Roppongi and Akasaka

A gathering place for foreigners, as well as the top nightlife and cultural hotspots in Tokyo

Roppongi and Akasaka epitomize luxurious entertainment and dining in Tokyo. This area is home to top-notch nightclubs and high-end art galleries, making it a must-visit for upscale travelers. Visitors can enjoy lively and joyful times in this city at any time.

Transportation

Roppongi and Akasaka are accessible via the Hibiya and Oedo subway lines, with stops at Roppongi Station. Additionally, the Chiyoda Line stops at Nogizaka Station, and the Namboku Line stops at Roppongi-itchome Station.

Knowledge Hub

There is a large foreign community in the area, and many entertainment venues cater specifically to foreign tourists.

In Roppongi, late-night dance parties were once considered illegal, a regulation that was only recently lifted.

This area is also the venue for Japans largest film exhibition.

History beyond luxury

The name Roppongi means six trees, which has been used in the area since the 1960s. Legend has it that the name originated from six tall, ancient zelkova trees that served as landmarks. Another local legend is that during the Edo period, six daimyo (feudal lords) who resided nearby all had kanji characters in their names related to trees.

After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the areas transportation began to flourish, with a constant flow of carriages and horses, a trend that continues to this day. In 1890, Japanese soldiers began to flock to the area, followed by American soldiers who settled here, leading to the flourishing of nightlife. Today, the nightlife in Roppongi is still widely known.

Present-day Roppongi and Akasaka are a mix of overseas tourists, long-term foreign residents, and Japanese locals, creating a unique atmosphere in the local community that sets it apart from any other area in Tokyo, with a complex international vibe that is truly captivating.

Tokyo, the nightlife capital.

Roppongi is undoubtedly Tokyos most popular nightlife district, especially among overseas travelers. From disco in the 70s to electronic music today, Roppongis nightclubs welcome anyone looking to drink and dance at any time.

Unlike other entertainment areas in Tokyo, Roppongi has many restaurants, bars, and clubs specifically catering to the expatriate community Geronimo Shot Bar, Sheyda Bar, Maharaja, MUSE, V2, Odeon, and more nightclubs are everywhere. If you prefer watching performances over dancing, Roppongi also has many cabaret clubs, such as Tantra nightclub and Burlesque Tokyo dance club.

Everywhere you go, youll see off-duty soldiers, foreign business people, and young partygoers on the streets. Be cautious of club promoters who often charge high entrance fees and exploit tourists.

Explore tranquil art and cultural venues.

In addition to bustling nightclubs, Tokyos grandest galleries and art museums are also located in Roppongi and Akasaka. There are three major art museums in the area, known as the Roppongi Art Triangle the National Art Center, the Mori Art Museum, and the Suntory Museum of Art. Visitors can purchase discounted tickets for all three museums.

The three museums in the art triangle have different themes and styles to satisfy various preferences. The Mori Art Museum, located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, offers an unbeatable view and houses a collection of masterpieces from Japan and around the world. The National Art Center is situated in a spectacular building opposite Tokyo Midtown and typically hosts exhibitions centered around specific unified themes, along with selected works by local artists.

The last museum is the Suntory Museum of Art, located in Tokyo Midtown, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture and history. The museum displays a diverse range of Japanese paintings, ceramics, and textiles, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of everyday life.

In addition to the art triangle, there are many small art galleries and museums here, such as the Ota Fine Arts gallery, Zen Foto Gallery, and complex665.

A never-ending array of activities.

Roppongi and Akasaka, as unquestionable entertainment hotspots, host a variety of traditional and modern events throughout the year. From art exhibitions to traditional festivals, ignite your every weekend.

Roppongi Art Night is a recent addition to Roppongis lineup of events, inspired by the globally renowned Nuit Blanche art festival and highly popular. Approximately 1 million visitors attend this all-night art celebration each year.

During Christmas, twinkling lights abound, and Roppongis festive Christmas atmosphere is not to be missed. Behind Roppongi Hills, tens of thousands of LED lights are meticulously designed to create a captivating and unique light spectacle.