Roppongi is a good choice when you want art museums in the day and a polished, lively area at night. It sits in the south-west of central Tokyo, with big office towers, shopping complexes and many museums. Plan your museum visits in the morning or early afternoon, then keep the evening for food and a walk. This order gives you calm galleries and a relaxed night.
If you read the Tokyo city page first, you will see that Tokyo has many districts with their own character. Roppongi and Azabu is one of the more polished ones.
Why this area works for art
Roppongi has several large museums in a short walk of each other. The best-known are inside the big complexes built on top of the old hills. Many of them close one day a week, and some close early. Check each museum before you walk there.
- The Mori Art Museum is on a high floor of a tower in Roppongi Hills. It usually shows large temporary exhibitions.
- The National Art Center, Tokyo has a large wave-shaped glass front and several rooms for changing shows.
- The 21_21 Design Sight is a small museum for design exhibitions, in the Midtown complex.
Check first: Check the opening days, hours and ticket rules of each museum on its official website. Some shows need a timed entry, and many museums have a shop and a cafe with their own hours.
A morning and afternoon plan
Start at a museum when it opens, while the rooms are quiet. Give yourself time for one big show, not three. After the museum, walk through the shopping complexes and along the outdoor terraces. Many of them have benches and good views of the city.
Lunch is easy here. The area has a wide range of international food, from small counters to larger dining rooms. Use Tabelog to find a place near your museum that suits your group, and read recent reviews, because menus change.
The late night out
Roppongi is known for its bars and clubs, and many of them stay open late. The streets are safe for most visitors, but some areas are busier and more crowded after midnight. Choose one street, not one named place, and walk slowly. Look at the menus and the prices before you go in, and ask staff to show the price list.
Be careful with people on the street who offer you a free drink, a free entry or a cheap club. This is a common tactic in busy nightlife areas, and it can lead to a large bill. Say no politely and keep walking. If you feel pressured, go into a shop, a station or a hotel lobby.
Be respectful. Keep your voice down near homes and hotels, and do not drink in public streets where it is not allowed. Look for the signs that show where smoking and drinking are permitted.
Check first: Check the local police and tourist information for advice on night safety and any street rules before you go out. Keep your passport or a copy with you, and keep your bank card and phone in a safe pocket.
Who this suits
Roppongi suits couples who want a comfortable base with art, good food and a late bar. It also suits friends who like a lively night and do not mind busy streets. It is less suited to travellers who want old Tokyo, low prices or a quiet hotel street every night. For a quieter trip, read about Shinjuku or Asakusa before you choose your base.
Practical tips
- Book timed tickets for big exhibitions when the option exists.
- Use the train or the subway to reach the area. Do not walk a long way at night if you are tired.
- Keep a small bag with you. Busy streets can be crowded at night.
- Plan your return to your hotel before you leave for the evening.
What to do next
Roppongi works best as one part of a trip to Tokyo. Use the planner to check how the area fits your dates and your group. Then read the Tokyo city page for the other districts, and the Roppongi and Azabu area page for the basic facts about the area.
