Roppongi (六 本 木) is a district of the city of Tokyo which is part of Minato.
To know
It is an expensive area of the Minato district famous for its nightlife, largely geared towards foreigners. There are also several daytime attractions and two huge shopping complexes with restaurants and museums.
Roppongi is the most cosmopolitan place in Japan, with the highest concentration of embassies, consulates and foreign residents, making it a true multicultural melting pot like nowhere else in the country. It is also a center of modern art. Despite the hustle and bustle, there are many quiet green areas and still hosts many local residents, so don't hesitate to explore the alleys, you will find small parks, temples and local life.
Background
"Roppongi" literally means "six trees", like six very old and large trees used to mark the area centuries ago. Nothing remains of this period, as the area was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1923 and then by the bombs of the Second World War.
Driven by the presence of the Japanese (and later American) military, nightlife has flourished since the 19th century. Since the 1960s, the nightclub scene has attracted all party-goers, both Japanese and foreign. Although "Roppongi" is still synonymous with "clubbing", the area has become the hotspot for large companies that have their headquarters such as: Google, Apple, Yahoo, Goldman Sachs and even The Pokemon Company. To accommodate this growth, three skyscrapers have been built over the past decade as offices and entertainment.
How to orient yourself
Roppongi: full screen map.The area around Roppongi to the south and west is known as Azabu (麻布). These neighborhoods are generally quieter than Roppongi, but have also absorbed some of its bustling commercial activity and nightlife.
How to get
By metro
- 1 Roppongi Station (六 本 木 駅, Roppongi-eki). It is crossed by the lines
extends from the southwest of Tokyo to the northeast, passing through Ebisu, Ginza, Akihabara is Ueno. There 
form a large "6" around Tokyo, it is the best way to come from Shinjuku or Yoyogi. 
extends from the southwest of Tokyo to the northeast, passing through 
form a large "6" around Tokyo, it is the best way to come from 
By bus
Until approximately 9:00 PM, you can take an eastbound Toei public bus along Roppongi-dori (which runs under an easy-to-find elevated highway), departing from Shibuya. Tell the driver that you would like to get off at Roppongi just in case.
On foot
From Shibuya, you can walk east to Roppongi for about 40 minutes via Roppongi-dori, but you also walk close to the elevated highways. Perhaps more interesting is the walk west of the Imperial Palace, which takes about twice as long, but offers views of the Diet Palace, some beautiful parks, and other interesting architecture.
| Connections |
| Nakameguro ← Ebisu ← | OR  IS | → Ginza → Tsukiji → Akihabara |
| Toshimaen ← Nerima ←Shinjuku ← | No.  IS | → Shiodome → Tsukiji market → Kiyosumi-Shirakawa |
Yokohama-Machida ← verse  ← Yoga ← | OR  IS | → Takagicho → verse  → Ginza |
How to get around
By metro
- 2 Nogizaka Station (乃 木 坂 駅, Nogizaka-eki). On the line
- 3 Roppongi-Itchōme Station. On the line
- 4 Azabu-Jūban Station. On the lines
What see
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- 1 Crossroads of Roppongi (六 本 木 交 差点 roppongi kōsaten) (Roppongi Station ). The intersection of Roppongi-dōri (六 本 木 通 り), under an elevated highway, e Gaien-higashi-dōri (外 苑 東 通 り) is the heart of Roppongi.
- 2 [link not working]Tokyo National Center of Arts, 7-22-2 Roppongi (Nogizaka Station , exit 6).
Some exhibits are free. 
Wed – Mon 10 am-6pm. Tokyo's last and largest art museum, designed by Kisho Kurokawa and entirely dedicated to temporary exhibitions. - 3 Sen-oku Hakuko Kan (泉 屋 博古 館 sen-oku hakuko kan), 1-5-1 Roppong ([email protected]), ☎ 81-3-5777-8600. Adults ¥ 520, students ¥ 310, children free. Tue-Sun 10 am-5pm. Since the 19th century, the Sumimoto family has collected art objects, such as bronzes, tools and paintings, many of which from Japan and China exhibited here.
Some exhibits are free. 
Wed – Mon 10 am-6pm. Tokyo's last and largest art museum, designed by Kisho Kurokawa and entirely dedicated to temporary exhibitions.Roppongi Hills
- 4 Roppongi Hills (六 本 木 ヒ ル ズ), 6-10-1 Roppongi (Hibiya line, Roppongi station, exit 1C; Oedo line, Roppongi station, exit 3), ☎ 81 3 6406-6000. free. Mon-Sun 07: 00–03: 00. Roppongi Hills is a vast shopping and entertainment complex that is elegant and modern. It opened with much fanfare and remains popular. It has a number of attractions centered around the 53-story Mori tower.
- 5 Mohri Garden (毛利庭 園) (Roppongi Hills). free. Mon-Sun 07: 00-23: 00. In 2003, thousands of small Japanese fish were released into this small park's pond after living in space as part of an experiment. Duck families can also be seen in spring.
- 6 Mori Art Museum (森 美術館), Mori Tower, 53F (To the left of the Torre Mori building, go up the spiral stairs and cross the raised corridor), ☎ 81 3 5777-8600. About 1500 yen depending on the exhibition. Wed – Mon 10: 00–22: 00, Tue 10: 00–17: 00. This impressive art gallery hosts special exhibitions. The museum ticket includes admission to Tokyo City View. There Mori Arts Center Gallery adjacent to the Mori Art Museum requires separate admission (prices vary), not included in the Tokyo City View / Mori Art Museum ticket.
- 7 Tokyo City View. Mon-Sun 09: 00–24: 00. This vantage point gives you a 360º view of the city 250 meters above sea level. The ticket includes admission to the Mori Art Museum.
- 8 Asahi TV (テ レ ビ 朝日), Roppongi 6-9-1 (In Roppongi Hills, on the Azabujuban side). free. 10:00–18:00. Home of the television network that created Doraemon, Maya the Bee, Candy Candy, Captain Harlock and many other cartoons. Visit the mini-museum, complete with life-size models from Doraemon's world and other popular Japanese TV shows.
What to do
- 1 Karaoke-kan (カ ラ オ ケ 館), Roppongi 5-1-6, ☎ 81 3 5786-9400. ¥ 640 for half an hour, ¥ 133 before 7pm. Sun – Thu 12: 00–06: 00, Fri-Sat 12: 00–08: 00. Karaoke venue.
- 2 Nagomi Spa and Fitness, Grand Hyatt Tokyo Hotel, 6-10-3 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3 4333-1234, @[email protected]. Mon-Sun 08: 00-10: 00.
- 3 Virgin Toho Cinemas (TOHO シ ネ マ ズ 六 本 木 ヒ ル ズ), Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka (Posters can be seen at the rear exit of the Mori Tower), ☎ 81 3 5775-6090. Mon-Sun 09: 00–01: 00. The nine-screen cinema has futuristic decor, THX, and reserved seating. On Fridays and Saturdays this theater is open all night, so you can see a movie even if you stay out late and plan to catch the morning train.
Shopping
In the first floors of the Mori tower and the adjacent buildings, there are a lot of shops, almost all of them are of a high standard.
- 1 Aoyama Book Center, Roppongi 6-1-20 (200 meters from Roppongi station, exit 3, direction Roppongi Hills), ☎ 81 3 3479-0479. Mon – Sat 10: 00-23: 30; Sun 10: 00-22: 00.
- 2 Don Quixote (ド ン ・ キ ホ ー テ), Roppongi 3-14-10, ☎ 81 3 3479-0479. Discount store, 5 floors of everything you can think of, including Japanese clothes, electronics, costumes and souvenirs. The second floor sells drinks and food, a large selection of snacks.
How to have fun
Roppongi is the place to go (late) at night, although you might expect to meet some non-Japanese street promoters pushing for a free look at strip clubs and occasionally trying to shake your hand to be friendly. The scene continues late into the night and many bars, clubs and discos are open until 4-5am when the first morning trains arrive.
There are countless establishments in the foreground and ground floor cater to young adults and foreigners, while the more interesting ones are upscale and aimed at slightly older Japanese men. A document is required by many clubs, so it is best to bring your passport. Note that many clubs are very small and it is often not possible to leave and re-enter without paying the entrance fee again.
Bar for drinking
These bars are perfect for those who have come to enjoy a drink rather than dance.
- 1 Abbott's Choice, Kato Building, 2F, 5-1-5 Gaien-Higashi, ☎ 81 3 3475-0353. Free admission, ¥ 700 drinks. Mon – Sat 17: 00–08: 00, Sun 18: 00–06: 00. Decent little bar with pop radio's New York. It attracts a nice mix of tourists, expats and locals. A really welcome relief from the overpriced and overrated bars in the area.
- 2 BrewDog, 5-3-2 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3-6447-4160, @[email protected]. About ¥ 750 per beer. Mon-Fri 17: 00-12: 00, Sat-Sun 15: 00-12: 00. This bar has twenty different European and Japanese craft beers on tap.
- 3 Tokyo Sports Cafe, Fusion Blg.2F, 7-13-8 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3 5411-8939, @[email protected]. This bar is located just around the corner from Feria. Despite the name, this is a bar, mainly showing Football and Baseball (annual NFL Superbowl party). The best day in this bar is Friday night which is Models Night. It attracts the same crowd as Feria, so you can go to Tokyo Sports Cafe first, then make your way to Feria when people move there.
Music bar
These bars are open all night and dance music is the norm. Admission is usually free, but drinks can be more expensive than in clubs.
- 4 Bar Quest Roppongi, 3F Rene No. 2 Bldg, 5-3-1, ☎ 81 3 5414-2225. 500 yen per drink. Sun – Thu 19: 00–07: 00, Fri – Sat 19: 00–10: 00. It serves a selection of Australian beers including VB, Crown Lager and Coopers, cocktails and meat pies. A large TV screen and a wide range of music played by DJs provide continuous entertainment. You can also relax with Aussie style along the U-shaped bar.
- 5 Black Horse, Roppongi 3-14-12 B1F. Free admission, ¥ 1000 per drink. Mon-Sun 18: 00–05: 00. One of the best known places in the local expat community. It gets busy late at night. The best nights here are Thursdays, although Fridays and Saturdays are busy. On Thursdays, women receive free champagne and chocolate fondue all night long.
- 6 Motown, Roppongi 3-11-5, ☎ 81 3 5474-4605, @[email protected]. Mon-Sun 18: 00–05: 00. Up one flight of stairs to the left of TGI Friday's. The drinks are reasonable and the staff are fluent in English. Popular with expats for its smaller size and music selection, you can often find expensive Western groups or businessmen (and women) if you ask for the bill early in the morning. It gets crowded at times, so go early if you really want enough space to dance.
- 7 Propaganda, Yua Roppongi Building 2F, 3-14-9 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3 3423-0988. Drinks ¥ 800–1000 (half price before 21:00). Mon-Sun 18: 00–05: 00. A club decorated with propaganda posters and roaring basses, mostly playing the most recent hits; the staff is friendly with customers.
- 8 [link not working]Wall Street Bar, 3F Marina Bldg, 3-10-5 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3 5478-7659, @[email protected]. 1000 yen Per drink. Mon-Sun 18: 00–06: 00. Wall Street Bar 1 is located in the small street near TGI Friday's, the side of the Korn building will have a poster indicating it. There are always staff members on the street so you can always ask them. A Wall Street Bar 2 has also opened, past Don Quixote and across the adjacent street. On weekdays the bar is more of a lounge and a stopover to relax.
Discos
- 9 1AOK, Roppongi 5-10-25, ☎ 81 3 6447 2002, @[email protected]. Dance music plays the best hits of the moment.
- 10 Red Area, 3-14-11 Roppongi. No tickets, just drinks. On Thursdays ("Happy Gaspanic Day") all drinks are ¥ 300 all night, while the rest of the time ranges from ¥ 600-1000. The amount of alcohol in drinks varies greatly, depending on the bartenders and the crowd. Watch out for pickpockets.
- 11 IBEX, Aries Bldg.4F, 3-15-24 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3 3746-1075, @[email protected]. 1500 yen for 1 drink. Hip-hop, R&B, and reggae club.
- 12 Odeon Club, HanaTsubaki Bldg.3F, 3-15-23 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3 3478-4555, @[email protected]. 1000 yen for a drink. Mon-Sun 20: 00-05: 00. Mix of hip-hop and techno; one of the most popular nightclubs, open from 10pm to 12pm the next day
Where to eat
Unsurprisingly, Roppongi has a plethora of international restaurants, and generally some of Tokyo's best restaurants (although some research is needed to find them).
Moderate prices
There are a number of fast food chains available, including Subway, McDonald's, and SoupStock.
If you want to keep costs down you can take the boxes of bento for lunch, they can be found in any of the numerous convenience stores for around ¥ 400, and there are several supermarkets in the area:
- 1 Lincos (リ ン コ ス) (near Roppongi Hills, same building as Tsutaya Roppongi), ☎ 81 3 3478-1665. 00:00-24:00. Sophisticated bentos, you can eat them out because there are tables and chairs just for that.
- 2 Aiyentep Turkish Kebab, 3 Chome-12-5 Roppongi. 00:00-24:00.
- 3 Fujisoba (富士 そ ば), Roppongi 7-14-10 (Corner of Roppongi intersection, just to the left of the Nojima electronics store). ¥600. 00:00-24:00. Small buckwheat noodle place. Healthy and popular with budget-conscious office employees.
- 4 Ippudo, Roppongi, 4 Chome − 9−１１ 第二 小田 切 ビ ル 1F, ☎ 81 3-5775-7561. ¥1000. 11:00-04:00. A chain, but probably the best ramen in the area.
- 5 Spajiro (ス パ じ ろ う), Roppongi, ３ 丁目 11−6 21 泰明 ビ ル, ☎ 81 3-5786-2077. ¥1000. 11:30-08:00. Large noodles, Italian or Japanese style.
- 6 TETSU, Roppongi Hills, Metro Hat B2F. ¥1000. Dip cold noodles into a tasty thick hot soup, that's it tsukemen! If your soup gets cold, ask for the spectacular "iron soup".
- 7 Tsurutontan (つ る と ん た ん), Roppongi 3-14-12, ☎ 81 3 5786-2626. ¥1000. 11:00–08:00. Huge and delicious spaghetti udon. If you are very hungry, ask two or three times to be served, it's free! Great udon, comfortable atmosphere, but you will have to wait at least 20 minutes before sitting down.
- 8 Go! Go! Curry (ゴ ー ゴ ー カ レ ー) (At the corner of the Roppongi intersection, to the right of the Softbank store, downstairs). ¥800. Japanese style curry rice.
- 9 Shabuzen, Minato-ku, Roppongi, 3 Chome − 16−33 青葉 六 本 木 ビ ル B1, ☎ 81 3-3585-5600. 16:00-23:30. Shabu-shabu restaurant.
Average prices
- 10 Bangkok, 3-8-8, Woo Bldg, 2F, ☎ 81 3-3408-7353. A lunch legend. The Thursday special pad thai (¥ 980) is divine.
- 11 yelo, Roppongi 5-2-11, ☎ 81 3-3423-2121. 1000¥. 10:00-05:00. Aren't you really hungry? Go for crushed ice with toppings like you've never seen them before. Try tiramisu, watermelon or organic carrot mascarpone.
High prices
- 12 Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Roppongi Hills Hillside 2F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3 5772-7500. Mon-Sun 11: 00-22: 00. The first overseas adventure of the homonymous Michelin-starred chef a Paris. Each dish is almost as breathtaking a work of art as the price tag, as they cost ¥ 2900- ¥ 12,800 still a steal by Tokyo food standards. Reservations by telephone only.
- 13 Fukuzushi (福 鮨), 5-7-8, Roppongi (Behind the Hard Rock Cafe), ☎ 81 3 3402-4116. ¥10000. Mon-Sun 11: 30-14: 00, 17: 30-23: 00. Sushi place. Set menus are available and their ¥ 3000 dining set is excellent. Dress code: men's tank tops are prohibited.
- 14 Nihonryori RyuGin, 1st floor, 7-17-24 Roppongi, ☎ 81 3 3423-8006. From ¥ 27,000 per person. Combining a deep respect for Japan's culinary heritage with a willingness to push boundaries, it has made Nihonryori RyuGin one of the best restaurants in the world. It serves a menu that changes daily based on what's available on the market.
- 15 Roku Roku (六 禄), Grand Hyatt 6F, Roppongi Hills, ☎ 81 3 4333-8788. ¥ 5000. Mon-Sun 11: 30–14: 30, 18: 00–21: 30. This sixth-floor complex of six restaurants is a good choice if price isn't an issue. You can choose from sushi, steak, Japanese and Chinese.
- 16 Sushi Saito (鮨 さ い と う), ア ー ク ヒ ル ズ サ ウ ス タ ワ ー, １ 丁目 -4-5 Roppongi (Close up of the ARK Hills South Tower), ☎ 81 3-3589-4412. Described as a hidden gem, this three Michelin star restaurant run by the famous "sushi master" Takashi Saito. With only eight seats, reservations should be made in advance.
Where stay
Sleeping is probably the last thing on Roppongi's mind. There are many places to stop between the last train and the first one in the morning, but not surprisingly, few of them are cheap.
Average prices
- 1 Hotel Arca Torre Roppongi, Roppongi 6-1-23 (1 minute from Roppongi Station Exit 3), ☎ 81 3 3404-5111, fax: 81 3 3404-5115. From ¥ 11550. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 10:30. Super central location to Roppongi intersection, with small but acceptable rooms (cheaper ones have no natural light)
- 2 Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi, Roppongi 1-6-2 Izumi Garden (direct connection to Roppongi Itchome station (Namboku line)), ☎ 81 3 3560-1110, fax: 81 3 3560-1388. From ¥ 10,000 per night (with special weekends from ¥ 6300). Check in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Nice and spacious rooms for business travelers.
- 3 the b Tokyo Roppongi, 3-9-8 Roppongi (2 minutes from the Hibiya subway and Oedo line), ☎ 81 3 5412-0451, fax: 81 3 5412-9353. From ¥ 9000, with regular special discounts offered when booking via the homepage (special offers available in Japanese only). Check in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Centrally located at the intersection of Roppongi (nightlife center), renovated in spring 2006, nice but small rooms.
High prices
- 4 Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi (Roppongi Hills), ☎ 81 3 4333-1234, fax: 81 3 4333-8123. Slightly lower rates than the Park Hyatt at ¥ 37,000 and up. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. A part of Roppongi Hills, and not to be confused with the more famous Park Hyatt of "Lost in Translation" fame, which is located in Shinjuku. Sleek and minimalist, all black, gray and brown, with an expensive design that never hesitates to sacrifice function for form, but the superlative service makes up for it.
Safety
Roppongi has, by Japanese standards, a slightly dangerous reputation, probably due to the absence of other real risks. The main danger is drunken fights, which should be avoided, as the imperative for the police is to stop those who could cause trouble. There are also petty thefts in crowded bars and clubs. In case of any problems or lost or stolen items, you can go to the police station at the Roppongi intersection.
Actually Roppongi isn't even the most dangerous place in Tokyo when it comes to clubs that do business with customers because you should be talking more about Kabukichō and its bars owned by the Yakuza. Remember that while Roppongi is slightly dangerous by Japanese standards, Japanese crime standards are very different from most of the world. Roppongi is very safe, many young women walk the street alone late at night in peace. If anything, the main danger is to the wallet.
Watch out for patrons who invite you to drink to make them spend more money. It is recommended that you avoid going to bars that you have never heard of, especially if with someone you did not know before your trip. Leave your credit cards at home as they try to fight fraud an increasing number of bars accept cash only. The other tip is always to not leave drinks unattended to prevent someone from spilling drugs.
