Minato

Minato is one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards. Located in central Tokyo, it’s the city’s most international district, home to a large number of embassies and foreign corporations, as well as services for the foreign population including international schools, English-speaking hospitals and world supermarkets.

The two main areas of interest are cosmopolitan Roppongi and the futuristic island of Odaiba, which has one of the best views of Tokyo looking back across the water towards Rainbow Bridge.

A good way to get to grips with the city is a boat cruise along the Sumida River. There are various cruise routes running from the mainland to Odaiba, where panoramic glass boats offer photogenic views, as well as dinner and special event cruises that float in Tokyo Bay.

The old-school business district of Shimbashi, where the day’s work is ended over a beer under the railway tracks, is also worth a visit in the evening. If you’re looking to escape the urban daily grind though, Minato ward has some beautiful green spaces such as Happo-En gardens and Shiba Park which each host seasonal events like cherry blossom viewing and summer concerts.

Recently, the ward has developed a number of large-scale commercial complexes including Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown and Toranomon Hills that combine hotels and conference and shopping centers all in one.