Roppongi at night is lively, and most visitors have a good time. The main risks are people on the street who offer you a drink or a show, bills that are higher than you expect, and a late journey home. Plan your way out before you go out. Keep your card and phone safe, and do not follow a stranger into a building.
Know the area after dark
The streets around the station are busy late into the night. Bars, music and late food fill the main roads. The side streets are quieter, and some are residential. Stay on the lit main roads when you walk back to your hotel.
The Roppongi and Azabu guide describes the area, and the Tokyo guide shows the wider city. For general safety advice across Japan, see the practical guides.
Handle people on the street
Some people on the street hand out cards or offer a special price for a show. The offer often ends in a bill you did not expect. Walk on without stopping, and do not enter any place because a stranger invited you.
If someone blocks your path, step around them toward a crowd or a lit shop front. A koban is the local police box. Staff there can help you, and you can show them the address on your phone.
Check the bill before you pay
A bar or club bill can include a table charge, a service charge or a cover charge. Ask what these are before you sit down, and ask for the total in writing. If the total is not what you agreed, stop and ask for help before you pay.
- Ask about every charge, not only the drink price.
- Never hand your card to a stranger, and never let anyone take your card out of sight.
- Keep your receipt.
Keep your things safe
Carry your passport with you when you go out. Some police checks ask for it, so do not leave it in your hotel. Keep your phone in a front pocket or in a closed bag. Do not leave a drink unattended, and do not accept a drink from a stranger.
Get home safely
Check the last train time with the operator of your line before you go out. Some lines stop after midnight, and the last train can come sooner than you think. Taxis are common near the main roads. Use an official taxi stand, and do not get into a car from a driver who approaches you on the street.
Save your hotel's address in Japanese on your phone. Show it to the driver. Keep a little cash in case the card reader does not work.
If you walk back, plan the route on a map before you leave. Save the map offline, so it still works if the signal is weak. If you will be back late, tell the hotel front desk your plan, and tell a friend when you are on your way.
Respect the area
People live and work in this area. Keep your voice low on residential streets. Leave no rubbish on the pavement. Do not take photos of people in bars or clubs without permission. Carry your rubbish until you find a bin.
If something goes wrong
If you lose your passport, contact your embassy as soon as you can. If you feel unsafe or are hurt, go to the nearest shop with staff, a koban or a hotel. Ask the staff to call the police or an ambulance for you. Tell someone you trust where you are.
Who this suits
This guide suits friends and solo travellers who are comfortable in a large city. Go out with a friend when you can, and agree on a meeting point and a time to leave. If you are unsure, choose an earlier evening.
Check first: Check your government's travel advice, and the current rule on carrying ID, before you travel. Check the last train with the operator of your line before each night out.
What to do next
Plan your evening before you leave the hotel. Use the planner to place Roppongi in your trip, and read the practical guides before your first night out.
