Roppongi Hills

Opened in 2003 to massive international acclaim, Roppongi Hills (六本木ヒルズ) remains the definitive centerpiece of Tokyo’s urban redevelopment efforts. Conceived by the late tycoon Minoru Mori as a “Vertical Garden City,” the complex was designed to integrate work, play, and residence into a single, seamless environment, reducing commute times and fostering a sense of community. The heart of the complex is the 54-story Mori Tower, a glass-and-steel monolith that houses everything from the headquarters of global tech giants to some of the city’s most prestigious cultural institutions.

A Cultural Sanctuary Above the City

What sets Roppongi Hills apart from traditional commercial developments is its profound commitment to the arts. The top floors of the Mori Tower are home to the Mori Art Museum, a world-class contemporary art space that foregoes a permanent collection in favor of cutting-edge, rotating exhibitions. Directly adjacent is the Tokyo City View observation deck, which offers 360-degree views of the metropolis. For those seeking a more grounded experience, the base of the tower is anchored by “Maman,” the iconic 9-meter-tall bronze spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, which has become an unofficial symbol of the district’s creative spirit.

Beyond the high-rise glamour, the complex offers a rare “lull” in the form of the Mori Garden. This traditional Japanese landscape garden is a legacy of the Edo-period Chofu-Mori clan estate that once occupied the site, featuring a central pond, cherry trees, and meticulously manicured paths that provide a quiet retreat from the Roppongi bustle. The wider complex also includes a luxury cinema, the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, and a sprawling retail zone ranging from high-street fashion to artisanal boutiques. Whether you are visiting for the panoramic views, the historic gardens, or the world-class shopping, Roppongi Hills continues to define the sophisticated, multi-layered lifestyle of modern Tokyo.