Roppongi Hills
Tokyo's Ultimate Urban Experience and City Within a City
Roppongi Hills opened in 2003 after a 17-year development project, representing one of Japan's largest and most ambitious urban redevelopment initiatives. The 27-acre complex transformed a former residential area into a 'city within a city', embodying the concept of vertical urban living with residential, commercial, cultural, and entertainment facilities integrated into a single development.
The project was led by developer Minoru Mori, whose vision was to create a new urban lifestyle model where people could live, work, play, and shop without leaving the complex. The centerpiece Mori Tower rises 238 meters with 54 floors, housing offices (including Google Japan and Goldman Sachs), residences, the Mori Art Museum, and Tokyo City View observation deck.
Roppongi Hills quickly became a symbol of Tokyo's modern cosmopolitan culture and economic power. The complex attracts over 40 million visitors annually and has influenced urban development across Asia. Its public art installations, including the iconic Maman spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, have made it a cultural landmark beyond its commercial success.
Key Highlights
- Opened 2003 as Japan's largest urban redevelopment
- 238-meter Mori Tower with observation deck and museum
- World-class shopping with 200+ stores and restaurants
- Mori Art Museum - contemporary art at 52nd floor
- Iconic Louise Bourgeois Maman spider sculpture
- Entertainment complex including Toho Cinemas and TV Asahi
Access Information
Location
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line/Toei Oedo Line) - Direct connection
- • Azabu-juban Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line) - 8 min walk
- • Nogizaka Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) - 10 min walk
Opening Hours
Shops: 11:00-21:00 | Restaurants: 11:00-23:00 (varies) | Tokyo City View: 10:00-23:00 (Fri-Sat until 1:00 AM) | Mori Art Museum: 10:00-22:00 (Tue until 17:00)
Admission Fee
Free entry to complex | Tokyo City View + Mori Art Museum: ¥2,000 adults, ¥1,400 high school/university, ¥1,000 ages 4-12 | Sky Deck (rooftop): additional ¥500
How to Get There
From Tokyo Station
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Kasumigaseki, transfer to Hibiya Line
25 minutes
From Shibuya
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Omotesando, transfer to Chiyoda Line to Nogizaka
15 minutes
From Shinjuku
Toei Oedo Line direct to Roppongi
15 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Tokyo City View Observatory
The 52nd floor Tokyo City View offers 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji. Visit during sunset for spectacular views. The rooftop Sky Deck (weather permitting) provides open-air views.
Iconic Maman Spider Sculpture
Louise Bourgeois's giant spider sculpture 'Maman' at the entrance is one of Tokyo's most photographed artworks. Visit at night when it's beautifully lit. Free public art installations are scattered throughout the complex.
Luxury and International Shopping
Over 200 shops include luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany), Japanese fashion, lifestyle goods, and the excellent Tsutaya bookstore. West Walk focuses on fashion, while Metro Hat/Hollywood Plaza offers dining and entertainment.
Diverse Dining Options
From casual to Michelin-starred, the complex offers exceptional dining. Joel Robuchon, Nobu, Peter Luger, and innovative Japanese restaurants occupy premium spaces. The basement floor has affordable international fast food.
Mori Art Museum World-Class Exhibitions
The 53rd floor Mori Art Museum is Tokyo's premier contemporary art venue, hosting rotating exhibitions of international artists. Admission includes Tokyo City View. Late Tuesday hours (until 22:00) attract art enthusiasts and couples.
Seasonal Events and Illuminations
The complex hosts seasonal events: Christmas market (Dec), cherry blossom viewing at Mohri Garden (April), summer Bon Odori festival (Aug), and Halloween decorations (Oct). Check the events calendar before visiting.
Explore the Entire District
Beyond Roppongi Hills, explore nearby attractions: Tokyo Midtown (10 min walk), National Art Center Tokyo (5 min), and Roppongi's nightlife district. The area forms Tokyo's premier art triangle with three major museums.
Plan 3-4 Hours Minimum
To properly experience the observation deck, museum, shopping, dining, and public art, allocate at least a half day. Evening visits combine sunset views with dinner and illuminated night atmosphere.
FAQ
What exactly is Roppongi Hills?
It's a massive mixed-use complex with offices, apartments, shops, restaurants, museums, observatory, cinema, and gardens. Think of it as a city within a city, centered around the 54-story Mori Tower.
Is the observation deck worth the price?
Tokyo City View and Sky Deck offer spectacular 360-degree views. The ticket often includes Mori Art Museum access, adding value. Best at sunset or night. Skip if you're visiting other observatories.
How long do I need to explore?
Half-day minimum to see the observatory, art museum, and browse shops. Add time for dining or movies. The complex is huge - you could spend a full day if including all attractions.
What's special about the Mori Art Museum?
Contemporary art museum on the 53rd floor with rotating exhibitions featuring international and Japanese artists. No permanent collection. Check current exhibitions online. Views from museum windows are bonuses.
Is it just expensive shopping?
While luxury brands dominate, there's variety including bookstores, lifestyle shops, and affordable dining options. The complex offers more than shopping - gardens, art, and free events regularly occur.
Can I visit at night?
Yes, most shops close by 9 PM but restaurants stay open later. The observation deck opens until 11 PM (last entry 10 PM). Night views are stunning. Some bars operate until late.
Are there free things to do?
Mohri Garden is free and pleasant. TV Asahi's ground floor has free displays. Window shopping and people-watching cost nothing. Public art installations dot the complex. Events sometimes offer free entertainment.
Where should I eat here?
Options range from casual food courts to Michelin-starred restaurants. West Walk 5F has affordable restaurants. Higher floors offer fine dining with views. Prices generally reflect the upscale location.
Is it foreigner-friendly?
Very much so. English signage throughout, multilingual information desk, and many international restaurants. Staff often speak English. It's one of Tokyo's most internationally oriented complexes.
What's nearby worth combining?
Tokyo Midtown (15-minute walk) for more shopping and design. The National Art Center (10 minutes) for art lovers. Azabu-Juban neighborhood for local atmosphere. Tokyo Tower is 20 minutes away.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Akihabara
Tokyo's world-famous 'Electric Town' and otaku paradise, offering endless electronics shops, anime stores, manga cafes, maid cafes, and gaming arcades.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
A vibrant open-air market street in Ueno offering fresh seafood, international foods, discount clothing, and nostalgic post-war atmosphere.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza & Gundam Statue
A large shopping complex in Odaiba featuring a life-sized Gundam robot statue, anime merchandise, and entertainment facilities in Tokyo's futuristic waterfront district.
Ghibli Museum Mitaka
A whimsical museum dedicated to Studio Ghibli animation, designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, featuring exclusive short films and enchanting exhibits.
Ginza District
Tokyo's most prestigious shopping district featuring luxury boutiques, department stores, fine dining, art galleries, and the elegant architecture of Japan's commercial sophistication.
Golden Gai
A labyrinth of six narrow alleys containing over 200 tiny bars, each seating 4-10 patrons, preserving Tokyo's underground drinking culture and artistic heritage.
Harajuku / Takeshita Street
The epicenter of Tokyo's youth fashion culture, featuring trendy boutiques, colorful crepe shops, and the famous Takeshita Street where kawaii culture comes alive.
Imperial Palace East Gardens
The public gardens of the Imperial Palace featuring remnants of Edo Castle, traditional Japanese garden design, and seasonal plantings. A peaceful oasis where Tokyo's feudal past meets its modern present.