Azabudai Hills and Tokyo's New Landmarks

Explore Azabudai Hills and other new Tokyo landmarks, from Japan's tallest tower to teamLab Borderless, with tips on getting there and what to see.

Published October 16, 2026 at 10:32 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Azabudai Hills is a mixed-use district in central Tokyo that opened on 24 November 2023. It is home to Mori JP Tower, Japan's tallest building at completion, plus gardens, shops, an underground food market and teamLab Borderless.

Tokyo never stands still, and over the last few years a fresh wave of large urban developments has changed the skyline and the way visitors spend their time. Leading the list is Azabudai Hills, an elegant "urban village" that opened in late 2023 and quickly became one of the city's most talked-about destinations. This guide looks at what Azabudai Hills offers, why its design is unusual, how to reach it, and which other new landmarks make good companions on an itinerary. As of autumn 2026, shops, exhibitions and facilities can change, so a quick check of the official sites before you go is always sensible.

What Azabudai Hills Is

Azabudai Hills is a mixed-use district in central Tokyo developed by Mori Building, the company behind Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills. Its official opening was on 24 November 2023, with some sections opening in stages over the following months. The project blends offices, residences, shops, restaurants, a hotel, cultural space and green areas into one walkable neighborhood, with the idea that nature and city life should sit side by side.

The complex includes three towers: one office tower and two residential towers. The tallest, Mori JP Tower, rises about 325 meters over 64 floors and became the tallest building in Japan when it was completed. The upper floors house private residences and offices, so they are not open to ordinary sightseers, but the pleasure for visitors lies at ground level, where the low-rise buildings, plazas and gardens are the main attraction.

A Design That Feels Organic

What sets Azabudai Hills apart is how it looks and feels. Different architects shaped different parts: Pelli Clarke Pelli designed the tower exteriors, Sou Fujimoto worked on interiors, and Heatherwick Studio, the London firm known for imaginative buildings, designed the low-rise structures. The result is a collection of curving forms and soft, flowing spaces that contrast with the straight lines of many Tokyo business districts.

Green space is treated as part of the architecture. The central plaza and surrounding garden plazas hold trees, planting, public artworks and places to sit. Many travelers find it a relaxing change of pace between busy stops in Roppongi and Toranomon. The complex also includes a hotel, Janu Tokyo, a wellness-focused sister brand of Aman, and Aman Residences on the upper floors of the tallest tower.

The district also fits neatly into its surroundings. The low-rise buildings keep the scale friendly at street level, while the towers behind them provide the dramatic backdrop that makes the area so photogenic. Because gardens are a core part of the plan, the district feels different from season to season, and plants, light and weather all change the mood. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant for walking outdoors, while the covered areas and the underground levels are comfortable in rain or summer heat.

Digital Art and Food Under the Hills

A major draw is teamLab Borderless, the immersive digital art museum that moved here from its earlier home in Odaiba. The museum describes itself as a world of artworks without boundaries and a museum without a map. Artworks move between rooms, interact with each other and sometimes blend together, so wandering is part of the fun. Tickets are sold through the official ticket site, and it is best to book ahead rather than rely on walk-up availability.

It helps to think of the museum as an experience to drift through rather than a gallery with a fixed route. Visitors are encouraged to explore, create a world with others and let the works change as people move through them. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is easy to move in, and check the official FAQ for current guidance on what to bring, since policies can be updated. Allow generous time, because the best moments often happen when you stop planning and simply follow the light.

Food is another reason to linger. Azabudai Hills Market, an underground food hall, gathers specialty food shops from around Japan, so it is a handy place for sweets, groceries and gifts. Shops and restaurants fill the lower levels and the garden plazas, ranging from casual cafes to refined dining. Because new tenants open over time, it is worth browsing the official directory to see what is currently available.

How to Get There

Azabudai Hills is easy to reach by subway. The complex connects directly to Kamiyacho Station on the Hibiya Line at its northwest corner. Roppongi-Itchome Station is a walk of about seven to ten minutes, and Roppongi Station is a somewhat longer walk of around a quarter of an hour. The Hibiya Line also connects with Ginza, Ueno and other popular parts of the city, which makes the district simple to add to a day of sightseeing.

The neighborhood also sits close to Toranomon, where another Mori project, Toranomon Hills, includes a station tower finished in October 2023. Pairing the two gives a good picture of how this part of Tokyo is changing. Allow a few hours for Azabudai Hills on its own, or most of a day if you plan to visit the art museum and explore the surrounding streets on foot.

Other New Landmarks Worth Knowing

Azabudai Hills is part of a wider story of redevelopment. In front of the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu opened in 2023 with a 45-floor Yaesu Central Tower, which includes Bulgari Hotel Tokyo. Toranomon Hills Station Tower, completed in October 2023, is the tallest of that complex at about 266 meters. These projects share a theme: they combine business space with plazas, hotels and public areas that welcome visitors.

Further south, the first phase of Takanawa Gateway City opened on 27 March 2025 at Takanawa Gateway Station. It features two 160-meter towers, a new station exit and a central park, and it sits on land that was once a railway yard, close to the embankment from Japan's first railway. Around 200 stores were planned to open in stages through 2026, along with offices and cultural facilities. As these places keep evolving, they are good examples of how Tokyo mixes new ideas with its strong transport network.

Quick Takeaways

Azabudai Hills works best as a relaxed half day or evening: stroll the gardens, see the architecture, try the market and, if you like, step into the world of teamLab Borderless. Book art tickets in advance, wear comfortable shoes, and check official sites for current shops and events. Keep in mind that the highest tower floors are not open to tourists, so the real appeal is the district's atmosphere.

If you enjoy contemporary design, green space and modern city life, this district and its neighbors make a rewarding contrast to Tokyo's temples and old shopping streets. Pair it with Roppongi, Toranomon or Tokyo Station for a full picture of the city's newest face. Leave time to sit, look up and enjoy the way a very large project can still feel pleasant at human scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Azabudai Hills?

The complex connects directly to Kamiyacho Station on the Hibiya Line. Roppongi-Itchome Station is roughly a seven to ten minute walk, and Roppongi Station is a longer walk of around a quarter of an hour.

Can visitors go up the Mori JP Tower?

The upper floors of Mori JP Tower hold offices and private residences, so they are not open to ordinary sightseers. Visitors can enjoy the shops, restaurants, gardens, market and teamLab Borderless at the lower levels instead.

Who designed Azabudai Hills?

Several architects shaped the district. Pelli Clarke Pelli designed the tower exteriors, Sou Fujimoto worked on the interiors, and Heatherwick Studio designed the low-rise buildings, which give the area its soft, curving look and garden feel.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Tokyo Art Museums Worth Visiting, Obuse: Nagano's Chestnut Town and Quiet Art Streets and Ogasawara Islands: Tokyo's Distant World Heritage Archipelago.