Roppongi, Tokyo

Above, Roppongi Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Roppongi is one district of Tokyo that has a mixed reputation. It is located near many foreign embassies and is a favorite entertainment district for embassy staffers. Roppongi Crossing is the district's center.

The nightlife/entertainment center of Roppongi has many restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. In 2004, the Roppongi T.G.I. Friday's restaurant was the scene of the G-TOUR dinner featuring Yoshimitsu Banno, Shinichi Wakasa, Wataru Mimura and Hiroshi Kashiwabara in attendance. Roppongi also has a Hard Rock Cafe.

Roppongi also has several gentlemen's clubs, such as Tantra and Seventh Heaven. There are even some "lower scale" clubs of what could be considered of "ill repute" in the district.

Unlike some of the other entertainment districts in Tokyo, Roppongi's restaurants, bars and clubs are accessible to foreign visitors.

Above, the Almond Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the favorite meet-up points in Roppongi is the Almond Cafe at Roppongi Crossing. The Almond Cafe is over 60 years old.

Above, the Tokyo National Art Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Roppongi gained a little more favorable reputation in recent years after the opening of the Roppongi Hills complex and several art museums, including the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills. Roppongi has developed into a cultural center in Tokyo. In 2007, the Tokyo National Art Center opened in Roppongi.

One can say that Roppongi has "something for everybody."

Above, one of the Roppongi Station subway exits near Roppongi Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To get to Roppongi, take the Hibiya or Oedo Subway Lines (exit Roppongi Station) or the Nanboku Subway Line (exit Roppongi-Icchome Station).  

For more on Roppongi, go here.