From fine dining to luxury shopping and a deep appreciation for the arts, Roppongi is Japan’s uptown city that offers class and elegance.
About Roppongi
Roppongi is the international business district of Tokyo and one of the most upmarket areas in Japan. The city is known for its skyrise apartments, luxurious shopping destinations, and Michelin-star restaurants.
During the day, Roppongi is a busy commercial area full of local and international salarymen doing business. You’ll see men and women dressed in business attire on the click as they rush in and out of corporate buildings, take phone calls, and meet clients over coffee.
When the sun goes down, Roppongi turns into a different city. The rush hour of the business day completely dissipates as the vibrant nightlife takes over. Fashion lovers invade the shopping streets while food connoisseurs queue up for Michelin-star restaurants.
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower
Roppongi Hills is an urban development effort for integrated properties. The area is filled with mega-complex corporate offices, apartments, hotels, shops, restaurants, parks, and more!
The centerpiece of the Roppongi Hills urban development project is Mori Tower, a 238-meter skyscraper and the sixth-tallest structure in Tokyo. While it’s mainly used for offices, it is most well-known for its observation deck that offers stunning views of Tokyo Tower.
Mori Tower also hosts the Mori Art Museum which features temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. During the day, you can see the reflection of Tokyo Tower through the exterior walls of Mori Tower (as somewhat caught in the photo).
International icons
Roppongi can be a safe haven for tourists and international residents who long for their favorite establishments back home.
The massive influx of international businesses in Roppongi gives it a strong “foreigner” vibe, almost enough to make you feel like it’s not Japan! If you’re longing to speak to someone in English or another foreign language in Japan, Roppongi’s abundance of foreign residents gives you the best chance.
The town can also be an excellent place for tourists to explore international cafes and cuisines. Seattle’s Best Coffee and Cinnabon was a winning combination I could not get back home in Australia.
The best views of Tokyo Tower
Some may be surprised to know that Tokyo Tower is not located in Roppongi, but in the neighboring suburb of Shiba-Koen. The real reason the tower is always associated with Roppongi is because of the amazing views you get from the uptown district.
The saying “admire from a distance” goes a long way in this example, as going up close to the tower offers nothing but a maze of metallic beams. From Roppongi Hills, the view is at the perfect distance so you’re far enough to admire Tokyo Tower’s overall shape but close enough to see the details of its structural architecture.
All-in-all, if you’re looking for a new and perhaps “upper-class” experience in Tokyo, then Roppongi is a must-visit!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!