'''Roppongi''' (_Z_{__) is a section of Tokyo's Minato ward infamous for its nightlife, much of which is geared squarely at foreigners. But Roppongi has recently become respectable again even among the Japanese thanks to the opening of '''Roppongi Hills''', a massive shopping and dining complex.

The area around Roppongi to the south and west is known as '''Azabu''' (___z). These districts are generally quieter than Roppongi but have also absorbed some of its vibrant commercial activity and nightlife.

Get in

To get to Roppongi, take the Hibiya/O-Edo subway to Roppongi (H04/E23). Alternatively, walk from Tameike-Sanno (G06), Roppongi-Itchome (N05), or Azabu-juban (N04/E22).

If you walk west under the highway long enough (half an hour plus), you'll eventually end up in Shibuya; following the highway east for about as long will take you to the Diet Building and Imperial Palace. In daytime, you can also take frequent buses along Roppongi-dori to speed your way.

See

  • The '''Roppongi Crossing''', a big intersection of '''Roppongi-d?ri''' (_Z_{______), under the elevated highway, and '''Gaien-higashi-d?ri''' (_O________) is where everything starts. The '''Almond''' coffee shop, with its gaudy pink decor, is the time-honored landmark for meeting up with friends, though it doesn't get many customers.
  • '''Roppongi Hills''' (_Z_{___q___Y), 6-10-1 Roppongi (''Hibiya line, Roppongi station, exit 1C; Oedo line, Roppongi station, exit 3''), 03-6406-6000. [http://www.roppongihills.com/en/]. Roppongi Hills is an expansive shopping and entertainment complex, sleek and modern. It opened with much fanfare and remains popular. It has a number of attactions centered around the 53-story Mori Tower:
  • * '''Tokyo City View''' Mori Tower, 52F. 03-6406-6652. 9AM to midnight. [http://www.tokyocityview.com] This viewing deck gives you a 360o view of the city from 250 meters above sea level. Ticket includes admission to the Mori Art Museum.
  • * '''Mori Art Museum''' Mori Tower, 53F. 03-5777-8600. 10AM to 10PM, until 5PM on Tues. [http://www.mori.art.museum] This impressive art gallery hosts special exhibitions. The museum ticket includes admission to Tokyo City View. The '''Mori Arts Center Gallery''' [http://roppongihills.com/jp/macg/] adjacent to the Mori Art Museum requires separate admission (prices vary), not included with the Tokyo City View / Mori Art Museum ticket.
  • * '''Mori Urban Institute for the Future''' Mori Tower, 50F. 03-6406-6636. Mon to Thu 10AM to 8PM, until 10PM Fri to Sun and holidays. [http://www.tokyocityview.com].
  • * '''Mouri Garden''' This garden has a couple of wild duck families.
  • '''Tokyo Midtown''' [http://www.tokyo-midtown.com/], 9-7-1 Akasaka (''Roppongi station, exit 4A, 8; Nogisaka station, exit 3''). Opened in April 2007, this competitor to the Hills boasts Tokyo's tallest tower, a Ritz-Carlton and yet more endless acres of shopping and eating. Still, Midtown favors wood paneling and greenery over raw concrete and feels a little more human than the Hills do.
  • * '''21_21 Design Sight''', Midtown Hinokicho Park, [http://www.2121designsight.jp/]._@Changing exhibitions devoted to the latest and greatest in Japanese design.
  • * '''Fujifilm Square''', Midtown West, [http://fujifilmsquare.jp/]. Fujifilm's exhibition space for the latest and greatest in photography. Exhibits are usually free and well worth a visit.
  • * '''Suntory Museum of Art''', Midtown Garden, [http://www.suntory.co.jp/sma/]. Hosts changing art exhibitions.
  • '''National Art Center Tokyo''', 7-22-2 Roppongi (''Nogizaka stn, exit 6''), [http://www.nact.jp/english/index.html]. Tokyo's latest and greatest art museum, housed in an undulating wave-shaped building designed by Kisho Kurokawa and devoted entirely to changing exhibitions. Open Wed-Mon 10AM - 6PM. Entry fees vary by exhibition.
  • Do

  • '''Virgin Toho Cinemas''' 03-5775-6090 [http://www.tohocinemas.co.jp]. If you are going to put down the going rate of nearly \1800 for a movie in Tokyo, this is the place to do it. The nine-screen cinema has futuristic decor, THX and reserved seating. This theater is open all night, so you can catch a movie if you are staying out late and are planning to catch the morning train.
  • '''Azabu Onsen''', Azabujuban 1-5-22 (between Roppongi Hills and Azabu-Juban Station), used to be one of the few natural ''onsen'' (hot springs) in central Tokyo. The lower floor, ''Koshinoyu'', was a cheap (\430), ultra-traditional ''sento'' bathhouse, while the upper level contained a more expensive bathing complex with saunas and relaxation rooms (\1260 before 6pm, \940 until close). Closest station: Azabu-Juban (Namboku Line and Toei Oedo Line). Unfortunately, this place has closed down "due to the old age of the premises and of the owners, unable to find a heir to the business".
  • Nagomi Spa and Fitness. rand Hyatt Tokyo Hotel, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-Ku. 81 3 4333 1234. eservation@tyogh.com. ttp://tokyo.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/.

    Buy

  • '''Shopping''' and '''dining'''. In the first several floors of Mori Tower and the adjoining buildings, there are heaps of shopping spots, nearly all are upscale. Similarly, most of the restaurants have a lot of style, and with prices to match.
  • '''Azabu-Juban''' is a quieter commercial district to the southeast of Roppongi Hills, and a good place to spend a lazier afternoon browsing through shops and enjoying the local cafes. The surrounding residential area is popular among professional expats, so expect to see many international families as you walk through.
  • Eat

    Not surprisingly, Roppongi has lots of international restaurants.

  • Supermarkets. Below budget?

    Six supermarkets in area - Precce Premium (Tokyo Midtown basement - a little pricey, some foreign stuff) - Roppongi Marche (near Roppongi crossing - still a little pricey, some occasional discounts) - Food Market (24 hours, near Roppongi Hills, a little past Tsutaya Roppongi; decent) - Global Market (or something like that, I forget; another 24 hour supermarket; smack middle somewhere down Azabu-Juban shopping street; decent) - National Azabu Supermarket (more in the direction of Hiroo, turning left at the end of TV Asahi Dori, the side w/o Tsutaya; pretty much famous and speaks for itself)</eat>

    Budget

    Some of the best cheap places to eat in high-rent Roppongi are the numerous ''fast-food joints''', most of which keep late hours to cater to the party crowd.

  • Turkish '''doner kebab vans''' on the street at night are really popular for people getting out of clubs.
  • Numerous fast-food chains are available, including Subway, McDonald's, and SoupStock (recently opened in October 2006).
  • '''Yoshinoya''', there are two locations in Roppongi. One of them is diagonally across the street (you have to walk under the elevated highway) from the infamous Almond. Yoshinoya makes it's infamous beef bowls and other interesting budget cuisine for anyone that can say "oomori," if you want a large serving of beef bowl or other menu. For great Ramen, one of the most revered ramen shops in Tokyo is right under the Yoshinoya. Try the Tokyo style Ramen and the gyoza. Oishii!!
  • '''Manga Hiroba''', [http://www.mangahiroba.com/]. Open 24 hours a day it has over 100 stations - in Japanese or English. The first hour is \380, each half hour after that is \150 per person. There is a free drink bar with a selection of hot drinks, sodas, slushy drinks and water. Light meals cost \260-700. Friendly, service-oriented staff with limited English. Japanese TV, DVD and books all available as well. Comfy leather seats for reading, Internet or sleeping after the subway stops running.
  • Chinese Cafe 8. Famous. That or slightly popular with after hours people. 24 hours. There's also a kick-ass deal with Peking Duck that comes with all you can eat rice and complimentary soup. The decor is out of this world. There's mini appetizer dishes (if you've ever eaten Dim Sum, you'll know what I'm talking about) that are 200-300 yen per. At the end of TV Asahi-dori (the end w/o Tsutaya Roppongi)
  • Mid-range

  • '''Roppongi Hills''' has an extensive selection of midrange-to-expensive restaurants. A few branches of famous chains here, all offering set meals in the \1500 range, include:
  • * Ginza's '''Katsukobo Wak?''' (_____H_[_a_K) for ''tonkatsu ''(pork cutlets)
  • * Sugamo's '''Konaya''' (______) for curry udon
  • * Akasaka's '''Kushinob?''' (_____V) for ''kushiyaki'' (deep-fried skewers)
  • '''Acarajé Tropicana''', Edge Bldg. B1, 1-1-1 Nishi-Azabu, 03-3479-4690, [http://www.cup.com/tropicana/]. This Brazilian restaurant also teaches Brazilian dance if you pay a little bit. Lunch 11:30AM-3PM, Dinner 6AP-Midnight.
  • '''Raj Mahal''', 7-13-2, Urban Bldg, 4F. Arguably the best Indian restaurant in the city. Unbeatable lunch deal. Across the street from Midtown.
  • '''Bangkok''', 3-8-8, Woo Building, 2F. A lunchtime legend. Pad thai special on thursdays (\980) is divine. Extra peanuts, please!
  • '''Hutong of Beijing''', 5-10-19, across the street from the Roppongi Hills Tsutaya/Starbucks/FOod Magazine. Incredible authenticity, very reasonable prices, a lot of variety. Specializes in duck.
  • '''TGI Friday's'''.
  • '''Wolfgang Puck Cafe'''.
  • '''Hard Rock Cafe'''. Look for the giant gorilla hanging on to the window.
  • '''Worldstar Cafe''', 5-1-3 Roppongi, B1F Goto Bldg, [http://www.worldstarcafe.com/]. 11 AM - 8 AM. Recently popular with business people or singles during lunchtime. Meal sets are 980-1200 yen, comes w/ main, salad, drink; main being spaghetti, Japn, etc. Useful for a late night spot to hang around, since they're open until 6 am or so.
  • '''Tony Roma's''' 5-4-20 Roppongi, (''next to Hard Rock Cafe''), 03-3408-2748. Step out of Japan and into the United States; the bilingual staff and English-only menu might make you forget you are in Tokyo. The restaurant features their trademark ribs, worth the price which approaches \2000. The Texas Mud Pie is the cure for tiny Japanese desserts, this one looks the size of Texas.
  • '''Tapeo: Bar de Espana''' Roppongi Hills Metrohat B2, 6-4-1, ''+81'' 03-5412-2125. 11AM-11PM everyday. Cute tapas bar serving a good range of small plates as well as five or six main dishes. Spanish wines, sherry and a well-made sangria are the highlights of the drink list. The half roast chicken is excellent but the paella can be a little dry. There's plenty of seating but customers needing to use the restroom must leave the bar and wander through the corridors to find a public toilet. Tapas \500 average Mains \800-1400.
  • '''Diya Indian Restaurant''' Roppongi Hills B1, 11AM-10PM everyday. Indian restaurant servicing authentic fare of exceptional quality. Start with the tender Tandoori chicken and move on to the biryani and the spicy curries. Good service, great food, mid-range prices (\4000 per person on a sharing basis gets you a full meal - from starters to mains).
  • '''Gonpachi''' (____), Nishi-Azabu 1-13-11 (''Nishi-Azabu crossing, 5 min. from Roppongi station''), tel 03-5771-0170, [http://www.gonpachi.jp/en/nishi_azabu/home/location]. This lively and popular ''izakaya'', with a spectacular spacious interior and high-profile location, has served luminaries such as George W. Bush and former Prime Minister Koizumi, and was the model for the battle scene in Tarantino's "Kill Bill". (The owner turned down the director's request to use the place itself.) Yet prices are quite reasonable given this notoriety, with all-you-can-drink deals from ¥1500, noodles and rice dishes for under ¥1000 and 6-course menus from ¥3500. Make reservations and expect to see a lot of foreign visitors.
  • Splurge

  • '''Atelier de Joel Robuchon'''. Roppongi Hills Hillside 2F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, tel. 03-5772-7500, [http://www.robuchon.com/]. The first overseas venture of the eponymous Paris-based Michelin-starred chef. Each dish is a work of art almost as breathtaking as the price tag, as courses cost \2900 to \12800 — still a steal by Tokyo gourmet standards. No reservations are accepted, so prepare to queue. Open 11AM-10PM
  • '''Fukuzushi'''. 5-7-8, Roppongi. (Behind Hard Rock Cafe) Tel. 03-3402-4116. Persistently a contender in the expat community's "where to get the best sushi" debate. Expect no less than \30000 for 2 people with light drinking. Set menus are available, and their \3000 lunch set is excellent. Lunch 11:30AM-2PM, Dinner 5:30PM-11PM. Dress Codes: No Sleeveless for men.
  • '''Roku Roku''' (_Z_\). Grand Hyatt 6F, Roppongi Hills, [http://tokyo.grand.hyatt.com/tokgra03/dining_01.html]. This complex of six restaurants on the sixth floor is a good choice if price is not an issue. You can choose between sushi, steak, Japanese and Chinese, and will be looking at upwards of \5000 per head on the bill.
  • Drink

    Roppongi is the place to be (late) at night. Nightlife in Roppongi starts later than in other parts of Tokyo and many bars, clubs and discos are opened until 4-5 am when the first trains run in the morning. Most other nightlife in Tokyo shuts down when the last trains run (around midnight). If you start your evening early you should first go to Shibuya and move over to Roppongi after 11pm.

    There are innumerable watering holes in Roppongi. Generally speaking, first floor and ground floor establishments cater to foreigners while higher stories feature more exclusive (and often sex-related) clubs aimed at the Japanese. ID is required by many clubs, so bring along your passport. Note that many of the clubs are ''very'' small, and leaving and re-entering without paying the entry charge again is often not possible.

    Beware of touts inviting you into clip joints, some of which will go so far as to spike your drinks to wring you dry. See Stay safe for more information. Leave the credit card at home, since in a bid to combat fraud an increasing number of bars '''only accept cash''' anyway.

    Bars

  • '''Absolut Icebar Tokyo'''. 4-2-4 Nishi-Azabu, tel. 5464-2160, [http://www.icebartokyo.com/eng/index.html]. Step into an environment where the walls, bar, tables, and even your own personal glass with a vodka cocktail is made out of ice. The bar is kept at -5°C year around and everything inside is made out of crystal clear ice transported down from the Torne River in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden. The bar is operated in 45 minute time slots and you will be given a cape to keep you warm during your visit. But bring a friend, since this bar is tiny and not for meeting locals. (cover \3500 with 1 drink, additional drinks \1200.)
  • '''911 Lounge''' in a basement on Gaien-Higashi Dori, is one of the better known places in the local ex-pat community. It caters to upscale ex-pats with sales of Cuban cigars, expensive drinks, and great DJ's. They strictly enforce a 25 and older age limit here, so the place has a more sophisticated feel to it, no servicemen, and older women. The only problem is how crowded it gets late at night. The best nights here are Thursdays, though Fridays and Saturdays are also packed. On Thursdays, women get free champagne and chocolate fondue all night.
  • '''Heartland''' in the bottom of Mori Tower is a place for many foreigners to start the night, and the crowd flows out the doors to the street on Fridays and Saturdays. The clientele consists mainly of male foreigners in the finance area and Japanese girls/women who want a foreigner yet not an English teacher or a US military serviceman. Although there is no official dress code, most men wear business attire and the women dress equally upscale . Heartland is quite different from the typical Pongi drinking hole as the average age is much higher and the clientele is more affluent. (Free entrance, bottled beer \500.)
  • '''Motown'''. Up a flight of stairs to the left of TGI Friday's. No cover except for special events, drinks are reasonable and the staff is English friendly. Popular among expats for its smaller size and music selection, you can often find groups or solo western businessmen (and women) on expense accounts into the wee hours of the morning. Does get crowded at times, so go early if you actually want enough space to dance. Motown had been famous for its transexual prostitutes that prowl the bar late at night, although recently, most have been deported (July 08). Those that remain arrive around 11:00 and will dominate the center of the bar. Interesting to talk to, but will dismiss you as soon as they find out you're not interested to spend 30,000 Yen + room for the night. On the upside, they are probably the best looking women in the place so if you are into that enjoy.
  • '''New Lex Edo'''. B1F, 3-13-14 Roppongi, 03-3401-1661, Formerly ''Lexington Queen'', the place underwent renovations and a name change in 2007, and now looks, at least, a bit more upscale. The bartenders here are good, one of the few places in Roppongi where your drinks will not be watered down. Models still drink for free, so expect to find a few here. The music is of a wider variety than in most Roppongi clubs, though some of it seems a bit weird. Be warned though, the average age here is barely old enough to drink. Cover charge is Y3000 for women, Y4000 for men, with 3 free drinks. Additional drinks are Y1000 each.
  • '''Propaganda'''. Yua Roppongi Building 2F, 3-14-9 Roppongi. An appropriately grubby joint decorated with propaganda posters and booming bass, mostly of the hip-hop sort. The friendly staff parties as hard as the customers. Drinks \800-1000 (half price before 9 PM), no cover charge.
  • '''Abbott's Choice'''. Kato Building, 2F, 5-1-5 Gaien-Higashi. Small, decent bar with NYC pop radio fed in via satellite. Attracts a nice mix of tourists, ex-pats and curious locals. A really welcome respite from the overpriced and overrated bars in the surrounding area. Open until 8 a.m. Tel. 03-3475-0353.
  • '''Tokyo Sports Cafe'''. 7-15-31 Roppongi, 03-3404-3675, [http://www.tokyo-sportscafe.com/en/shop.htm]. This bar is located right around the corner from Feria. Despite the name, this is a bar, primarily showing Soccer and Baseball. The best thing about this bar is Friday night, which is Models Night. It attracts the same crowd as Feria, so you can go to Tokyo Sports Cafe first, then head out to Feria when the models move there. There is also no cover charge!
  • '''Wall Street'''. Relocated from its former place next to TGI Friday's, the side of the Korn building will have a poster pointing the next building down is the new locale of Wall Street Bar 1. A Wall Street Bar 2 has also opened, past the Don Quixote somewhere. Be sure to ask for the fire show around 1AM - a tip will be appreciated, but not expected, and it will be worth hanging around. There's also a card available, at Wall Street Bar 1, possibly Bar 2, free shot and first drink 500 yen. Only good on Friday and Saturday though. There's also an email sign-up sheet on the weekends; opt-in and get a drink coaster for a free drink, suppose you could just write a faulty one. In recent years, the bar has been frequented by transvestites and transsexuals in the last few hours of the night; just make sure to keep your eyes wide open if you aren't into that kind of thing. Some of them end up being the most beautiful "girls" in there at times.
  • Clubs

    The hot spots of Roppongi change constantly, and legendary clubs '''Velfarre''' and '''Yellow''' have both closed their doors. <!-- Keep this here for a while, as people will still look for them... -->

  • '''alife Nishiazabu'''. Myojo Nishiazabu 70 Building, near Roppongi Hills. 1-7-2 Nishiazabu, 03-5785-2531, [http://www.e-alife.net/alife_tokyo/index.html]. 4000 square feet club. Minimum age is 23. Cover is usually \3500 for males and \2500 for females, which includes 2 drink tickets. Often discount coupons can be obtained from promoters between Roppongi Crossing and the club, which allows females to enter Alife for \1000, but no drinks are included.
  • '''Feria'''. Grace Complex B1F. The successor of Lexington Queen as most popular hangout place for the international model society and the (hedge fund) crowd who wants to be close to them. Cover \3500 Friday and Saturday with 2 drinks, no cover the rest of the week.
  • '''Gaspanic''', [http://www.gaspanic.co.jp/]. No entry fee, but you must have a drink in your hand at all times. The best known of Roppongi's many meat markets, where desperate ''gaijin'' men and desperate Japanese women hoping to score congregate. Nobody ever admits to going here, but it's packed tighter than the lower circles of Hell on most weekends. On Thursdays ("Happy Gaspanic Day") all drinks are \400 all night, while the rest of the time prices vary from \600-1200. The amount of alcohol in the drinks is low. Notorious pickpocket spot.
  • *Gaspanic Bar. 2-3F, 3-15-24 Roppongi, 03-3405-0633. Mixed music for all ages.
  • *Gaspanic Club. Gaien-Higashi-Doori. Japanese couples and more electronic music.
  • *Gaspanic Club99. B1F.3-15-24 Roppongi, 03-3470-7195. The place for friends of hip-hop music with young audience.
  • '''Muse'''. 4-1-1 Nishi-Azabu, tel. 5467-1188, [http://www.muse-web.com/]. Many expats argue that "you can't lose at Muse," a multi-level, multi-room below-ground establishment which, in addition to bars, dance floors, and VIP rooms, also has karaoke, ping-pong and pool tables. Cover charge is never more than \2,000 (for women, there is often no cover charge) and includes 2 drink tickets; students can get drink discounts (except on Friday and Saturday nights) with ID. To get there, follow the expressway from Roppongi Crossing past Roppongi Hills, and keep an eye out on your left.
  • '''Seventh Heaven'''. 7-14-1 Roppongi 2F, Minato-ku. Hostess/Strip club, this is one place where most wealthy business men go, with performers from around the world. You might find famous actors, sumo wrestlers, entrepreneurs, or other forms of high class people here. Entrance fees are \5000, which provides you with two drinks. However, if you're brave enough, paying \17500 will get you VIP seats, champagne, and a dance by your favorite hostess.
  • Soul Sonic Boogie. -18-2 Roppongi. t the end of the strip towards Tokyo Tower. 584-7890. ttp://www.soulsonicboogie.com. Specializing in old-school funk/soul/disco. Put on your platform soles, comb your 'fro, and boogie on back to 1979.

    Sleep

    Sleeping is probably the last thing on your mind if you're in Roppongi. There are plenty of places to hang out between the last train and the first one in the morning, but not surprisingly very few of them are free or inexpensive.

    Budget

  • '''Super Sauna Roppongi VIVI''' (_X_[_p_[_T_E_i _Z_{__VIVI). Roi Bldg 4F, 5-5-1 Roppongi (''Roppongi stn exit A3''), tel. 03-3404-4126. Given the name you might well be excused for thinking this is in an entirely different business, but this is in fact quite a decent capsule hotel that caters to women also. A capsule for the night (checkout 10 AM) costs \4500, with pool, spa, gym, and more included.
  • Mid-range

  • '''the b'''[http://www.ishinhotels.com/theb-roppongi/en/index.html] super centrally located at Roppongi Crossing (center of night life area), 2 minutes to subway Hibiya and Oedo line, renovated in spring 2006, nice but small rooms, from \9000, with regular special discount offers when booking via the homepage (special offers available in Japanese only).
  • '''Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi''' [http://www.villa-fontaine.co.jp/eng/index.html], 10 minutes walk to night life area, direct connection to Roppongi Itchome station (Namboku line), build in 2003, with nice and spacious rooms targeting for business travellers, from \10000 per night (with great weekend specials from only \6300 per night).
  • '''Hotel Arca Torre Roppongi''' [http://www.arktower.co.jp/E-arca%20frame.htm], also super centrally located at Roppongi Crossing, 1 minute to subway Hibiya and Oedo line, build in 2004, small but acceptable rooms (the cheap ones without daylight), from \11550.
  • '''Hotel Ibis Roppongi''' [http://www.ibis-hotel.com/en.html], older hotel with relatively small rooms, starting from \13500, convenient location near Roppongi Crossing. Entrance is a little bit difficult to find, next to a game center. It is only a few steps down Gaien-Higashi Dori in the opposite direction of all the bars and clubs. Very convenient to both Hibiya and Oedo subway lines.
  • Splurge

  • '''Grand Hyatt Tokyo''', 6-10-3 Roppongi, 03-4333-1234, [http://tokyo.grand.hyatt.com/]. A part of Roppongi Hills, and not to be confused with the more famous Park Hyatt of ''Lost in Translation'' fame, which is in Shinjuku. Sleek and minimalistic, all black, gray and brown, with expensive design that never hesitates to sacrifice function for form, but the superlative service makes up for it. Rack rates marginally cheaper than the Park Hyatt at \37000 and up.
  • '''Tokyo Prince Hotel''', 3-3-1 Shibakoen, tel: 81-3-3432-1111. If you insist on staying in a "western" hotel near Roppongi, and have to stay within a budget (under \20000 per night), the Tokyo Prince Hotel is one of your few options. The hotel is almost at the base of the Tokyo Tower and is located in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood just a 15-minute walk from the action in Roppongi. The hotel staff speak English, and the hotel has the amenities of its modern competitors. But it is a bit of a throwback. The beds are short, the decor is tacky, and everything (except the DSL) feels a little dated.
  • '''Ritz-Carlton Tokyo''', 9-7-1 Akasaka (''Tokyo Midtown''), [http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Tokyo/]._@Opened 2007 and located on the top floors of the hip Midtown building, the tallest in Tokyo. Probably Tokyo's priciest hotel, with room rates starting from \60,000.
  • '''Villa Fontaine Roppongi Annex''' 2-7, Roppongi 3-chome, tel: 81-3-3587-1111. [http://www.hvf.jp/roppongi_annex/]. Formerly ''Roppongi Prince'', this is a Western style hotel that is significantly closer to the nightlife than the Tokyo Prince Hotel. Rooms as of April 2006 were running about US$120 per night. Full queen size beds available, rooms look contemporary with ambient lighting and accent walls. Most importantly they are extremely quiet. The walk to the heart of the club scene in Roppongi is a quick 10 minutes up the hill, versus 20 mins from Tokyo Prince. The hotel staff speak English, but facilities are minimal (no gym, no pool, no laundry). High speed internet access is available upon request and only costs US$5 per day from noon to noon.
  • Stay safe

    Roppongi has, by Japanese standards, a slightly dangerous reputation and even makes it onto the US Department of State's Consular Information Sheet [http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1148.html], probably mostly for lack of anything else to warn about. The main hazard is '''drunken fights''', which should be steered clear of as standard operating procedure for the police is to grab everybody in the vicinity and lock them up until things are sorted out, which may take its time. Some petty theft also occurs in crowded bars and clubs.

    Be wary of '''hustlers on the streets''', who will often try to talk foreigners into going to hideously overpriced bars or clubs--the extent of the overpricing may not even be apparent until you get the bill at 5 AM. They can be quite aggressive, especially if they think you might be military, but will leave you alone if you just keep walking and ignore them completely. Pretending to talk into a phone may help. Some clip joints send foreign female confederates into other bars to pick up clueless-looking targets, and an increasing number of them will '''spike your drink''' and then ravage your credit card while you're out cold. If you want to escape Roppongi with your wallet intact, stick to places on the lower level of buildings, preferably with a sizable crowd, and don't bring your credit card, as most of the legit places don't accept them anyway.

    While that is the general perception of Roppongi, it is far less dangerous than the other major areas that cater to foreigners in Asia. It's not even the most dangerous place in Tokyo in terms of clubs hustling customers: that distinction goes to Kabukicho and its Yakuza-owned hostess bars. Some of the best clubs/bars require elevators to get into them. Remember that, above, it says slightly dangerous by Japanese standards. Japanese crime standards are very different than those in much of the world. Roppongi is very safe, as long as you are not there during an earthquake. Many young women walk on the street alone late at night in complete comfort. The main danger is to your wallet.

    Get out

  • Complete a night of decadent debauchery with a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji, a few stops down the O-Edo Line.
  • Shibuya (3km) and Aoyama (2km) are within walking distance. (Or, if it's daytime, take a 200-yen bus.)