For some of you, Tokyo might sound like the biggest “anti-home” cities around the world. And why not? When the megalopolis is the most populated area in the world, along with being one of the biggest economic capitals globally, and all the latest technology, it is quite hard to think of the Japanese capital as a cozy and quiet little town where you’d feel welcome.
However, surprisingly, there are a lot of family friendly cozy neighborhoods around town, even at the very heart of the city. And where else a neighborhood located right beside possibly the loudest area in Japan, Azabu-Juban. Located right beside the loudest area in Tokyo, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban has managed to keep a quiet and cozy atmosphere where many people could feel as cozy as a couch at their parents’ house. And here are 5 images that could prove to you, that the town could be your home as well.
1.It’s Quiet
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Rule #1: A home must be nice and quiet. Check.
Azabu-Juban, despite its location, is a very quiet neighborhood that seems to be living in a different timezone from the rest of the city. There is a big street around the station, but once you step into the small strips (which there are plenty of), you’d realize that there aren’t many people from outside the place, but rather just locals and people who’s resided in the area.
No need to hold onto your children’s hands so that they don’t get washed away by the waves of people that you see in other famous areas. Since the area is mostly residencial, there are a lot of kids running around as well. You know it’s a great place for home when you see kids running around on the streets.
2. It’s Old - In a Good Way, Of Course
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You don’t want your home town to be all renovated, new technology and comtemporary architects everywhere, do you?
You’d see traditional-looking restaurants like these in Azabu-Juban, where people use as a hide-out. Typically quite pricy, but these restaurants are a sure three-star gourmet. In fact, this is what most great restaurants in Japan look like: no fancy ornaments boasting prestiege, but rather a calm entrance showing dignity.
3. Family-Owned Food Stands Keep You Full At All Times
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For some reason, Azabu-Juban is full of Yakitori restaurants. And most of the restaurants offer a takeout menu for you to enjoy it at home, or on the streets. That’s a sign for a good neighborhood, isn’t it?
What is amazing about Azabu-Juban is that most of the stores are family-owned, thus the restaurant owners’ will recognize you if you go there often enough. Yes, that’s what a homw should look like.
4. Local Stores Selling Exactly What A Local Store Should
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Did you think everyone in Tokyo eats vinyl rapped vegetables and fruits? Well, That is partially true, but it’s much more down-to-earth at Azabu-Juban. The local stores sell exactly what they are supposed to: fresh local goods.
Again, most of these stores are privatly owned, so you’d see locals talking in the store, chatting with the shop owner, some of the even enjoying a cup of tea that the owner serves.
5. It’s Just Beautiful
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All that being said, the town is just beautiful!
You see a great contrast of skyscrapers in Roppongi, and the “not-so-skyscraping” buildings of the neighborhood. The streets especially light up at sunset, when you’ll see a gradation of colors everywhere. That’s one scene you’d like to show your friends and say, “Hey, you wanna come visit my home town?”
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