The Best Things To See And Do In Roppongi

Roppongi is famous for its night-time entertainment, but there’s more to this district than expensive bars and exclusive restaurants. Here you’ll find some of Tokyo’s most inspiring architecture, its most beautiful temples and shrines and so much more. Uncover the beauty of this district with our guide of the best things to see and do in Roppongi.

1. Mori Art Museum, Minato-ku

Museum

Located inside the Roppongi Hills mall, the Mori Art Museum is Tokyo’s largest museum of contemporary art. Opened in 2003, it’s situated at the top of the central Mori Tower, with views across the city and amazing photo ops from it Tokyo City View and Sky Decks. Exhibitions change regularly, and span across a number of fields from architecture and photography to fashion and film. A café and restaurant are also on site if you need a break between exhibits.

2. The National Art Center

Museum

The National Art Center is one of Asia’s largest exhibition halls, and a striking structure itself. The centre is rented out to third-party organisations who want to showcase their collections or curate a temporary exhibit. This approach often leads to interesting retrospectives and deep-dives into unusual collections which attract visitors from all over the world.

3. Tokyo Midtown, Tokyo

Building, Museum, Shopping Mall

Tokyo Midtown tower, shopping and office complex building in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan

Upon its completion in 2007, Tokyo Midtown was the tallest building in Tokyo. At 569,000 square metres (0.2 square miles), it is one of the largest in Japan and contains office spaces, apartments, museums and a mall. Furthermore, it is also home to the luxury hotel the Ritz-Carlton and the Suntory Museum of Art which showcases the best of Japanese creativity.

Take in the beautiful landscape at Keyakizaka Dori

Famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees that turn pink during the sakura season and are illuminated for Christmas, Roppongi Sakurazaka and Keyakizaka Dori is a beautiful location with a scenic view. Take in the landscape by taking a walk around the area or stop by one of the cafés or restaurants nearby.

Shrines and temples

4. Nogi Shrine, Minato-ku

Shrine

Roppongi is home to numerous shrines, temples and cultural sites both big and small. Nogi Shrine is located northwest of Tokyo Midtown and was built to pay homage to former general Nogi Maresuke and his wife, who committed suicide upon hearing news of Emperor Meiji’s death.

5. Zōjō-ji, Tokyo

Buddhist Temple

Buddhist Temple Zojoji is situated east of the Roppongi Hills in Shiba Park and has one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Tokyo.

Nightlife

Roppongi offers a high concentration of night-time entertainment venues and is known as Tokyo’s most foreigner-centric area. With apparently endless bars, clubs and live-music venues to chose from, Roppongi offers a diverse scene which spans the genres.

6. 1 Oak, Tokyo

Nightclub, American

American club 1 Oak opened its first club in Asia in 2017 and quickly became a favourite with both locals and tourists, including Hollywood celebrities. This mean’s its often crowded, but worth a visit for the international DJs who often fly in from New York. The bold grey exterior gives way to a club adorned in gold, grey and black, with chequered dance floors and art covering the walls.

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