Introduction
Roppongi Hills epitomizes urban Tokyo life, blending office spaces, shopping, art, and entertainment. This modern complex, renowned for its iconic Mori Tower, top-tier observation deck, and contemporary art museum, offers visitors a unique Tokyo experience.
Key Information
- Opened: 2003
- Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Main highlights: Mori Tower, Tokyo City View, Mori Art Museum
- Ideal for: Art enthusiasts, shopping lovers, urban explorers
Historical Background
Roppongi Hills opened in 2003, spearheaded by prominent Japanese real estate developer Minoru Mori. The project aimed to reinvent the Roppongi area, transforming it into a modern city-within-a-city that integrates commerce, culture, and residential living. Since its inception, it has become a symbol of innovation and modern life in Tokyo, attracting top-tier companies from the IT and finance sectors.
Main Attractions
Mori Tower
Mori Tower is the heart of Roppongi Hills, standing 238 meters tall and ranking among Tokyo’s highest buildings. The tower’s lower floors house shops and restaurants, while the top floors are home to Tokyo City View and the Mori Art Museum, offering visitors exceptional views and art experiences. The middle floors primarily serve as office spaces, hosting numerous renowned companies.
Tokyo City View
Located at the top of Mori Tower, Tokyo City View is an ideal spot to admire Tokyo’s panorama. The observation deck features a full-glass design, allowing visitors to enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of Tokyo. Although the former open-air deck is no longer accessible to the public, the indoor observation deck still provides visitors with a breathtaking visual experience.
Mori Art Museum
The Mori Art Museum focuses on showcasing international contemporary art and is known for its innovative and avant-garde exhibitions. The museum strives to make art more accessible to the general public, presenting works that are both profound and easy to understand, offering visitors a unique cultural experience.
Roppongi Hills Shopping Center
The Roppongi Hills Shopping Center houses over 200 shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stores here primarily specialize in fashion, accessories, interior design, and household goods, while restaurants offer a variety of Japanese and international cuisines to cater to diverse visitor preferences.
Mori Garden
Mori Garden is an oasis within Roppongi Hills, designed in the style of a traditional Japanese garden. The garden features several cherry trees, making it an ideal spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. This exquisite small garden provides visitors with a space to relax amidst the busy urban environment.
Best Time to Visit
Roppongi Hills is open year-round, but it’s particularly enchanting during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and during the winter illumination display (late November to December). Weekends and holidays tend to be crowded, so visiting on weekdays is recommended to avoid the crowds.
Transportation Guide
- Subway: About 5 minutes walk from Roppongi Station on the Hibiya Line, or about 10 minutes walk from Roppongi Station on the Oedo Line.
- From Tokyo Station: Take the Marunouchi Line and transfer to the Hibiya Line at Kasumigaseki Station. About 15 minutes, 180 yen.
- From Shinjuku Station: Direct access via the Oedo Line. About 10 minutes, 220 yen.
Opening Hours and Admission
- Tokyo City View: 10:00-22:00 (last entry 21:30), admission 2000 yen
- Mori Art Museum: 10:00-22:00 (until 17:00 on Tuesdays), admission 1800 yen (2000 yen on weekends/holidays)
- Shopping Center: Shops typically 11:00-21:00, restaurants typically 11:00-23:00
- Mori Garden: 7:00-23:00, free admission
Visitor Tips
- Purchase a combination ticket for better value when visiting both the observation deck and art museum.
- Sunset is the best time to enjoy Tokyo’s night view; plan to visit the observation deck in the early evening.
- Check the Mori Art Museum’s exhibition schedule on their official website in advance to plan your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the entire complex involves a lot of walking.
- Don’t miss the sky bar on the 52nd floor, where you can enjoy drinks while taking in the night view.
Official Website
Conclusion
Roppongi Hills is not just a Tokyo landmark, but a window into modern Japanese urban life. Whether you want to admire spectacular city views, explore cutting-edge contemporary art, or indulge in high-end shopping and dining, Roppongi Hills caters to all these desires. It encapsulates the essence of Tokyo and is absolutely worth dedicating time to visit during your Tokyo trip.