[$Mn_{12}O_{12}(azo-L)_{16}(H_2O)_4$] (1), a new Mn12 single molecule magnet containing a photochromic azobenzene ligand, has been successfully synthesized by substitution of acetate ligand of Mn12 with 6-[4-{4-hexyloxyphenyl( azo)}-phenoxy]hexanoic-1-acid. The reversible photoisomerization of the azobenzene group was confirmed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The temperature and field dependence of dc susceptibility and the temperature and the frequency dependence of ac susceptibility were measured for the cis and the trans isomer of 1. The magnetization value of the cis isomer in dc measurement is higher than that of the trans isomer. The cis isomer of 1 has a slower relaxation because cis-trans photoisomerization of the azobenzene group in peripheral ligands induces changes in its structure and dipole moment.