Roppongi Hills

Mori Tower & “Maman” (Spider Sculpture)

Roppongi Hills, located about a 5-minute walk from Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, is home to the iconic Mori Tower—a soaring skyscraper—and the massive spider sculpture “Maman” by Louise Bourgeois that stands at its entrance.
Another familiar summer sight at Roppongi Hills is Doraemon. Countless Doraemon figures appear throughout the complex, perhaps to welcome children on their summer break.
Under the Grand Canopy, preparations were underway at the Roppongi Hills Arena for summer festival events. During the New Year season, visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese cultural performances—such as taiko drumming—free of charge.

Keyakizaka and Surrounding Scenery

The zelkova trees lining Keyakizaka Street are beautifully illuminated in winter, and especially during the Christmas season, the view of Tokyo Tower glowing in warm orange lights alongside the sparkling trees is truly breathtaking.
Many people come to take photos.
From Roppongi Hills, you can also enjoy a panoramic view that features both Tokyo Tower and the Azabudai Hills Mori Tower standing side by side.

Mori Art Museum

Sou Fujimoto is the architect who designed the Grand Roof Ring, the symbolic structure of the Osaka Expo. I stopped by his solo exhibition, where a 1:5 scale model of the Grand Roof Ring is also on display.
His exhibition is being held at the Mori Art Museum, located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. This museum is one of the “Roppongi Art Triangle” and a major hub for contemporary art. Unlike most museums, one of its standout features is that it stays open even at night.

TOHO Cinemas

I watched The Frontline, a currently screening film that portrays the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a profoundly moving work that left a lasting impression on me.

TV Asahi

Within Roppongi Hills stands the headquarters of TV Asahi, one of Japan’s major television networks. The main atrium at the front of the building is open to the public for visits.

Mohri Garden

Roppongi Hills actually sits on land that was once part of a samurai estate. It was the site of the upper residence of the Chōfu Mohri family, a branch of the Chōshū domain. Some of the 47 Ronin were placed under custody here, and it is also known as the birthplace of General Nogi, a prominent military figure of the Meiji era.

Foodie’s Delight!

So many places to eat in Roppongi Hills, but this time I went for lunch under the Metro Hat (yes, it really looks like a hat ). I found a cozy spot serving all kinds of Japanese food at great prices. My pick? A combo of yakitori-don and oyako-don—total comfort food!　
Foodie, satisfied!