Luxury Apartments in Tokyo: A Comprehensive Guide to Penthouses for Sale and Rent

Are you searching for high-rise penthouse apartments in Tokyo? This comprehensive guide explores everything foreign residents need to know about luxury apartments for sale and apartments for rent in Tokyo, with a focus on prestigious penthouses that overlook Tokyo's magnificent skyline.

Average Sale and Rental Prices of Tokyo Penthouses and Luxury Apartments

Tokyo's penthouse apartments occupy the very top end of the real estate market. In central Tokyo (23 wards), brand-new luxury penthouse units typically start around ¥100 million (approximately $1 million). Even pre-owned penthouses often command about ¥50–80 million, significantly higher than ordinary apartments in Tokyo. For renters, monthly penthouse rents usually range between ¥500,000 and ¥1,000,000 (about $5,000–$10,000). In prestigious central locations like Minato-ku, some ultra-luxury penthouses go for even more – "億ション" (condos priced over ¥100 million) are common in Tokyo's penthouse market, and top-tier units can rent for "数十万円から数百万円" (tens to hundreds of thousands of yen per month). These lofty prices reflect the exclusivity, location, and features of penthouse living in the heart of Tokyo.

Prevalence and Locations: Where Penthouses and Luxury Apartments Are Found

Penthouses are relatively rare in Tokyo, as they are by definition limited to the top floor of high-rise buildings and usually only offered in upscale developments. They tend to be concentrated in central Tokyo, especially the high-end districts of the 23 wards. Areas such as Minato Ward (Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu), Chiyoda/Chuo (near the Imperial Palace or central business districts), Shibuya (Omotesando, Daikanyama), and parts of Shinjuku or Shinagawa with luxury towers are typical locations.

Property listings in Tokyo for penthouses are most common in these neighborhoods:

• Roppongi: Home to Roppongi Hills and other luxury tower condominiums
• Mita: Known for exclusive luxury condominium apartments
• Hiroo: A high-class residential area popular among foreign residents
• Toranomon: Features the impressive Toranomon Hills Residential Tower
• Meguro: Offers luxury apartments with lush greenery views
• Shirokane: Houses several prestige residences including Prestige Residence Shirokane Chojamaru
• Azabu-Juban: Accessible via Tokyo Metro Namboku Line and known for high-end living
• Akasaka: Near Tokyo Midtown with premium luxury apartments
• Ginza: Famous for its upscale shopping and exclusive residential towers

In these areas, developers build high-rise luxury condominiums on premium land, making penthouses more common there than in the suburbs. Even so, penthouse units are few in number – a large high-rise might only have one or a handful of penthouse-style units. Because of this scarcity, many penthouses (especially the very high-end ones) are not openly advertised on public listing sites; buyers often must work with brokers or developers directly to find available penthouse listings. In summary, Tokyo penthouses are limited and highly sought-after, primarily found in the city's most affluent neighborhoods with convenient access to the Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro lines, and prestigious addresses.

Key Features and Perks of Tokyo Penthouses and Luxury Apartments

Panoramic Views and Living Environment

Penthouses sit at the top of residential towers, offering sweeping vistas of the Tokyo skyline. Residents often enjoy unblocked views of city landmarks (such as Tokyo Tower or Skytree) and even Mt. Fuji on clear days. Many penthouses feature floor-to-ceiling windows or glass curtain walls to maximize the view, creating a breathtaking backdrop to everyday life in Tokyo. (Note: These expansive windows mean higher sun exposure, so owners sometimes face increased cooling costs.)

Expansive Private Terraces and Amenities

It's common for penthouse units in Tokyo to include a large rooftop terrace or balcony, essentially an outdoor extension of the living space. Some high-end penthouses even boast private rooftop gardens, jacuzzis, or pools – amenities practically unheard of in regular city apartments. These outdoor spaces and extras provide a resort-like oasis above the city. For example, one recently built penthouse in Shibuya included a personal infinity pool on its roof terrace.

Spacious Interiors and High Ceilings

Tokyo penthouses are usually much larger than the average apartment. They often occupy an entire floor or are duplex/maisonette units, giving an open, house-like feel even in a condo. Floor plans typically range from luxurious 1LDK layouts to expansive 3LDK configurations, with some even larger. Ceilings are extra-high – often 3 meters or more – sometimes featuring atriums (double-height voids) and mezzanines. This vertical spaciousness, combined with open-plan living/dining areas, creates an airy atmosphere of grandeur. In fact, the penthouse's signature is a lavish sense of volume: developers frequently incorporate 吹き抜け (atrium spaces) and 大開口 (wide openings) to emphasize the openness.

Many luxury apartments feature high-end amenities like floor heating systems and bathroom dryers for comfort in all seasons.

Luxury Building Services and Shared Facilities

Penthouse residents enjoy all the high-end services and security of the buildings they crown. Luxury towers in Tokyo commonly provide:

• Hotel-like 24-hour concierge service (often bilingual concierge for foreign residents)
• Front desk services and valet parking
• Enhanced security systems
• Impressive entrance lobbies
• Fitness gym facilities and sometimes spa amenities
• Sky lounges with panoramic views
• Party rooms or even guest suites for residents' visitors
• Medical clinics in some buildings
• Access to various commercial facilities within the complex

Living in a tower residence often means priority access to these shared facilities and services, and a level of privacy – some penthouse floors have restricted-access elevators or private lift lobbies. The overall lifestyle is one of convenience and pampering; for instance, concierge services can assist with everything from parcel deliveries to taxi arrangements.

Exclusivity and Prestige

Perhaps one of the biggest "perks" is the cachet that comes with a penthouse address in central Tokyo. Being the top-floor resident means there are no neighbors above, and often fewer units on the same floor (sometimes the penthouse is the sole unit on that level, or one of two). This exclusivity fosters a quiet, private living environment – a rare commodity in dense Tokyo. Penthouses in landmark buildings are status symbols; they have attracted celebrities, CEOs, and international elites as residents. In short, a Tokyo penthouse offers not just a home, but a symbol of luxury living, combining sky-high views, expansive space, and five-star services in one package.

Notable Real Estate Brands and Building Series Offering Penthouses

Tokyo's penthouses are usually found in developments by major real estate companies known for luxury projects. Here are some prominent brands/series and developers that feature penthouse units:

Mitsui Fudosan Residential

Known for its Park Mansion series – an ultra-luxury brand reserved for only the most premier projects. Park Mansion properties (e.g. Mita Tsunamachi Park Mansion) are built in prime locations with top-tier design. Mitsui also offers high-end towers under the Park Court and Park Tower brands, which often include penthouse units. These series emphasize elegant design and often set record prices in their neighborhoods. (Mitsui's Park Mansion Hinokicho-Koen in Akasaka, for example, was reputed for a penthouse priced around ¥5.5 billion).

Mitsubishi Estate Residence

Developer of The Parkhouse series. While Parkhouse buildings range from mid-market to high-end, Mitsubishi's flagship projects carry the "The Parkhouse Gran" designation, indicating a premium, limited offering. These typically include expansive top-floor units. Recent examples include The Parkhouse Gran Minamiaoyama and Gran Sanbancho, known for luxurious penthouse residences.

Sumitomo Realty & Development

Creator of the Grand Hills (グランドヒルズ) brand, which is Sumitomo's top-of-the-line series for condominiums. Grand Hills projects (e.g. Grand Hills Shirokanedai, Grand Hills Motoazabu) are located in prestigious neighborhoods like Shirokanedai, Shoto, and Azabu, and feature opulent interiors and often concierge service. Sumitomo also builds many high-rise condominiums under City Tower and City House brands – even those can exceed ¥100 million for top-floor units in prime areas. For the rental market, Sumitomo's "La Tour" series of luxury rental towers (such as La Tour Shinjuku or La Tour Daikanyama) is well-known; these towers reserve their highest floors for penthouse apartments catering to executives and expatriates.

Nomura Real Estate

Developer of the Proud series. "Proud Tower" buildings (e.g. Proud Tower Shirokanedai, Proud Tower Nagatacho) are high-end residential towers that often include special penthouse floor plans. Nomura's projects focus on a balance of luxury and functionality, and penthouse units in Proud series come with top-grade specifications and views.

Tokyu Land Corporation

Creator of Branz (ブランドゥ) luxury residences. Notable projects like Branz Roppongi or Branz Tower Shibuya have featured exclusive top-floor units. Tokyu's Branz series places emphasis on refined architecture and premium materials, making their penthouses stand out in design. Some Branz projects in central Tokyo partner with famous architects, delivering unique penthouse layouts as a result.

Mori Building

A private developer known for large-scale mixed-use complexes branded as "Hills." Mori's "Hills" residential towers are mostly rental but epitomize luxury living in Tokyo. For instance, Roppongi Hills Residence (Minato) and Toranomon Hills Residence feature penthouse units with stunning city panoramas and access to amenities like spa, fitness gym, and bilingual concierge. Mori's projects often integrate residences with hotels or offices, so penthouse residents may enjoy hotel-quality services (room service, housekeeping) when available. The newly opened Azabudai Hills is Mori's latest project and includes the branded Aman Residences Tokyo, whose penthouse units have set new price records.

Other Brands

Several other developers contribute to Tokyo's luxury penthouse market. Sekisui House markets high-end condos under "Grande Maison", occasionally offering penthouse plans (e.g. Grande Maison Shirokane). Tokyo Tatemono uses the "Brillia" brand, with select Brillia Towers (like Brillia Tower Shinjuku) featuring penthouse floors. Additionally, Hulic, Daiwa House, NTT Urban Development, and others have one-off luxury projects that include notable penthouses. Each brand has its own style, but all compete to deliver premium quality deserving of a penthouse label.

Top 3 Most Expensive Penthouse Listings in Tokyo

Azabudai Hills "Aman Residences Tokyo" Penthouse – Approx. ¥20 billion ($140+ million)

The crown jewel penthouse in the newly completed Azabudai Hills project (Minato Ward) reportedly hit the market around ¥20,000,000,000, making it the most expensive condo in Japan's history. This penthouse spans about 1,500 m² (16,000+ sq ft) across the top floor of a 330-meter tall tower and comes with Aman hotel branding and services. All three of the top-floor penthouse units in Azabudai Hills (two of which were in the ¥20 billion range) sold out quickly to ultra-wealthy buyers, underscoring the demand at the very high end of Tokyo's luxury apartment market.

"The KITA" Shibuya Penthouse – Sold for ~¥7.1 billion ($50 million)

In mid-2023, a penthouse in The KITA, an exclusive boutique residence in Shibuya-ku, designed by Kengo Kuma, sold to an overseas investor for about ¥7.1 billion. This two-floor penthouse (around 507 m²) features a private rooftop terrace with an infinity pool and panoramic views of central Tokyo. The sale, which equated to roughly $50 million, made headlines as one of the priciest residential deals in Tokyo outside of large multi-unit towers.

Grand Hills Mita Garden Hills Penthouse – Around ¥5.5 billion ($40+ million)

Mita Garden Hills is a luxury redevelopment project in Minato Ward by Mitsui Fudosan and partners, and it has set new price highs for domestic developer-built condos. The top penthouse unit in this project (a 4LDK residence of ~260 m² in the Park Mansion section of the development) was offered around ¥5.5 billion and has reportedly been sold. This figure (over ¥21 million per tsubo) was expected to surpass the previous record for a Japanese condominium price. The Mita Garden Hills penthouse, with its prime Azabu-Mita address and state-of-the-art facilities, exemplifies the peak of the local luxury market.

Honorable Mentions

Other ultra-expensive penthouses include those in Toranomon Hills Residential Tower (Minato), where units have been listed in the ¥2–3 billion range, and Mitsui's Park Mansion Hinokicho-Koen (Akasaka), which was rumored to have a ¥5.5 billion penthouse sale. These staggering prices show that Tokyo's very top-end residences rival those of New York or London in cost.

Design and Styling of Tokyo Penthouses and Luxury Apartments

Interior design and layout are key differentiators of penthouses in Tokyo. These residences are meticulously crafted to exude luxury, often with the help of renowned architects or interior designers. A typical penthouse interior is expansive and open-plan, with large living/dining areas that might be 20+ 畳 (Japanese tatami-mat measure, roughly 33+ m²) in size. Floor plans usually include multiple bedrooms (3LDK or more, often with ensuite bathrooms) and special purpose rooms like studies, home theaters, or private gyms. The master suites tend to be particularly generous – for instance, a master bedroom could be over 10 畳 (~16–20 m²) and accompanied by a walk-in closet and a luxurious bath.

Penthouse interiors feature premium finishes and materials throughout. Expect high-grade natural stone (marble or granite) and wood for flooring and surfaces, stylish feature walls, and custom lighting schemes. Developers frequently import luxury fixtures: kitchens are often island-style layouts equipped with top-of-the-line appliances (brands like Miele, Gaggenau, and Siemens are popular in high-end Tokyo condos). It's common to see wine coolers, built-in espresso machines, and other upscale kitchen amenities pre-installed. Bathrooms in penthouses are akin to spa hotels – think marble-tiled onsen-style baths with views, rain showers, double vanities, and sometimes even private saunas or jet tubs.

Another hallmark of penthouse design is maximizing the connection to the view. Many penthouses in Tokyo incorporate panoramic glass walls; one developer (Sumitomo) even pioneered a "Dynamic Panorama Window" design, eliminating the typical small balcony in favor of a full-height glass facade in living rooms. This creates an unobstructed vista and floods the interior with natural light. Ceiling heights are notably higher than standard – often 2.7 to 3.5 meters or more – which not only enhances the open feel but also allows for grand design elements like coffered ceilings or dramatic chandeliers. In some duplex penthouses, an open staircase and mezzanine level accentuate the vertical space, giving the unit a unique architectural character.

Overall, Tokyo penthouses are styled to be sleek, modern, and elegant, sometimes with a touch of Japanese aesthetic (such as minimalist lines or use of washi paper accents) and sometimes in a classic international luxe style. Many new penthouses partner with famous designers – for example, the Aman Residences units feature interiors supervised by Yabu Pushelberg (a renowned design firm) to align with the Aman hotel's aesthetic. Whether ultra-modern or classically opulent, the design goal is to provide a one-of-a-kind living environment that justifies the penthouse's premium status.

Iconic Buildings in Tokyo Known for Penthouses and Luxury Apartments

Over the decades, Tokyo has produced a number of iconic residential buildings – some older, some modern – that are famous for their penthouse offerings and luxury appeal. Below are a few notable examples, including pioneering vintage towers and contemporary landmarks:

Mita Tsunamachi Park Mansion (Minato-ku, 1971)

Often cited as Japan's first true luxury condominium, this low-rise residence by Mitsui Fudosan was the original "億ション", with units (especially the penthouse) priced over ¥100 million back in the 1970s. It set the template for exclusive urban living, featuring a spacious penthouse that became legendary. Even today, Park Mansion Mita remains a status address, and its top unit – if ever on market – is considered a trophy property among apartments for sale in Tokyo.

Hiroo Garden Hills (Shibuya-ku, 1986)

A landmark vintage high-end complex in central Tokyo, comprising several low-rise and high-rise buildings. While not a "tower" in the modern sense, Hiroo Garden Hills was home to many executives and expatriates, prized for its lush greenery and large apartments. The top-floor units in each building (especially in the E-Block near Hiroo station) function as penthouses with expansive layouts. This complex is still iconic as a luxury residential address decades later, representing the 1980s boom-era elegance and remains conveniently accessible via the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

Roppongi Hills Residence (Minato-ku, 2003)

Part of the famous Roppongi Hills mixed-use development by Mori Building, these two residential towers (Residence A and B) brought resort-style luxury living into the heart of Tokyo. The penthouses here, located on the highest floors (up to the 43rd floor), offer panoramic views of central Tokyo and come with access to shared facilities like a fitness gym, spa, and bilingual concierge. Roppongi Hills penthouses have housed celebrities and business tycoons; at one point, monthly rents for top units here exceeded ¥5 million (approximately $45,000). This residence's name value and its sky-high penthouses have made it an emblem of Tokyo luxury living.

Atago Green Hills Forest Tower (Minato-ku, 2001)

One of Mori Building's earlier luxury towers, located on a hill near Tokyo Tower. Its penthouse units are famed for their sweeping Tokyo Tower and bay views. Professional athletes and CEOs have resided in Forest Tower's top floors, drawn by the combination of lush greenery (Atago Shrine's forest) and city panoramas. The building's top residences and duplex penthouses helped popularize the concept of "high-rise tower mansion" living in the early 2000s. The Atago area offers excellent access to the Oedo line and other transportation options.

Motoazabu Hills (Minato-ku, 2003)

Another Mori project, but a smaller-scale ultra-luxury building in the exclusive Azabu neighborhood. Motoazabu Hills is a single 29-story luxury apartment tower with only 83 units, capped by a massive penthouse that reportedly spans multiple floors. This building is notable for its low unit density and extravagant unit sizes – the penthouse here set price-per-square-meter records at the time of sale. It remains a sought-after address, symbolizing the idea of "urban villa" living atop a high-rise condominium.

Park Court Akasaka Hinokicho The Tower (Minato-ku, 2018)

A modern example of an iconic penthouse offering, this 44-story condo by Mitsui Fudosan sits adjacent to Tokyo Midtown and Hinokicho Park. Its upper floors boast some of the most coveted views of the Imperial Palace grounds and Mount Fuji. The penthouse units in Park Court Akasaka Hinokicho (especially the top floor suites) drew intense buyer interest, with reports of lottery sales for these units due to oversubscription. The building's combination of cutting-edge seismic design, smart-home features, and luxurious amenities (like a top-floor sky lounge) make it a new classic. A penthouse here reportedly sold for over ¥1.5 billion, underscoring how new towers continue to push the envelope in Tokyo's luxury apartment market.

(Many other buildings could be mentioned — from the "Grand Maison Shirokane" to Toranomon Hills Residential Tower (2022) — but the above are illustrative of Tokyo's penthouse legacy, from the 1970s to today. Each of these addresses has a story in Tokyo's luxury real estate history, and their penthouses are the stuff of real estate legend.)

Upcoming Penthouse Developments and Projects

Tokyo's skyline is continually evolving, and several new luxury high-rises are bringing fresh penthouse opportunities to the market. In the next few years, a handful of projects stand out:

Toranomon–Azabudai Project (Azabudai Hills)

Recently completed in late 2023, Azabudai Hills is a massive new urban redevelopment in central Tokyo. It includes ultra-luxurious residences such as the Aman Residences Tokyo (mentioned above for its record-breaking penthouses) and other high-spec condo units. The project has instantly redefined the high-end market, offering penthouses with unmatched scale and hotel-brand services. As the residences fully open in 2024, they set a new benchmark for luxury (and price) in Tokyo. The Toranomon Hills Residential Tower (a separate 54-story tower completed in 2022) is another recent addition in the Toranomon district, with penthouse units that boast panoramic city and bay views and access to the adjacent hotel's services.

Mita Garden Hills (Grand Hills Mita)

Under development by Mitsui Fudosan and slated for completion around 2025, this project in Minato Ward is a large-scale luxury residential enclave. It's noteworthy not only for reviving the historic "Garden Hills" name but also for its record-setting penthouse prices (over ¥5 billion) as discussed. Mita Garden Hills will consist of multiple buildings, including a high-rise tower and low-rise park-side residences, all offering premium units. Foreign investors have reportedly shown strong interest in the top-end units. Once finished, its penthouses will likely rank among Tokyo's most exclusive addresses, with the added benefit of being near Mita station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.

Shinjuku and Shibuya New Towers

In Shinjuku, projects near Shinjuku Gyoen and the station area are bringing new luxury condos. For example, Classy Tower Shinjuku Gyoen is one such development (by a consortium including NTT Urban Development) expected to offer upscale units with park views. In Shibuya, redevelopment of districts like Sakuragaoka and Dogenzaka is underway. Shibuya Upper West Project (tentative name) is rumored to include a high-end residential component. These upcoming towers in Shinjuku and Shibuya will likely include penthouse floors featuring modern layouts and prime city panoramas, adding to the slim supply of luxury condos in those wards. These locations offer excellent access to the Yamanote line and various Tokyo Metro lines including the Chiyoda line.

Other Notable Plans

Tokyo's luxury condo pipeline is relatively limited (in fact, industry observers note that supply of new high-end condos remains tight looking forward). However, a few projects are worth watching. Takanawa Gateway City near Shinagawa (led by JR East) is a large redevelopment where a luxury residential tower might emerge. Nihonbashi 1-Chome Redevelopment (Mitsui Fudosan) and Yaesu 2-Chome Project could also have high-end residential components given their prime central locations, though details are still unannounced. Additionally, developers are exploring branded residences (partnering with luxury hotel brands) beyond Azabudai's Aman – for instance, Mori is planning a Bulgari Hotel & Residences in Tokyo, which could introduce penthouse-style units with hotel services. Overall, while Tokyo will see some new penthouse offerings in coming years, they will remain limited in number. Each new luxury tower tends to be an event in itself, given the city's scarcity of land and high construction costs for top-end specifications.

Legal and Process Considerations for Foreign Buyers/Renters

Foreigners will be glad to know that Japan imposes no legal restrictions on foreign property ownership – overseas buyers can freely purchase condominiums or land in Tokyo, just as a Japanese national would. The buying process (from offer to closing) is essentially the same regardless of nationality, though all paperwork and contracts are in Japanese. It's advisable to work with a bilingual real estate agent and possibly a judicial scrivener to navigate the documentation and ensure understanding of important terms. Financing is available to foreign buyers in some cases, but Japanese banks often require residency status or local income, so many foreign buyers purchase in cash or via financing from their home country.

For renting a luxury apartment in Tokyo, there are also no laws prohibiting foreigners from leasing property; however, in practice, foreign tenants may encounter extra requirements. It is standard in Japan for landlords to ask for a guarantor (連帯保証人) – typically a Japanese citizen or company who co-signs the lease. Many foreigners without family in Japan must use a guarantor company (a service that guarantees rent for a fee) or have their employer sponsor the lease. Landlords may also prefer tenants who can communicate in Japanese or work through an agency, to avoid language issues.

It's important to be prepared for upfront costs when renting: usually several months' rent worth of deposit, key money, and agent fees are needed. Foreign renters should not be discouraged; Tokyo has agencies (like Plaza Homes, Ken Corporation, etc.) specializing in assisting expatriates, which can help streamline the process and find foreigner-friendly properties. Overall, with the right support and preparation, foreigners can successfully buy or rent penthouse apartments in Tokyo, enjoying the same property rights as locals in one of the world's most exciting real estate markets.

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Whether you're looking for apartments for sale in Tokyo or seeking to rent in Tokyo's luxury market, these high-rise penthouse apartments offer an unparalleled living experience in one of the world's most vibrant cities. From the exclusive towers of Roppongi Hills to the newly developed Azabudai Hills, Tokyo's luxury apartments feature world-class amenities, breathtaking views, and exceptional services that cater to the most discerning residents.