Three shining new additions have soared into the Tokyo skyline, marking the completion of Mori Building Co., Ltd.’s 30-year plan to elevate the Toranomon-Azabudai District. This new world-class neighborhood stands as Tokyo’s latest landmark, and officially opened on November 24, 2023. Dubbed the “Hills of the Future,” this was the largest redevelopment project ever undertaken by Japan’s leading urban landscape developer.

The Metropolis team was invited for a sneak peek inside the new complex, Azabudai Hills. Here’s a preview of what you can now go explore this winter.

Designed with the concept of “A City Within A City” and a “Modern Urban Village,” this multi-use complex harmoniously integrates diverse urban functions, offices, residences, retail facilities, cultural institutions, educational establishments, and medical centers.

Highlights include the new elementary school campus of the British School in Tokyo and the highly anticipated Tokyo Venture Capital Hub—the first large-scale venture capital hub in Japan. Additionally, the internationally acclaimed

experience will be relocated to MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, and the Keio University Center for Preventive Medicine will also find its new home here.

Shoppers will love the Azabudai Hills Market area and a network of hundreds of stores and restaurants throughout the complex, featuring everything from luxury retail shops and artisan market stalls. The AZABUDAI HILLS CHRISTMAS MARKET 2023 will be held from Saturday, December 9 to Monday, December 25. The authentic-feeling Christmas market space created by Shohei Shigematsu of international architectural design group OMA, and the crowning piece is a symbolic tree decorated with 20,000 LED bulbs and five types of light ornaments.

17 stalls and restaurants embrace the winter theme, in addition to a Christmas goods specialty store called Käthe Wolfert, which has its main location in Germany, plus six other stores offering Christmas goods such as trees and wreaths. 10 food and beverage outlets, including restaurants in Azabudai Hills such as Hills House Dining33 supervised by Kiyomi Mikuni and vegan café 8 will be serving limited merchandise and menu items only available at the AZABUDAI HILLS CHRISTMAS MARKET.

Tea Master Lalith Lenadora visited the complex at cafe De-limmo to celebrate the launch of exclusive tea blends with Japanese Patissier & Chocolatier Kazuaki Eguchi. Loose tea like the limited edition “Orange Candy Memories” along with a range of cakes, pastries and parfaits grace the menu. Each is infused with teas from The East India Company, including the signature “Elizabeth Range” which is a fusion of royal milk tea, strawberries, and chocolate.

In an exclusive parfait, Mr Eguchi blended the fragrance of the royal milk tea ice cream, rich chocolate cream and delicious strawberries to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Weary travelers will find solace in Aman’s world-first Janu brand hotel, offering luxurious rooms and one of Tokyo’s largest wellness facilities. Extensive residential spaces offer luxury living with all amenities at your fingertips, while the office spaces are poised to attract new opportunities in Central Tokyo.

Similar to the green spaces found at Toranomon Hills and Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills boasts a spacious Central Green crowned by a canopy designed by Heatherwick Studio, along with an orchard featuring 11 species of fruit trees. During hanami season, Sakura-asa Street and Cherry Blossom Gateways will come to life. The aim is to establish a “Green & Wellness” community, where people coexist harmoniously with nature to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.