| Area | Shirogane, Takanawa, and Kami-Osaki |
| Old City Charm |
 Skyscrapers
and high-rise hotels line the waterfront of Tokyo's Minato Ward
in an impressive skyline of ultra-modern glass and steel. But
just a few minutes away, along winding streets and behind high
walls of stone, stand the aristocratic mansions of days past,
now embassies, museums and private clubs for Tokyo's elite.
These are the streets of Tokyo's "Old Money" neighborhoods --
Takanawa, Shirogane and Kami-Osaki. |
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Orientation
Located in Tokyo's Minato and Shinagawa Wards, the Takanawa-Shirogane-Kami-Osaki
area stretches northward from the southernmost bend in the Yamanote
Line, and includes the neighborhoods of Kami-Osaki, Higashi-Gotanda,
Shirogane-dai, Takanawa, Mita and Shirogane. The area is roughly
a triangle, bordered by the Yamanote Line on the south and the
Shuto Expressway to the north. It's easy for residents of the
triangle to get around Tokyo and take advantage of neighboring
areas. Shinagawa, immediately to the south, is a major transportation
hub with Shinkansen (bullet train) service to Western Japan.
And to the north, a short cab ride or long walk away, you'll
find Azabu, Hiroo, and Roppongi -- areas with a strong foreign
presence, excellent shopping and, in the case of Roppongi, an
explosive nightlife. |
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History
Neighborhoods within the triangle share a history that dates back to the 17th
century. Feudal lords from the provinces were required to spend
half of each year in Edo (what is now Tokyo), under the watchful
eye of the Shogun. These lords built grand homes -- Japan's
first affluent suburbs -- in the areas that are now Takanawa,
Shirogane, Mita and Kami-Osaki. |
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Shopping & Recreation
Though no longer suburban, these areas are still affluent, and residents can do all their shopping locally. Narrow streets lined with neighborhood grocers, boutiques, galleries and gourmet restaurants meander through the communities. Larger supermarket chains are found closer to train stations and major thoroughfares. Peaceful parks, temples and shrines are hidden between commercial roads, and the Australian and Italian Embassies make their homes here. The quiet clubs and restaurants of Shiroganedai make for a nice alternative to the bustling streets of neighboring Roppongi and Azabu.
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Schools
Families living in this area have several international schools to choose from,
including Tokyo International School, Shirogane International
School and Ai International School. And Nishimachi International
School and Sacred Heart are conveniently located in nearby Azabu
and Hiroo.
Old world charm, modern conveniences and a central location set the Takanawa-Shirogane-Kami-Osaki area apart, and Century 21 SKY Realty knows of many sensational properties here at prices to fit most budgets.
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