This is our first trip to Roppongi in Tokyo. It was my idea to visit Roppongi as I’ve heard/researched that there are heaps of art-related stuff there. Plus, more illuminations at night to wow us! It wasn’t such a bad idea… A slow and easy day exploring a new suburb – that’s always fun!
Tokyo Midtown (Noon) – Roppongi, Tokyo
We arrived at the subway station just below of Tokyo Midtown, a high end shopping complex in Roppongi. After a bit of a walk around (i.e. getting lost), we noticed that this shopping mall was a little more up-class than some of the other places we’ve been to. Lesser brands, classier products.
On one of the floors were many traditional and contemporary design and fashion stores.
You’d also get a glimpse of the Roppongi area from one of the windows. We’re not the type of shoppers that Midtown would be aiming for, so we decided to head outside…
There were plenty of greens and pretty landscape architecture outside of the mall, still within the Midtown area.
We walked past a design museum, which I was really interested in visiting. But we didn’t, because we were a little hungry and needed some tummy-fillin’ before we could proceed any further.
We walked to what seems to be the front of Tokyo Midtown, where there were a couple of kawaii Christmas icons, such as Santa in different sizes. And of course, spotted a few more abstract sculpture design around the area…
Around Roppongi, Tokyo
We walked along the main street until we found something interesting to eat. A takoyaki (octopus balls) chain called Gindaco, specialising in takoyaki and other octopus related dishes.
We tried a couple of things, from the takoyaki fondue to octopus sausages. I really liked the cheese fondue!
We were satisfied, but not entirely full. So after walking a few more blocks, we found Wendy’s. Now, Wendy’s isn’t a Japanese fast food chain, obviously. In fact, my most earliest memories of eating Wendy’s would have to be when I was still in Indonesia. It’s a pity they don’t open one here in Melbourne.
But anyway, we had a few more things there…
We then walked to our next destination. But were tempted by this particular patisserie on the way to Roppongi Hills… Boulangerie L’Atelier du Pain, Patisserie Coco Angel.
Mind you, the Japanese love their French cakes. And we do too.
After taking away the cakes, we walked towards Roppongi Hills. From many of the streets in Roppongi, you would be able to spot the Tokyo Tower in its full glory…
We spent the next few hours at Roppongi Hills, in which I would dedicate a whole new blog post for, so for now, let’s skip the daytime and ventured into Roppongi’s night life…
Tokyo Midtown (Night Time) – Roppongi, Tokyo
It was still vibrant at night when we walked back towards Tokyo Midtown. We could easily spot many Japanese and gaijin alike around the place. Roppongi is after all known to be a night life district.
I personally was more interested in the art work and the beautiful illumination…
When we got back to Tokyo Midtown, everything looked a lot different than earlier in the afternoon. Illuminated blue, every paveway and tree were lit up to greet us.
But it was the garden illumination that really made an impact. Seriously stunning…
We forgot about the cold for a bit, but the weather had been rather kind to us anyway. It was a nice and still wintery night.
We walked back into Tokyo Midtown and found Toraya, Japanese traditional dessert masterpiece on display… We didn’t buy any because we weren’t sure about the taste, but they sure looked good.
That wasn’t the only store that amazed us. The next one was a little less traditional and a lot more amusing… A fruit shop! Seemed like even the fruits at Tokyo Midtown cost a whole lot more! ;)
Some interesting observations: (1) they sold white strawberries, (2) more than AU$50 for a pack of big red juicy strawberries, (3) the Japanese are seriously good with visual merchandising, even the mandarins looked better, (4) AU$80 for some grapes anyone? and (5) the infamous AU$150 melon (yup, just the one).
It was getting late and we decided to end our Roppongi trip by purchasing more cakes for dessert! This time around, Patisserie Sadaharu AOKI.
Born in Tokyo but grew up in Paris, Sadaharu Aoki is another French patisserie specialist that it worth trying… I mean, just have a look at some of the masterpieces!
The cakes were deliciously good. Mmmm…
And with that, we ended our Roppongi trip. We also took a quick walk along the Marche de Noel (a Christmas market within Tokyo Midtown mall). Everything was so Christmas-y, made me happy!
I would recommend a visit to Roppongi at least once on your trip to Japan. It was a different feel to, say, Shinjuku or Harajuku. A bit more up-market and a whole lot more artworks.
How long would you spend in a suburb when you’re in a foreign country? What are some of your recommended activities in Roppongi if you’ve been there?
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