Roppongi is well-known for its nightlife, and as a hang-out for foreigners in Tokyo. Most restaurants, bars, and clubs in the area cater to non-Japanese-speaking customers.
The new multipurpose complex built in Roppongi was opened to the public in 2003 after seventeen years of construction. The large area consists of gardens, open spaces, residential buildings, office buildings, shopping complexes including restaurants, shops, and cafes, and amusement facilities such as movie theaters, a museum, and outdoor theater, all of which meets everything the residents would need. Providing everything the residents need supposedly offers more quality time to the residents according to what the designer of this complex, Minoru Mori advocates. The 54-story Mori Tower consisting of shops, restaurants, and the Mori Art Museum is the tallest building on the grounds with its height of 238 meters. One of the gardens, the Mohri Garden is probably the most popular one as it is designed in the Japanese traditional style with the essence of contemporary features. The area surrounding the Roppongi Hills also enhances its luxury and richness by housing high-class designers brand stores.
Address: 6-chome Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-6406-6000 Access: 0-minute walk from Roppongi Sta. on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (connected from the station plaza via a concourse). 4-minute walk from Roppongi Sta. on the Toei subway Oedo Line. 4 mins walk from Azabu-juban Sta. on the Toei subway Oedo Line. 7 mins walk from Azabu-juban Sta. on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.
Erected to relay broadcastings in 1958, Tokyo Tower, the tallest edifice in Japan boasts a height of 333-meters as a symbol of Tokyo. The tower is 33 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but is 300 tons lighter. You can enjoy a magnificent view from the Main Observatory at the height of 150 meters and the Special Observatory at the height of 250 meters. On clear days, you will be able to see all the way up to Hakone and Mt. Fuji in the west, Mt. Tsukuba in the northeast, the Boso and Miura peninsulas in the south. Below the tower, there is an amusement complex housing souvenir shops, an aquarium, a wax museum, and art galleries. After about 5 decades have passed since the opening, the Tokyo Tower painted in orange and white is transmitting 14 broadcasting signals for both TV and FM radio stations. Since 1989, the tower has been lit up from the bottom at night and has been creating a fantastic view in the night sky of Tokyo.
Address: 4-2-8 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3433-5111 Access: 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Sta. on the Toei subway Oedo Line. 6-minute walk from Onarimon Sta. on the Toei subway Mita Line. 7-minute walk from Kamiyacho Sta. on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
Open Hours: 9:00-22:00 Admission Fee: Adult: 820 Yen, Child: 460 Yen
Atago-yama has always been cherished with its rich natural environment since the Edo Period. Atago Green Hills was built to blend historic structures such as temples and shrines and contemporary structures in the nature. Designed by a world-renowned architect, twin towers consisting of the Mori Tower and the Forest Tower, show off the beautiful form of curves like flowers. The Mori tower is designed for offices and the Forest Tower is designed for residences respectfully. Both buildings represent most advance technology such as earthquake resistant and vibration control device to insure the safety of residents and workers. The buildings are surrounded by preserved nature that is creating relaxing and comfortable environment to enhance the living and working environment.
Address: 2-5-1 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3431-6033 Access: 3 mins walk from Goseimon Sta. on Toei Subway Mita Line 4 mins walk from Jinyacho Sta. on Eidan Subway Mita Line
Zojoji Temple founded by Yuyo Shoso is a Buddhist temple. Komyoji Temple erected by one of Kukai's disciples named Shuei, is believed to be the predecessor of Zojoji Temple. In 1393, Shoso converted Komyoji Temple of the Shingon sect to the Jodo sect and named it Zojoji. The Zojoji Temple became a family temple for the Tokugawa Shogun and the temple was later moved to Shiba where the temple is currently situated in 1598. After the last Edo Shogun retuned political power to the emperor, the Meiji Restoration's active movement enforced a separation of religion and politics. A large part of the temple grounds was, as a result, turned into a public park. The temple remains at the same place to present its dignity although it had a sever damage during the World War II. The temple becomes packed full of people for New Year's and Setsubun (ceremony celebrating coming of spring by throwing beans) in February.
Address: 4-7-35 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku,Tokyo Tel: 03-3432-1431 Access: 10 mins walk from JR Hamamatsucho Sta. or Onarimon Sta. on the Toei subway Mita Line Open Hours: 5:30-17:00 URL: http://www.zojoji.or.jp/en/index.html
Tokyo Midtown is a multipurpose community, much like Roppongi Hills. It opened in 2007 and centers around the Midtown Tower, the tallest building in Tokyo. The lush greenery that surrounds this six building complex is the main attraction for visitors and residents. Within this vast greenery are various residential, commercial and business facilities, including an art museum, luxury hotel and about 130 shops, restaurants and cafes.
The National Art Center, Tokyo is one of the largest art museums in Japan and seeks to better utilize its exhibition space by serving as a venue for various art exhibitions, rather than maintaining a permanent collection. This innovative museum also promotes outreach and education through a variety of activities and its Art Library gathers and publishes information related to art, as well. In a metropolitan and international city like Tokyo, where there is considerable diversity, the Center hopes to give people opportunities to come together and work towards the development of a new culture rooted in mutual understanding.
Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5777-8600 Access: Directly connected to Nogizaka Sta. on Chiyoda Line URL: http://www.nact.jp/english/index.html
This interesting complex is directly connected to Akasaka subway station and has a theater stage, live performance theater, art gallery, shops and restaurants all centered around TBS TVstation. Approximately 100 cherry trees are planted around the complex and make a gorgeous sight each spring for visitors to enjoy.
Tel: 03-3746-6666 Access: Directly connected to Akasaka Sta. on Chiyoda Line URL: http://sacas.net/index.html
More Roppongi sightseeing spots are coming soon!! Arisugawa Memorial Park, Azabujuban Onsen, Mori Museum
Sightseeing Spots in Roppongi(Tokyo)
