Where to Stay in Minato
Despite being part of Tokyo, Minato is effectively a city in itself, with several distinct districts and neighbourhoods. Arguably the most popular area for expats - especially those looking to sample a little of the local nightlife - in Roppongi. Roppongi is popular with both locals and tourists and also offers a great base from which to explore the more central areas of Tokyo. Similarly, Daiba has emerged recently as another social hotspot for westerners living in Minato. Those seeking quieter places, yet which still offer unique streetscapes can head to the more local areas of Aoyama, Azabu, Akasaka, Takanawa, and Shibaura. Here the modern streets merge seamlessly with the more traditional Japanese architecture and unique way of life. Alternatively, for something a little more in-between, Shiodome and Azabujuban offer many of the modern facilities that Roppongi does, whilst still presenting western visitors with something of a culture shock,
Facts about Minato
Minato City is an international city, designed to be the centre for global business conducted in Japan. It is for this reason that over half of the embassies in Japan are located here in the region. A haven for expats, almost 8% of Minato’s population are foreign nationals. The area is known as a ‘special city’ as it offers local tax discounts, deregulation, financial support, business and life support, and more to encourage international firms to base their Japanese operations locally. Aside from its importance as a business location, Minato also boasts a diverse and unique cultural scene. Below are some more facts about Minato:
- Five major commercial broadcast television stations are currently headquartered in Minato City.
- The ward was founded on 15 March 1947, with the merger of Akasaka, Azabu, and Shiba Wards.
- Minato City has 135 different nationalities among its foreign residents
- Local authorities have promoted the use of ‘easy Japanese’ to help foreign nationals learn about local culture
- The Minato neighbourhood of Shitamachi was the original commercial centre of Edo-Tokyo
Things to Do in Minato
Being part of Tokyo, Minato’s offers a huge amount of things to see and do - from historic landmarks to ultra-modern leisure facilities. The areas of Roppongi and Daiba are famous for their nightlife, whilst nearby Odaiba, on reclaimed land, is known for its fantastic shopping facilities. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions in the region - making Minato ideal for tourists visiting with children.
What is there to do in Minato?
Minato is close enough to central Tokyo that the city’s major sights and landmarks are just a short journey away. From stunning modern architecture to huge seafood markets, Minato is the ultimate place from which to experience the most eclectic aspects of Japanese culture. The neighbourhoods of Daiba, Roppongi and Shibaura offer some of the best shopping outside of Tokyo city-centre.
Are there any free things to do in Minato?
Minato has a great selection of things that can be enjoyed free of charge. Those looking to explore Japanese culture can check out some of the temples in the area, many of which can be explored for free when not in use for ceremonies. There are also numerous parks and gardens for those who enjoy the outdoors and several of the landmarks around Tokyo harbour can be enjoyed for free.
Does Minato have a good nightlife scene?
Tokyo is famous for its unique and vibrant nightlife and Minato is certainly no exception. For a great selection of bars, restaurants and pubs, Roppongi is arguably the best place to go, with Daiba also having a lot to offer after hours.
What are the must-do things in Minato?
Generally speaking, there are several essential, must-see things in Minato. Firstly, Minato is close to several national parks and day trips to these are one of the best experiences the area has to offer. Being a coastal prefecture, it’s also worth exploring Minato’s maritime heritage, with its hectic fish markets, museums and cruises available from local providers. Finally, Minato has a rich history and no visit would be complete without seeing some of the recreations and exhibits dedicated to this.
Places to Visit in Minato
Minato City is a unique location with a huge amount to see and do. Blessed with a futuristic cityscape as well as a surprisingly rich natural environment, the ward offers all manner of attractions and its location towards the city centre means it offers easy access to many of the famous landmarks of Tokyo.
- Mount Fuji - Mount Fuji is an important symbol for Japan and anyone staying in Tokyo simply must take advantage of one of the many excursions offered to its national park.
- Odaiba Marine Park - an urban oasis offering visitors plenty of natural greenery and stunning views of Tokyo Bay
- Mori Art Museum - a gallery exhibiting modern art, sculptures and interactive media from local and international artists
- The Roppongi Hills - an affluent residential project with its own bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. A popular place for expats to hang out
- Tokyo Tower - communications tower and Tokyo’s second-tallest structure, with an observation deck boasting incredible views of the cityscape
- Tokyo Joypolis - futuristic entertainment arcade, with video games, interactive activities, cinema and restaurants
- The Imperial Palace - one of Tokyo’s most popular landmarks, the Imperial Palace is a stunning example of Edo-period architecture, with beautiful Japanese gardens
- Zojoji Temple - a classic example of one of Japan’s famous wooden temples
Places to Eat in Minato
Japan has a wonderfully diverse cuisine, with its traditional dishes of sushi and ramen being popular across the globe. Tokyo is also known for its unique themed restaurants - many of which offer a quirky Japanese take on western dishes. Narisawa, Tokyo Shiba Toufuya Ukai, Unkai Japanese Restaurant, and Jomon Roppongi are all great options for those looking to explore the more traditional cuisine, with Itamae Sushi Akasaka being one of the best moderately-priced sushi restaurants. For those looking to eat more familiar foods, there are plenty of western restaurants in Minato. French Bar Honda, L’Effervescence and L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon are three of the best French restaurants in the city, whilst Italian cuisine can be found at Trattoria Mari e Monti or La Bisboccia.
Street Food in Minato
Minato also has plenty to offer when it comes to street food. The most popular street food is ramen without a doubt. However ramen bars are more than just a place to get a quick bite to eat, they are one of Tokyo’s classic idiosyncrasies and an essential experience for anyone visiting the city. Akanoren Nishiazabu Honten, Mazesoba Bunka Akasaka Honten and Agari are all good options for those looking for the authentic ramen dishes, whilst the famous Panda Sugar is a little bit more of a novelty but still not to be missed.
Shopping in Minato
Tokyo is known for being one of the world’s top shopping destinations, with several districts and neighbourhoods famous for its retail offerings. One such neighbourhood, Odaiba, is in the immediate vicinity of Minato and offers modern and extensive facilities, as well as the unusual novelty of a 50-foot giant robot statue. The areas of Roppongi and Shibaura also have great facilities, whilst those looking for more also have the option of heading over to Tokyo Midtown. Amongst the best shopping malls in Minato are:
- Aqua City Odaiba
- Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
- DECKS Tokyo Beach
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
- Caretta Shiodome
Transportation in Minato
Japan is known across the world for its efficient and even futuristic public transport system. Minato is, of course, part of that network and is extremely well connected to the JR Lines, as well as to the regional transport nodes in Shinjuku and Shinagawa Station which offer the cross-country Shinkansens, or bullet trains. Minato City is also an important transport hub in itself and those staying in the area are likely to find that trains and the metro are the only means of transport they require. A prepaid Suica or Pasmo card is the best means of paying for multiple journeys, offering reduced fares and operating in a similar fashion to London’s Oyster Card. Some key stations in the area are:
- Minato-Shimmachi
- Koyasu Station
- Katase-Enoshima
- Kawasaki
- Shin-Koyasu Station
Minato City is also easily reachable from both Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport.
Weather Minato
Minato experiences the same weather system as the rest of Tokyo, which can vary dramatically throughout the year. The city usually experiences high summer temperatures - reaching as high as 32.4°C in August. Combined with high levels of humidity, this can make the city quite uncomfortable for those who are not acclimatised. Spring is the most popular time to visit, thanks to clement weather and the famous blossoming cherry trees. However, Minato can still be very cold at this time of year, with temperatures hovering just above freezing until April.
