Nobody does "modern" like the Japanese, so how could you resist the opportunity to check out the new Mori Art Museum in Rappongi Hills. Atop the the Mori Tower, the art museum doesn't seem to have a permanent collection, but rotates themed exhibits through its spaces, mostly highlighting emerging ASian artists. When I was there, the matter at hand was modern art from Africa, an exhibit celebrating 25 years of Pixar animation, or an exhibit on art made from trash by an Indian. Like most modern art (to me anyway) the African exhbit was a collection of wonderfully creative works next to exhibits that make you scratch your head or seem to barely pass as art at all. Or some of the stuff we saw in the Ai Wei wei exhibit -- how about a teahouse sculted from real tea: both a visual and an olfactory experience! But that's part of the fun of contemporary art anyway, especially of the multi-media genre so prevalant at the Mori.
Updated Aug 15, 2009
Address: Minato-ku
If you want a view of Tokyo that allows you to actually LOOK DOWN on Tokyo Tower, than Tokyo City view in Roppongi is the place. And, best of all, Tokyo City View is free if you buy a ticket to the Mori Art Museum (or the Museum is free if you buy a View ticket -- to each his/her own) which is Y1500.
Tokyo City View is on the 52nd floor adjacent to the Mori Art Museum and you're usuially allowed to walk the entire 360 degrees though my path was blocked by a wedding reception the day I was there. Still, the views were fantastic. I got up there for sunset (except that there was no sun, being rainy season at all), hoping that the gathering darkness would make the city stand out from the haze. My hope prevailed as the city lights came on, bringing form to a skyline that had been obscured by humidity ans smog. I bought a beer and grabbed a window seat and watched it all happen.
If the weather is nice, you can even go higher! Climb out onto the city deck and view the city 360 degrees from the outside. Fantastic! And better photos!
Updated Mar 9, 2009
Address: Minato-ku
forget the building, OK, its really well designed and has allot of shops, BUT the gardens are cool too. some interesting pieces of art as well as a nice relaxing pond area.
Worth a half hour on a humid day.
Written Aug 6, 2007
Address: Minato-ku
Roppongi is famous for being a popular attraction for foreigners and an area where a lot of foreigners live or work. The area is energized with activity, things to do, places to go, and places to eat.
There is a Hard Rock Cafe located in Roppongi.
Not far from Roppongi you can get to Tokyo Tower.
Written Jan 14, 2007
Address: Minato-ku
There is a shopping street in Roppongi called "Azabu-juban". The best way to survey is by take off at Azabu-juban metro station and walk along the way to Ronppongi Hill.
There are many bakery shops here. Also with Daiso shops.
Written Nov 17, 2006
Address: Minato-ku
Tokyo Tower is located only about 15 minutes on foot from the center of Roppongi. You can take the elevator to the main level at 150 meters or if that's not enough for you, you can go even higher to the special level at 250 meters (which you might spend 90 minutes or so in line for).
Tokyo Tower is the tallest self-supporting tower in the world (33 metters taller than the Eiffel) and it's now on it's way to becoming a cultural symbol of sorts.
Tokyo Tower also houses a number of exhibits like the Guinness World Records museum, a few restaurants, and some stores.
Not far at all from Tokyo tower on the way back to Roppongi, you might notice a shrine to the Illuminati... er... a Masonic Temple. No kidding!! These guys really do want to rule the world or at least they make it look like they do. Well, I think I'll make that a tourist thing to see on another page.... I'll put it under off the beaten path, as it is an odd thing to go look at.
Written Aug 17, 2006
Address: Minato-ku
Website: http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/333/foreign/eng/index.html
Roppongi is where u want to go if you want to see a few fellow tourists around and hit the bars and clubs..
Lexington Queen is a reasonable club... Maybe a young crowd, usually a few Russian models, all you can drink, insist on an internet discount at the door.. Often too crowded to do anything on a Saturday night.. Used to be frequented by the rich and famous but Ive no idea why!
Gaspanic is mainly Japanese and their policy of forcing people to buy a drink as soon as you get in and afterwards is annoying.. The owners of this club chain havent got a clue about how to treat customers as far as Im concerned!!
911 is ok but usually too crowded for my liking...
Wall Street is free to get in but drinks are as pricey as everywhere else... Seems like many of the girls at this club are hookers or hostesses..
Pure in Shibuya is good if you are on a budget... Both Lex and Pure are all u can drink 4 free after paying the cover charge
Updated Jun 21, 2005
Address: Roppongi
As you might imagine, Tokyo has several places from which you could view the city. If it is your first visit, it is a great way to actually see how large the city is. One option is the Tokyo City View in Roppongi. You get a 360 degree view from 250 m up. Tickets are a little expensive at 1500 yen for adults, but for students (high school and college) it is 1000 yen. Bring your student ID, because unlike a lot of places in Japan, they actually accept a college ID from a university outside of Japan.
Ticket includes admission to the Mori Art Museum.
They're open from 9AM to 1AM.
Updated Feb 13, 2005
Address: Minato-ku
Website: www.tokyocityview.com
THE place to come for a night out. Some great bars. NOT cheap. Can be sleazy... but that's why you came - right?
A cracking nite out... but don't miss your flight home the next day... you are 2 hrs from Narita airport - keep that in mind!
Written Sep 2, 2004
Address: Minato-ku
Most of the traveler face this problem : No one speak English on the street in helping for direction. No one can talk to when you feel lonely. So here you are, the Roppongi is for you, you can find a lot of foreigner here to talk to, to exchange idea and experiences
Updated Aug 17, 2004
Address: Minato-ku
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Most of the traveler face this problem : No one speak English on the street in helping for direction. No one can talk to when you feel lonely. So here you are,...
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