guide) and [how to find an apartment in Tokyo as a foreigner](/blog/find-apartment-tokyo-foreigner).