Roppongi Hills | Tokyo

Roppongi Hills (六本木ヒルズ, Roppongi Hiruzu) is a major development located in the upscale Roppongi district of Minato, Tokyo. It’s one of the most iconic mixed-use urban complexes in the city, featuring office buildings, luxury apartments, an art museum, high-end shops, restaurants, and various entertainment facilities. Since its completion in 2003, Roppongi Hills has become a symbol of Tokyo's modern, cosmopolitan, and luxurious lifestyle.

Overview:

• Opened: 2003
• Location: Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo
• Size: The complex spans 11 hectares and consists of multiple buildings, including the Mori Tower, Hillside Terrace, and various low-rise buildings.
• Developer: The project was developed by Mori Building Company, a prominent real estate developer in Japan.

Key Features of Roppongi Hills:

1. Mori Tower:

The Mori Tower is the tallest building in Roppongi Hills and one of Tokyo's most recognizable skyscrapers.

• Height: 238 meters (781 feet)
• Floors: The tower has 54 floors above ground, with offices, restaurants, and an observation deck.
• Observation Deck: Located on the 52nd floor, the Tokyo City View observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The deck is a popular spot for both tourists and locals to enjoy views of the city, especially at sunset and night when the skyline lights up.
• Mori Art Museum: Located on the 53rd and 54th floors of the Mori Tower, this contemporary art museum showcases cutting-edge Japanese and international art, with rotating exhibitions of modern works.

2. Shopping and Dining:

Roppongi Hills is home to a wide range of high-end retail shops, from international luxury brands to more unique boutiques, offering everything from fashion to accessories and home goods.

• Shops: Some of the world's most renowned luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci, have flagship stores in the complex.
• Dining: The complex also boasts a vast array of restaurants and cafés. There’s something for everyone, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries offering international cuisines like French, Italian, Japanese, and American. A few highlights include:
  • Nobu: The famous upscale Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant.
  • Ippudo: A renowned ramen restaurant.
  • The Grill: A fine dining spot with views of the Tokyo skyline.

3. Roppongi Hills Arena and Events:

The Roppongi Hills Arena is an outdoor venue used for a variety of events throughout the year, including live performances, concerts, film screenings, and seasonal celebrations.

• Seasonal Events: During certain times of the year, especially in the winter, Roppongi Hills is illuminated with stunning Christmas lights and festive decorations. The area hosts various cultural and entertainment events, making it a lively spot for visitors year-round.

4. Luxury Apartments and Offices:

Roppongi Hills features a mix of residential and office spaces, making it a true "live-work-play" development.

Luxury Apartments: The area includes luxury residential complexes offering high-end living spaces with breathtaking views of the city. The apartments in Roppongi Hills are some of the most expensive and sought-after in Tokyo, attracting wealthy residents, both domestic and international.

Corporate Offices: The Mori Tower also houses offices for various global companies, making Roppongi Hills a business hub for professionals from around the world.

5. Outdoor Spaces and Greenery:

Despite being an urban development, Roppongi Hills is home to several green spaces and outdoor areas, providing a balance between modern living and nature.

Roppongi Hills Mori Garden: This lush Japanese garden is located in the heart of the complex, offering a peaceful escape from the surrounding urban hustle. It features traditional Japanese landscaping, including koi ponds, walking paths, and seasonal plants.

Art Walks: The complex also features sculptures and outdoor art installations, adding to the cultural richness of the area.

Art and Culture at Roppongi Hills:

Mori Art Museum: This is one of the standout features of the complex. The Mori Art Museum focuses on contemporary and modern art from both Japanese and international artists. The museum is well-known for hosting exciting exhibitions that explore various mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photography and digital art.

The National Art Center: While not part of the Roppongi Hills complex, this art center is located nearby and often collaborates with Roppongi Hills for exhibitions and events. The National Art Center is unique in that it doesn’t have a permanent collection, but instead hosts a rotating series of exhibitions, making it a constantly evolving venue.

Tokyo Midtown: Just across from Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown is another massive urban development with its own cultural institutions, including 21_21 Design Sight, a museum dedicated to design and innovation. Visitors often explore both areas for a more complete cultural experience in the Roppongi district.

Roppongi Hills and Its Role in Tokyo's Skyline:

Roppongi Hills is not just a shopping and entertainment center but also an important landmark in Tokyo's skyline. The Mori Tower is a defining feature of the city's skyline, contributing to Tokyo’s image as a modern, forward-thinking metropolis. The development itself is an example of Tokyo’s efforts to balance modernity with cultural and architectural sophistication.

Roppongi Hills helped transform the Roppongi area into a high-end, cosmopolitan neighborhood known for its luxury lifestyle and international flair. It has attracted foreign visitors, expatriates, and artists, helping solidify Roppongi as one of Tokyo's most vibrant districts.

How to Get There:

Roppongi Hills is easily accessible via public transportation, especially Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and the Oedo Line. It's a short walk from both stations to the main area of Roppongi Hills.

• Roppongi Station: About a 5-minute walk to the complex.
• Nogizaka Station: Located nearby, it’s also a short walk to the area.
• By Bus: There are several bus routes that stop near Roppongi Hills.

Best Time to Visit:

Daytime: The observation decks at Mori Tower offer incredible views of the city, especially during the daytime when visitors can see landmarks like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and the sprawling cityscape of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and beyond.

Nighttime: The night views are breathtaking, with the city lights creating a mesmerizing urban landscape. The Tokyo City View observation deck offers particularly stunning views at night, with Tokyo’s skyline illuminated.

Seasonal Events: If visiting in winter, the holiday lights and decorations are a must-see. During spring, the nearby Sakura (cherry blossom) viewing spots in Roppongi Hills make for a beautiful outing.

Conclusion:

Roppongi Hills is more than just a luxury complex—it's a symbol of Tokyo’s drive to merge modernity, culture, art, and lifestyle into one integrated urban space. Whether you're looking to enjoy stunning city views, shop at luxury boutiques, dine in world-class restaurants, or explore contemporary art, Roppongi Hills offers something for everyone. Its blend of architecture, art, entertainment, and business makes it a must-visit destination in Tokyo.