7 Things to Do in Roppongi, Tokyo’s Glitzy Nightlife District

2023-09-18

Located in the posh Minato Ward, Roppongi has been a hotspot for Tokyo’s international community — tourists and residents alike — for decades. Not only is it one of Tokyo’s hottest entertainment districts, but also, due to the variety of international schools and embassies nearby, it’s home to many wealthy expats and diplomats.

You’d think that gated expat communities and pulsating nightclubs would have difficulty coexisting in the same area, but somehow, they intersect in Roppongi. The place is a fascinating mix of luxury and flash, with Roppongi Crossing as a dividing line: high-end parts of the neighborhood, like Roppongi Hills can feel worlds apart from the alleys lined with bars, cabarets, and clubs. But that mix is exactly what gives Roppongi its unique charm!

If you’re in town and thinking of giving Roppongi a try, here are seven ways to experience the area. Don't forget your Suica Card to make the subway ride there so much smoother.

Want to see it all at once? Head up to Tokyo City View, the observation deck in Roppongi Hills. Advance booking is recommended!

Book Tokyo City View

1. Shop in luxury at Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills

Roppongi’s premier shopping options are Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, both of which are more than just malls. Rather, they’re lifestyle complexes boasting a multitude of shops and restaurants — and even entertainment and attractions such as a Japanese garden in Roppongi Hills’ case and an ice-skating rink in winter at Tokyo Midtown. In fact, some would call Roppongi Hills a mini-city.

As both complexes cater to an upscale clientele, many shops here are high-end — think jewelry and designer fashion brands like Cartier, Burberry, and Issey Miyake.

But take heart: you can find a selection of mid-range and affordable brands, too, such as United Arrows (whose flagship store is at Roppongi Hills), UNIQLO, Zara, and BEAMS.

2. Admire contemporary art and design

With several museums and art galleries in proximity of one another, Roppongi is at the forefront of Tokyo's contemporary art scene. If you're the artsy type, you could spend an entire day museum-hopping to appreciate cutting-edge art and design.

Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown alone already have enough options for art lovers. The former is home to a towering public art installation of a spider called Maman — an iconic landmark in itself — and Mori Art Museum.

Meanwhile, at the latter, you'll find 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, a design-focused museum that's the brainchild of fashion designer Issey Miyake, with architecture by the distinguished Tadao Ando. Tokyo Midtown is also home to the Suntory Museum of Art, which houses a collection of antiques and traditional art, and, for photography enthusiasts, Fujifilm Square.

Also not to be missed is the architectural wonder that is The National Art Center Tokyo, with an ever-changing array of exhibits showcasing superb art from Japan and overseas.

Together, The National Art Center Tokyo, Mori Art Museum, and Suntory Museum of Art form "Art Triangle Roppongi" — visit one museum, and you can get a discount on admission for the other two.

3. Drink, dance, and party the night away

When it comes to nightlife, you’re spoiled for choice at Roppongi, as there’s something for every night owl out there. Here, you’ll find bars, pubs, izakayas, nightclubs, and cabarets aplenty — this neighborhood never sleeps!

Some of Roppongi’s most frequented nightclubs are V2 Tokyo, ALIFE, Odeon Tokyo, Villa Tokyo, and 1OAK Tokyo.

For watering holes, the Tokyo international community’s favorites include Mogambo Tokyo, an international bar with a party vibe; Agave, a classy cantina-inspired place with the world’s largest collection of agave spirits (tequila and mezcal); and the British pub Hobgoblin. Or, why not go on a pub crawl to discover as many bars as possible in a night?

And for live music, check out the Beatles-themed Abbey Road or the world-class live music venue Billboard Live TOKYO, which has hosted entertainers worldwide.

Find a Tokyo nightlife tour

4. Spot Tokyo Tower and other landmarks from up high

Most visitors to Japan know of the observatories at Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky, but did you know that Roppongi also has an observatory with fantastic views of the Tokyo skyline?

Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills is home to the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View, which has indoor and outdoor observatories. Located on the tower's 52nd and 54th floors, they are 250 and 270 meters above sea level, respectively. The outdoor gallery, Sky Deck, provides views from the building's rooftop; the indoor gallery occasionally holds exhibits to complement the view.

Tokyo City View's proximity to Tokyo Tower sets it apart from other observatories. As the tower is only a few stations away, you can easily spot it standing out among the high-rises dotting the Tokyo skyline. You won't have to zoom in to get a tiny, blurry photo of it, either!

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5. Savor world-class Michelin cuisine

Befitting Roppongi's reputation as cosmopolitan and international, this district boasts several superb Michelin-starred restaurants, including the Roppongi branch of the famous Sukiyabashi Jiro, which has Takashi Ono, son of legendary sushi master Jiro Ono and an excellent chef in his own right, at its helm.

Other Roppongi establishments that have earned Michelin stars include French restaurants Édition Koji Shimomura and L'ATELIER de Joël Robuchon's Roppongi Hills branch, as well as the fugu (pufferfish) specialist Usukifugu Yamadaya.

Book seats at Jiro Roppongi

6. Stroll down picture-perfect Keyakizaka Street

At the foot of Roppongi Hills is charming Keyakizaka Street (or “Keyakizaka-dori” in Japanese). Though it’s only 400 meters long, it’s a pleasure to stroll down. Named after the zelkova trees (keyaki in Japanese) that line it, this street is at its loveliest in winter, when its trees are illuminated in shimmering white and blue lights to give the area a Christmas-like feel. Be sure to take photos of the street with Tokyo Tower in the background!

7. Stay at some of Tokyo’s finest hotels

If you’ve got the budget for it, indulge and book a stay at Roppongi’s luxurious hotels — trust us, it’ll be worth every yen! Expect nothing less than the premium standard with a touch of classic Japanese hospitality at familiar international names: Grand Hyatt Tokyo — which is part of the Roppongi Hills complex — and The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, located in Tokyo Midtown.

Or, if you’d rather stay at a locally owned hotel, go for Roppongi Hotel S, a boutique hotel that also offers serviced apartments suitable for long stays. This hotel’s elegant rooms embody Japanese-western fusion aesthetics at their finest. In particular, its Zen-themed suite, with its earthy colors and soft lighting, is perfect for those looking for a tranquil place to unwind at the end of a fast-paced day around Roppongi and elsewhere.

Check Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s availability

Check The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo’s availability

Check Roppongi Hotel S’s availability