Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi)
An upscale “mini city” in central Tokyo, Tokyo Midtown blends luxury shopping, green space, design museums, and skyline views—all steps from Roppongi’s art triangle. Opened in 2007 on the former site of the Japan Defense Agency, the complex centers on Midtown Tower, once Tokyo’s tallest building, and is surrounded by Midtown Garden and Hinokicho Park.
At a Glance
- Where: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6290 (Roppongi area). Direct indoor access is available from Roppongi Station (Toei Ōedo & Tokyo Metro Hibiya lines, Exit 8); Nogizaka Station (Chiyoda Line) is a short walk away.
- Best for: Design and art lovers (21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, Suntory Museum of Art), seasonal events (spring Midtown Blossom, winter illuminations & ice rink), refined dining, and easy green breaks.
- Typical hours: Shops around 11:00–21:00 (restaurants later; check individual venues). The on-site Precce Premium supermarket usually opens 08:00–22:00
- Don’t confuse with:Tokyo Midtown Hibiya (near Hibiya Park) or Tokyo Midtown Yaesu (by Tokyo Station). This guide covers Roppongi.
Why Go
- Architecture + skyline: Midtown Tower rises 248.1 m and anchors the district’s sleek urban design. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo occupies the tower’s top nine floors (levels 45–53) for panoramic dining and bar views.
- Green relief: Stroll Midtown Garden and neighboring Hinokicho Park—a landscaped pocket with ponds and seasonal color—without leaving central Tokyo.
- Design & craft: Two excellent venues—21_21 DESIGN SIGHT (Tadao Ando/Issey Miyake) and the Suntory Museum of Art (Kengo Kuma)—sit right on site.
- Seasonal magic: Spring’s Midtown Blossom (sakura light-ups along a 200-m avenue) and winter’s MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS illuminations (hundreds of thousands of lights) plus the KOSÉ MIDTOWN ICE RINK.
Top Things to Do
1) Wander the Galleria & Garden
- Start at Galleria, the main shopping arcade of warm wood tones and soft lighting; many shops open ~11:00 and restaurants later into the evening.
- Pick up picnic treats at Precce Premium (B1) and step out to Midtown Garden or Hinokicho Park for a quick green escape.
2) Dive into Design & Art
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
- What it is: A design-focused museum conceived by Issey Miyake and designed by Tadao Ando; partially sunken with a distinctive low steel roof that folds into the landscape.
- Practicalities: 10:00–19:00, last entry 18:30. Closed Tue, New Year, and installation periods. Admission varies by program.
Suntory Museum of Art
- What it is: Rotating exhibitions on the theme “Art in Life,” in a serene Kengo Kuma interior (Galleria 3–4F).
- What it is: Rotating exhibitions on the theme “Art in Life,” in a serene Kengo Kuma interior (Galleria 3–4F).
- Practicalities: Hours vary by exhibition; generally closed Tue. Check the official pagefor current schedule/fees.Hours vary by exhibition; generally closed Tue. Check the official pagefor current schedule/fees.
Tokyo Midtown Design Hub (5F, Midtown Tower)
- Small, free exhibitions and design events; hours depend on each show (often 11:00–19:00).
- FUJIFILM SQUARE (Midtown West 1F)
- Free photography galleries and a compact Photo History Museum. Typical hours 10:00–19:00.
3) Chase the Seasons
Midtown Blossom (mid-Mar–mid-Apr)
Cherry trees along the Garden Area are illuminated at night; cafés and seasonal lounges pop up under the blooms. Dates vary annually.
MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS (mid-Nov–Dec)
Garden-wide illuminations; the theme and light counts change year by year (e.g., ~560,000 bulbs in 2024).
KOSÉ MIDTOWN ICE RINK (late Nov–late Feb)
Outdoor rink behind the complex; rental skates available. Hours/fees vary by season.
Bestselling Tokyo Midtown Activities
Where to Eat & Drink (Quick Picks)
- Sweets & cafés line the Galleria (many open from late morning); restaurants often run till late. Reserve for weekends and event periods.
- For easy picnic provisioning, Precce Premium (B1) stocks deli boxes, fruit, and drinks; currently posting 08:00–23:00 hours.
- Skyline sip: The Ritz-Carlton bars and restaurants (levels 45–53) pair cocktails with sweeping views.
Access
- By subway:
- Address for maps: “Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo.”
Practical Tips
- Museum closures: Both 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT and Suntory Museum of Art are closed on Tuesdays; hours and admissions vary by exhibition—check the official sites before you go.
- Peak times: Event nights (sakura light-ups, winter illuminations) draw big crowds; arrive early on weekdays for the calmest experience.
- Art Triangle Roppongi: Keep ticket stubs—NACT, Suntory Museum of Art, and Mori Art Museum sometimes offer small reciprocal discounts when you show a same-day ticket.
Nearby Pairings (Walkable)
- The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT): Big, wave-glass façade; rotating mega-exhibitions; closed Tue.
- Roppongi Hills (Mori Art Museum & Tokyo City View): Contemporary art and an indoor observatory with city panoramas.
Key Facts & Trivia
- Midtown Tower stands 248.1 m (roof) and was Tokyo’s tallest building until 2014 (Toranomon Hills). Designed by SOM.
- Tokyo Midtown spans ~569,000 m² of mixed-use space across six buildings, master-planned by SOM with multiple renowned collaborators.
Meet Me in Midtown
Tokyo Midtown is that perfect mash-up, design brain food, park-core chill, and skyline flex, all in one stop. Lock it into your Tokyo plan for art, snacks, and a golden-hour clink. Ready to make it official? Browse tours, check exhibit times, and snag seasonal slots now.
