Roppongi

Roppongi is a district in the Minato ward of Tokyo. It’s post-war reputation as a somewhat seedy entertainment district popular among foreigners has had a recent overhaul, with the building of several large-scale, upmarket commercial centers that have transformed the area into a classy and cosmopolitan meeting place for young professionals. There’s a thriving art scene, a diverse selection of food options, plus museums and shopping for the daytime, while its plentiful range of bars and clubs make for an unforgettably fun night out.

The $5 billion Roppongi Hills dominates the district’s new skyline. It’s an ultra-modern kind of super-leisure complex, with numerous tunnels, escalators and plazas connecting shops, restaurants, offices and hotels. The 53-story Mori Tower building stands at the center, and you can whizz up to the 52nd floor for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city, or head right to the top to the Mori Arts Museum which consistently hosts top quality exhibitions in its impressive gallery.

Roppongi is a fantastic place to sample some of the city’s best foreign eateries, with a huge choice of international cuisine, usually served with a Japanese twist. There’s Brazillian, Vietnamese, Turkish, French, British and American. And the area is generally a reliable option for all-day breakfast.

The notorious Roppongi nightlife is also the most diverse and accessible in the capital. Occasionally touts will try to bring you into some of the sleazier joints but there’s a bigger range of chill pubs, funky bars and sophisticated nightclubs where the crowds are generally friendly, occasionally wild and always fun.