Truly Tokyo

A Tokyo Travel Guide

Roppongi And Akasaka

Roppongi is Tokyo's most vibrant and foreigner-friendly dining and nightlife district. Nearby Akasaka is an upscale area popular with politicians, businesspeople and wealthy expats.

Around Roppongi crossing. Editorial credit: StreetVJ / Shutterstock.com
Around Roppongi crossing: StreetVJ / Shutterstock.com

Roppongi is Tokyo's most popular nightlife district for foreigners. The streets are packed with restaurants, bars and clubs that non-Japanese can enter comfortably and expect either English menus or English-speaking staff. While Roppongi is best known as a nightlife destination, these days it's also becoming a place to go in the daytime, with the opening of shopping and cultural centers like Roppongi Hills and the Tokyo Midtown complex. This is a great place to stay for those who want to be near to the action. North of Roppongi, Akasaka is where Tokyo's politicians and elite businesspeople dine and drink. It's home to some good hotels and high-end restaurants.

Things to Do and See in Roppongi and Akasaka

  • National Art Center Tokyo (art museum)
    One of the best art museums in Tokyo, this superb museum puts on a wide variety of shows throughout the year, including Japanese art, art from other Asian countries and Western art. It's highly recommended. Check the National Art Center Tokyo site for details on upcoming shows.
  • Roppongi Hills (shopping/dining/entertainment zone)
    This huge complex at the west end of Roppongi is a good place for some shopping and a meal or drink when in Roppongi. The complex is anchored by the 54-storey Mori Tower, which has an observation deck on the 52nd floor and a rooftop "Sky Deck." It's a great place to check out the view of Tokyo, particularly after dark. The Tsutaya bookstore (along with the requisite Starbucks) here is a nice place to sit and read.
  • Mori Art Museum (art museum)
    On the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Mori Tower (see above), this rather commercial art "museum" offers ever-changing shows, some of which are quite good. Check what's on before paying the admission fee.
  • Tokyo Midtown (shopping/dining/entertainment complex)
    Somewhat similar to the Roppongi Hills complex, this huge upscale shopping, dining and entertainment complex is anchored by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. This is a good place for a meal or drink while at this end of Roppongi.
  • Suntory Museum of Art (art museum)
    Located in the Tokyo Midtown complex (see above), this fine private art gallery/museum puts on a variety of good shows focusing on Japanese artistic traditions. Check what's on before deciding to enter.
  • Nogi-jinja Shrine (Shinto shrine)
    It the far north end of Roppongi, this peaceful shrine is dedicated to General Nogi, who led the Japanese to victory in the Russo-Japanese war. It's a very nice spot for a tranquil break while exploring otherwise bustling Roppongi.
  • Musée Tomo (art museum)
    This understated and tasteful museum up on a hill near the Okura Hotel focuses on Asian ceramics and calligraphy. It's a very peaceful place and the shows are usually excellent. The Musée Tomo is mostly in Japanese, but using automatic translation software, you might be able to extract information on upcoming shows. Note that there is no obvious English sign. Look instead for the sail-shaped tall white building with no windows.
Recommended Tokyo Hotels In Roppongi And Akasaka
Grand Hyatt TokyoGrand HyattLuxuryMore Info
The Ritz-CarltonRitz-CarltonLuxuryMore Info
the b akasakathe b akasakaMid RangeMore Info
Hotel Monterey HanzomonMonterey HanzomonMid RangeMore Info

Places to Eat in Roppongi and Akasaka

Roppongi
  • Takazawa (artistic Japanese-French)
    This sublime 10-seat temple of Japanese-French fusion is a must-try culinary experience for those who can afford it. Each dish is a work of art. Highly recommended!
  • Narisawa (elegant Japanese with French influence)
    This superb restaurant on the east edge of Aoyama (a bit north of Roppongi) serves incredible creations using Japanese ingredients with a big nod to France. It's highly recommended.
  • Il Figo Ingordo (Italian)
    This fine restaurant located at the west end of Roppongi serves fantastic and satisfying Italian food. It's just the right balance between formal and casual. Highly recommended!
  • Pizza Strada (pizza)
    Pizza Strada serves some fine wood-fired New York-style pizza, cooked in front of your eyes; there's even a terrace should you wish to dine outside.
  • Ippudo Roppongi Branch (ramen)
    What can I say? I love Ippudo ramen. This branch, right in the middle of Roppongi is a very convenient lunch or dinner spot.
  • Cossott'e SP (yakiniku)
    Special occasions call for special places, and Cossott'e SP in Azabu Juban is precisely the sort of restaurant you pull out all the stops for. Their yakiniku won’t come cheap, but the taste and quality of their wagyu is out of this world.
  • Pizzakaya Roppongi (pizza)
    Out at the west end of Roppongi, this is a great place to get your pizza fix.
  • Restaurant Omae XEX (teppanyaki)
    This upscale and tourist teppanyaki restaurant serves some surprisingly tasty meat and seafood. As you would expect, it's cooked on a teppan right in front of you.
  • Akasaka Fukinuki (unagi)
    For some truly delicious classic Kanto-style unagi, where they steam the eel prior to grilling it, you can’t go wrong with Akasaka Fukinuki. This beautiful, traditional restaurant might be one of the best eel experiences in this part of town!

Eat Like A Local In Roppongi

Want an even more adventurous eating experience where you mingle with Roppongi locals? Try these places

  • Honmura-an
    For a slow lunch of soba in serene surroundings, try Honmura-an in Roppongi. It’s an oasis of calm amid the chaos of Roppongi.
  • Butagumi Dining
    Craving a quick meal in Roppongi? Head to Butagumi Dining - a casual tonkatsu restaurant taking this B-grade cuisine staple to heavenly heights.
  • Jomon
    For slightly upscale but unpretentious, umami-packed Hakata-style grilled skewers, Jomon in Roppongi hits the spot.
  • Browse all Eat Like A Local In Tokyo places across the city
Akasaka and Around
  • Kikunoi (Kyoto kaiseki)
    This Tokyo branch of Kyoto's famed Kikunoi is a great place to try that most refined cuisine: kaiseki. If you won't be going to Kyoto, this is a great place for your kaiseki experience. (For more about kaiseki and other Kyoto delicacies, see my What To Eat In Kyoto page on InsideKyoto.com)
  • Umegaoka Sushi-no-Midori Akasaka Branch (sushi)
    Up in Akasaka, this extremely popular sushi restaurant serves great sushi and sashimi at reasonable prices in a very casual atmosphere. Before shelling out big bucks at one of the high-end places, why not give this a try? If you go at peak times, be prepared to wait on line.
  • Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511 (wagyu/Japanese beef)
    On the B1 floor of the Dear Plaza Akasaka building, this place serves mouth-watering Kobe beef in a variety of ways. This is an approachable and welcoming place to have you Japanese beef experience.

Luxury Hotels in Roppongi and Akasaka

  • The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    A world of luxury high atop a tower in the center of Roppongi, the Ritz is one of the best hotels in Tokyo and prices reflect this.
  • The Okura Tokyo
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    For the very best in Japanese hospitality and luxury hotels, look no further than The Okura Tokyo. From its stunningly elegant design to the impeccable service, it’s difficult to fault anything here. A fantastic choice of hotel for those with deeper pockets.
  • Hotel New Otani Tokyo Executive House Zen
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    This hotel within a hotel at the New Otani Hotel in central Tokyo’s Akasaka district is a sublime sanctuary for those who can afford it. With impeccable personal service, large rooms with great views and exclusive access to a private lounge, the Executive House Zen is one of the best hotels in town.
  • Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    In the heart of Roppongi, this large and competent luxury hotel has all the features you’d expect, great service and competitive rates.
  • Intercontinental ANA Tokyo Hotel
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    A long-running Japanese luxury hotel in Akasaka. Not on the level of the newer luxury hotels in town, but MUCH cheaper than most.

Mid-Range Hotels in Roppongi and Akasaka

Budget Hotels in Roppongi and Akasaka

Shopping in Roppongi and Akasaka

  • Tsutaya Tokyo Roppongi (bookstore with attached café)
    Although it's primarily a Japanese-language bookstore, this place is worth checking out for its great design. The attached Starbucks is a great place to do some people watching – and the locals around here are the "beautiful people" of Tokyo.
  • Japan Sword (Japanese swords)
    This place specializes in high-quality Japanese swords. Most of them are new replicas of old designs. They also carry a selection of related goods.
  • Blue and White (indigo goods)
    If you know "aizome" (Japanese indigo dyeing), then you know just how beautiful this technique is. This shop specializes in all things that can be dyed with indigo. It's great for gifts and souvenirs.
  • Axis (design goods etc)
    This complex of modern Japanese design and interior goods is a good place to check out how the stylish folk of Roppongi furnish their expensive apartments

Nightlife in Roppongi and Akasaka

In addition to the places listed here, consider an izakaya like Jomon Roppongi (see above under Places To Eat) for a night out in Roppongi.

  • Gen Yamamoto (artisanal cocktail bar)
    If you love high-end handcrafted cocktails, come here to see a master in action. It's highly recommended for fans of artisanal cocktails.
  • Brewdog (craft beer bar)
    This craft beer bar serves English-style craft brews and American-style pub grub. It's a friendly and casual place that's easy to enter and enjoy just a short walk from Roppongi station.
  • Agave (tequila bar)
    This raucous tequila bar is popular with both expats and locals. It's a great place for a few drinks in Roppongi.
  • Two Dogs Taproom (craft beer bar)
    Located a short walk from Roppongi Station, this is an excellent craft beer bar that serves great beer and tasty burgers and nachos in spacious surroundings.
  • Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge & Bar (hotel bar with views)
    For an elegant drink with a view, you cannot beat this bar on the 45th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo. Needless to say, you'll need to dress appropriately.
  • Blue Note Tokyo (jazz hall)
    The Blue Note Tokyo hosts the biggest name touring jazz acts who come to Japan. Check the Blue Note Tokyo site for upcoming shows.
  • Billboard Live (live music space/dinner club)
    This music space/dinner club in the Tokyo Midtown complex hosts some interesting international acts. Check the Billboard Live site for upcoming shows.

Where Are These Places Located?

See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:
  • Open the Tokyo map
  • You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
  • Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
  • Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
  • If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

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