On November 24, 2023, a new mega-project in Tokyo was completed by the architectural studio responsible for Roppongi Hills and, among others, Omotesando Hills. Azabudai Hills, located in Minato between the Tokyo Tower and the Mori Tower, appears to be Tokyo's response to green architecture seen in cities like Singapore.
The best way to reach the complex is by taking the Tokyo Metro and alighting at either Roppongi-Itchome or Kamiyacho stations.
Azabudai Hills in Tokyo were designed by the renowned architectural firm 'Heatherwick Studio.' Led by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, the studio is internationally acclaimed for its innovative and distinctive architectural projects. According to the architects, the structures are not only chosen for their aesthetic appeal but also integrate functional and innovative solutions for sustainability and efficiency. Additionally, the designs place special emphasis on creating a vibrant community, including public spaces, green areas, and social facilities that encourage residents to connect and enjoy a shared environment.
With housing prices reportedly starting at 10 million USD and potentially reaching up to 200 million USD for the most expensive properties, it remains to be seen whether the clientele of Azabudai Hills has any interest in such 'community spaces.' It can be assumed that few of the apartments will be occupied by super-rich Tokyo residents, while the majority may remain vacant for most of the year, serving as holiday residences for the international elite.
In keeping with the concept of a city within a city, Azabudai Hills, spanning a total area of 8.1 hectares, also provide their residents with amenities such as the British School in Tokyo, a preventive clinic in collaboration with Keio University, spas, sports studios, and green recreational havens.
To make room for this massive project, the original Toranomon-Azabudai district with its small and mostly low-rise buildings had to be replaced. Construction began in 2019, and after less than 5 years, Azabudai Hills was completed.
Here are a few pictures of the neighborhood before the construction work began (© https://www.mori.co.jp):
For those who likely don't have 10-200 million USD to spare for a modern second residence in Tokyo, Azabudai Hills still offers a variety of activities for day visitors.
In addition to numerous restaurants, food stores, and shopping options, the completion of the complex also marked the opening of the Azabudai Hills Art Gallery. Until March 31, 2024, visitors can admire the exhibition 'A Cycle of Harmony of Interconnected Moments' by Olafur Eliasson.
Afterwards, the beautifully landscaped Central Square provides all visitors with a 6,000 square meter space for relaxation. Currently, until December 25, 2023, a Christmas market is taking place there, offering typical German and American products and food related to the Christmas theme.
With its impressive light installations and aesthetic design, Azabudai Hills provides plenty of opportunities for photography enthusiasts and the Instagram community to showcase themselves as well as the modern architecture.
For manga enthusiasts and otakus, the complex also has something to offer with its Shueisha Manga Art Heritage Exhibition. Here, artworks from major manga successes are displayed, ranging from Eiichiro Oda's 'ONE PIECE' and Tite Kubo's 'BLEACH' to Riyoko Ikeda's 'The Rose of Versailles,' and many more. Using the best currently available materials and techniques, uncompromising art prints are produced and exhibited. The works, sold in limited editions, have their provenance recorded using NFT blockchain technology. Japan, and Tokyo in particular, has always been a trendsetter in technology. The use of blockchains, including the most well-known ones like Solana or Ethereum, to ensure an indisputable provenance of artworks of any kind, is already commonplace there and is expected to gain increased adoption in Europe and the rest of the world in the coming years.
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