Roppongi: the party district
In the heart of Tokyo lies Roppongi, an emblematic district that embodies the festive, cosmopolitan spirit of the Japanese capital. This vibrant area offers a unique experience, blending effervescent nightlife with refined contemporary culture. From luxurious skyscrapers to trendy clubs and world-renowned art museums, Roppongi is a kaleidoscope of attractions that attract locals and tourists alike. Let's delve into the fascinating world of this multi-faceted district, where the party never stops and contemporary art rubs shoulders with Japanese traditions.
History and evolution of Roppongi: from residential district to cosmopolitan center
Roppongi's history is as rich as it is fascinating. The name "Roppongi", meaning "six trees", has its origins in the Edo period (1603-1868), probably in reference to the six daimyo families who established their residences there. Initially a residential area, it has undergone a radical transformation over the years.
After the Second World War, Roppongi became a residential base for American soldiers who remained in Japan. This foreign presence had a profound impact on the neighborhood's identity, gradually transforming it into a meeting place for expatriates. Today, several embassies can still be found here, including those of Saudi Arabia, Spain, the Philippines, Singapore and Sweden.
Since the 2000s, Roppongi has attracted major international companies such as Google, Yahoo and Apple, who have chosen to locate their Japanese headquarters here. This development has helped to make Roppongi a veritable melting pot, a cosmopolitan district where Japanese and foreigners of all nationalities rub shoulders.
The two faces of Roppongi: between luxury and entertainment
Roppongi presents a fascinating duality, oscillating between sophisticated luxury and unbridled entertainment. On the one hand, the district is home to ultra-modern complexes such as Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, veritable cities within the city. These impressive architectural ensembles are brimming with luxury boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants and top-notch cultural venues.
Mori Tower, the centerpiece of Roppongi Hills, offers a breathtaking view of Tokyo from its 52nd-floor observatory. The Mori Art Museum, located at the top of the tower, is a mecca for contemporary art in Japan. Tokyo Midtown, meanwhile, is home to the prestigious Ritz-Carlton hotel and offers a high-end shopping experience in its Galleria.
On the other hand, Roppongi is renowned for its lively nightlife. At dusk, the district is transformed into a party paradise, with its many bars, clubs and discos staying open until dawn. This duality makes Roppongi a unique place where you can go from contemporary art to a wild party in the space of a few steps.
Roppongi nightlife: bars, clubs and discos
When the sun goes down, Roppongi really comes alive. This district is the beating heart of Tokyo's nightlife, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd of local and international revelers. Nightlife establishments are numerous and varied, often stacking up over several floors in entire buildings dedicated to entertainment.
Among the most famous clubs are V2 Tokyo, A-Life and Oak. These nightclubs regularly play host to international DJs and offer an electrifying atmosphere. Entrance is generally not free, with a minimum charge of around 1,500 yen (approx. €12.30) for entry before midnight. To find out more about the best places to party, check out our guide to Where to go out in Japan? and our Top 5 clubs in Tokyo.
In addition to the clubs, Roppongi is packed with bars offering a variety of atmospheres, lively karaoke bars and hostess bars. Roppongi's nightlife is unique in that there is no legal closing time. It's not uncommon to see revelers dancing the night away before catching the first subway home in the morning.
Art and culture in Roppongi: museums, galleries and events
Beyond its reputation as a party district, Roppongi has established itself in recent years as the nerve center of contemporary art in Tokyo. The "Roppongi Arts Triangle" comprises three major institutions: the Tokyo National Art Center, the Suntory Art Museum and the Mori Art Museum.
The Tokyo National Art Center stands out for its bold architecture and large-scale temporary exhibitions. The Suntory Art Museum, located in Tokyo Midtown, presents an impressive collection of traditional and contemporary Japanese art. As for the Mori Art Museum, it offers exhibitions of contemporary Asian and international art, as well as spectacular views over the city.
Tokyo National Art Center
Wikimedia Commons
Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills
Wikimedia Commons
In addition to these institutions, Roppongi is home to 21-21 Design Sight, a museum dedicated to design. Every year, the district also hosts "Roppongi Art Night", an event that transforms the streets into a gigantic open-air art gallery, celebrating creativity in all its forms.
Shopping and dining: from luxury boutiques to izakayas
Roppongi is a paradise for shoppers and gourmets alike. Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are packed with luxury boutiques featuring the world's leading brands. For a more eclectic shopping experience, Roppongi's Don Quijote offers an impressive variety of products at competitive prices.
When it comes to gastronomy, Roppongi caters for all palates. From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional izakayas and international chains, the culinary offering is vast and varied. Sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro, made famous by the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi", has a branch in Roppongi. For a dining experience with a view, the French restaurant Moon on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower is a must.
For a late-night snack, numerous street food stalls offer Japanese specialties such as yakitori and ramen. Roppongi's culinary diversity reflects the district's international character, with many restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world.
Getting to Roppongi: access and transport
Roppongi is easily accessible thanks to its excellent public transport network. Roppongi metro station is served by two lines: the Hibiya line and the Oedo line. In addition, Nogizaka station on the Chiyoda line is just a short walk from the heart of Roppongi.
Here are some indicative journey times:
- From Haneda airport: approx. 50 minutes by train
- From Narita airport: approx. 1 hour by train
- From Shinjuku station: 9 minutes on the Toei Oedo line to Roppongi station
- From Tokyo station: 26 minutes on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line to Kasumigaseki, then change to the Tokyo Metro Hibiya line to Roppongi station
To easily explore Roppongi and the other districts of Tokyo, we recommend that you discover all the districts of Tokyo with a transport card. These prepaid cards make it easy to get around the capital's public transport system.
Safety and precautions when visiting Roppongi
Although Tokyo is considered one of the safest capitals in the world, it is advisable to take certain precautions when out and about in Roppongi, especially at night. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy this lively district safely and to the full:
Beware of street hustlers who try to lure customers into certain establishments. These clubs may charge excessive prices or resort to unscrupulous practices. It's best to choose the places you want to frequent yourself.
Always keep an eye on your personal belongings and your drink. Although rare, cases of theft have been reported in some bars. To avoid any inconvenience, we advise you not to take your bank card with you when you go out at night, and to use cash instead.
Despite these precautions, it's important to stress that the vast majority of visitors enjoy Roppongi without any problems. Overall, the district remains safe and welcoming. For more information on safety in Japan, please see our article on Safety in Japan.
Roppongi is a fascinating district that deserves to be explored, day and night. Whether you're a lover of contemporary art, an inveterate partygoer or simply curious to discover a dynamic, cosmopolitan side of Tokyo, Roppongi is sure to win you over. If you'd like to find out more about the Japanese capital, don't hesitate to consult our complete guide: Discover all Tokyo's secrets with "Tokyo, the ideal guide". And if you'd like to explore Tokyo's other lively districts, take a look at our articles on Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.
