Tokyo's ex-pat culture capital
Center for Tokyo's expat community, famed for its nightlife
A popular cultural mecca in Japan, Roppongi, Tokyo is a bustling area in the center of the capital with lots to offer both visiting tourists and locals alike. Famed for being a hotspot for food, art, entertainment and Tokyo nightlife, Roppongi attracts thousands of people each day.
The name and history of Roppongi are up for debate, with no clear answer as to its origins. The name Roppongi literally translates as ‘six trees’ but questions remain as to how the area received that title. What is certain, though, is that Roppongi in its current form emerged following the end of World War II and transformed again after more recent developments and investments in the area. Today, it is a place for entertainment, cultural education and high-end Tokyo shopping in complexes like Roppongi Hills.
The area of Roppongi is home to many foreign embassies and offices, making it a popular area with the expat and visiting tourist communities. A US military base was set up here post World War II and this, along with an influx of expats, has been credited for the Roppongi nightlife, which has subsequently grown to be the best in the city. With galleries, wine bars, restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and so much more to discover, it’s no wonder so many flock here each day.
The top destination on many a party-minded tourist’s Tokyo map, Roppongi serves as the pulsing heart of the city when it comes to the capital’s leading clubs, bars and entertainment.