Roppongi Hills Travel Guide: Art, Luxury & Skyline Views in Tokyo

Welcome to Roppongi Hills, one of Tokyo’s most sophisticated and vibrant districts. This urban mega-complex offers a seamless blend of modern art, upscale shopping, gourmet cuisine, and unforgettable city views. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Tokyo explorer, Roppongi Hills promises an experience that's distinctly modern yet deeply rooted in Japanese creativity.
 

Located in the heart of the Roppongi neighborhood, this development has transformed the area from a traditional nightlife hub into a destination for culture and luxury. If you're looking to explore Tokyo's cosmopolitan flair, Roppongi Hills is a must-see.

📍 Where is Roppongi Hills?

Roppongi Hills is located in Minato Ward, a central area of Tokyo known for embassies, nightlife, and corporate headquarters.

Access:

Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Oedo Line)

Azabu-juban Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)

Nearby Districts:

Akasaka

Aoyama

Hiroo

Tokyo Midtown (just a 10-minute walk)

🏙️ The Concept Behind Roppongi Hills

Developed in 2003 by Mori Building Company, Roppongi Hills is a large-scale urban development that includes:

Office towers

Residences

The Mori Art Museum

The Tokyo City View Sky Deck

Shopping malls

Cinemas and entertainment venues

Public parks and sculptures

It’s not just a place to visit — it’s a “city within a city.”

🗼 The Icon: Mori Tower

At the heart of Roppongi Hills stands the Mori Tower, a 54-story skyscraper that symbolizes Tokyo’s 21st-century skyline. It's home to:

Major corporate offices (Google Japan, GREE, TV Asahi)

The Mori Art Museum (53rd floor)

The Tokyo City View observation deck (52nd floor)

Fine dining restaurants with panoramic views

🎨 Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum focuses on contemporary art, with exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge works by both Japanese and international artists.

Highlights:

Thematic exhibitions on social issues, architecture, and identity

Installations from artists like Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, and TeamLab

Interactive and multimedia displays

🕒 Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
🎟️ Tickets: Often bundled with Tokyo City View access

🌇 Tokyo City View & Sky Deck

Located on the 52nd and rooftop floors of Mori Tower, the Tokyo City View offers stunning 360-degree views of Tokyo.

Must-See:

Tokyo Tower (especially at night)

Mount Fuji on clear winter days

Odaiba, Tokyo Bay, and Shinjuku skyline

🌤️ Sky Deck (open-air rooftop) provides an unobstructed view and is perfect for photography.

💡 Travel Tip: Visit at sunset for golden-hour shots and night views.

🛍️ Shopping in Roppongi Hills

Luxury meets style in the shopping arcades of Roppongi Hills. From flagship boutiques to artisanal Japanese goods, the options are high-end yet diverse.

Popular Brands:

Louis Vuitton

Cartier

Rolex

Issey Miyake

Muji, Uniqlo, and Afternoon Tea Living for casual and homeware

🛒 West Walk Mall is the main retail section.

🧧 Tax-free shopping available—bring your passport!

🍽️ Dining Experiences

Whether you’re craving traditional Japanese or international flavors, Roppongi Hills offers a wide range of culinary delights.

Fine Dining:

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon – French gourmet

Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi – Premium sushi experience

Roku Roku – Elegant Japanese kaiseki

Casual & Trendy:

Rigoletto – Tapas and wine

Shake Shack – New York-style burgers

Bills – Famous Australian brunch spot

🍜 Pro Tip: Reserve seats at restaurants with a city view for an unforgettable dining experience.

🎥 Entertainment: Toho Cinemas

This state-of-the-art cinema inside Roppongi Hills is popular with both locals and tourists.

Features:

IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Atmos screens

Regular Japanese and Hollywood film releases

Home to the Tokyo International Film Festival

🕒 Open late—perfect after a long day of sightseeing.

🏨 Where to Stay Near Roppongi Hills

Luxury:

Grand Hyatt Tokyo – Located inside Roppongi Hills; offers elegant rooms, a spa, pool, and world-class service.

Ritz-Carlton Tokyo – Just a short walk away in Midtown, with panoramic city views.

Mid-Range:

Hotel Remm Roppongi

Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi

🌳 Public Spaces & Greenery

Despite its sleek design, Roppongi Hills values green space and public art.

🌿 Mohri Garden

A peaceful traditional Japanese garden tucked behind Mori Tower

Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in fall

🖼️ Public Art Installations

“Maman” Spider Statue by Louise Bourgeois – a popular photo spot

Other sculptures and rotating art pieces scattered throughout the area

🎄 Seasonal Events

Winter: Roppongi Hills Christmas Illuminations

Keyakizaka Street becomes a glowing tunnel of blue and white lights

Spring: Cherry Blossom Viewing

Enjoy hanami in Mohri Garden or walk along the cherry-lined avenues

Summer: Art Night & Outdoor Festivals

All-night cultural events, music performances, and food stalls

🧒 Family-Friendly Activities

TV Asahi headquarters often features kid-friendly exhibits

The Sky Deck offers a thrilling city view for all ages

Plenty of open plazas for stroller-friendly movement

📸 Best Instagram Photo Spots

Under the “Maman” Spider Statue

Sky Deck at sunset with Tokyo Tower in the background

Reflections on the glossy corridors of West Walk Mall

Mohri Garden in spring or autumn

📅 Suggested Half-Day Itinerary

🧳 Travel Tips

Arrive mid-afternoon and stay into the evening to see both day and night views.

The Mori Art Museum is closed on Tuesdays—plan accordingly.

Wear comfortable shoes; there’s a lot to walk and see.

Use coin lockers inside the complex if you’re carrying luggage.

Consider booking a guided art tour for deeper insight.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Roppongi Hills is not just a destination—it’s an experience. From art and architecture to food, fashion, and phenomenal views, this urban complex encapsulates everything modern Tokyo stands for. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Whether you stay for a few hours or an entire day, Roppongi Hills is a cultural and visual feast that leaves a lasting impression.