🌊 Origin of the Name
Minato City was established in 1947 when the former Shiba, Azabu, and Akasaka wards were merged.
The initial proposal was “Higashi-Minato Ward,” but it was changed to “Minato Ward” to avoid redundancy with “Tokyo-to Higashi-Minato.”
The name reflects hopes for the growth of Tokyo Port and the new ward.

📜 Historical Highlights

🚂 Birthplace of Japan’s First Railway
In 1872, Japan’s first railway opened between Shimbashi (now the Shiodome area) and Yokohama.
The Old Shimbashi Station site remains preserved as a Railway History Exhibition Hall, where visitors can explore early railway archives.

🗼 Tokyo Tower
Completed in 1958, the 333-meter Tokyo Tower continues to attract visitors with its views and night illumination.
Nearby Zojoji Temple is a famous historical site linked to the Tokugawa Shogunate.

🌉 Waterfront Development
The Rainbow Bridge connects Odaiba and Shibaura to central Tokyo with a multi-layer structure combining expressways, local roads, the Yurikamome line, and pedestrian decks.
Walking across the bridge is a popular way to enjoy Tokyo Bay’s scenery.

🏙 Major Urban Redevelopment
Roppongi Hills (2003) and Tokyo Midtown (2007) transformed Minato into a hub of urban living, culture, and business.
In 2023, Azabudai Hills opened, featuring the Mori JP Tower, which became Japan’s tallest skyscraper at approximately 325 meters (at the time of opening).

🌍 A Truly International District
Minato City hosts an exceptionally large number of embassies.
As of December 2023, 81 embassies are located here, accounting for more than half of all embassies in Japan.
The Azabu area, in particular, is known for its strong international atmosphere.

🏙 Key Area Profiles

📍 Akasaka / Toranomon / Shimbashi
A core business district with government offices, corporate headquarters, and global companies.
With the expansion of Toranomon Hills, the area attracts business professionals and urban-oriented DINKS.

📍 Roppongi / Azabu / Hiroo
A multicultural residential zone with many embassies.
Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, and notable museums create a strong cultural presence.
Low-rise luxury homes and modern towers coexist, making it popular among expats and affluent families.

📍 Shiba / Hamamatsucho / Shiodome
An area where historical landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Zojoji meet high-rise offices.
Hamamatsucho provides excellent access to Haneda Airport, ideal for frequent business travelers.

📍 Shibaura / Odaiba
Known for canals, open views, and waterfront living.
High-rise apartments with Rainbow Bridge views are especially valued.

📍 Takanawa / Shirokane / Shirokanedai
Quiet, upscale residential neighborhoods with excellent access to Shinkansen and Haneda Airport.
The opening of Takanawa Gateway Station has increased future development potential.

🚆 Transportation & Access

🚇 Rail Network
Minato City is served by major lines including JR Yamanote Line (Tamachi, Hamamatsucho, Shimbashi, Takanawa Gateway),
Tokyo Metro (Ginza, Hibiya, Namboku, Chiyoda), and Toei Oedo Line, offering excellent connectivity across Tokyo.

✈ Airport Access
Tokyo Monorail connects Hamamatsucho to Haneda Airport in about 13–18 minutes,
making the district highly convenient for domestic and international travel.

🚈 Yurikamome
Links Shimbashi with Toyosu, offering easy access to Odaiba and the waterfront area.

🚗 Expressways
The Shuto Expressway C1 loop surrounds the ward, with direct routes to Haneda and Tokyo Bay via Route 1 and Route 11 (Rainbow Bridge).

🌿 Lifestyle Appeal

💰 Strong Asset Value
Minato’s city brand and continuous redevelopment keep its real estate market highly liquid with strong rental demand.
Waterfront areas, elevated residential zones, and international school districts are especially desirable.

🏙 Flexible Residential Options
The ward offers diverse living environments for each life stage:
Urban singles (Shimbashi, Toranomon, Roppongi)
→ Family households (Azabu, Shirokane, Takanawa)
→ Waterfront seekers (Shibaura, Odaiba)

🛍 Everyday Convenience
Museums, shopping complexes, green spaces like Shiba Park, and international dining and medical services
make daily life comfortable and globally connected.

📌 Summary
Minato City has grown as a vital hub linking the sea and the land.
With icons like Tokyo Tower, world-class redevelopment projects, and a high concentration of embassies,
it offers enduring appeal for living, investment, business, and tourism.