Built on a marshy area of foothills south of central Tokyo, its coverage roughly corresponds to that of the former Azabu Ward, presently consisting of nine official districts: Azabu-Jūban, Azabudai, Azabu-Nagasakachō, Azabu-Mamianachō, Minami-Azabu, Nishi-Azabu, Higashi-Azabu, Moto-Azabu and Roppongi.
It is known as one of Tokyo's most expensive and upscale residential districts with many artists, business people, and celebrities residing there.
The area became urbanized in the 17th century, after Tokugawa Ieyasu established his seat of government in nearby Edo.
This is the district of Tokyo where manga artist Naoko Takeuchi resides, and the Azabu-Jūban area is the setting of her fictional Sailor Moon series.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education operates local public high schools.