Roppongi Hills

Opened in 2003 to an incredible amount of fanfare, Roppongi Hills was the dream of real-estate developer Mori Minoru, who long envisaged a transformation of Roppongi. Since then, an incredible amount of lofty praise has been vaulted at the complex, which is arguably the most architecturally arresting sight in Tokyo – architects including Jon Jerde, Maki and Associates, and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates worked on the various buildings. The result is a feast for the eyes, enhanced by public art such as Louise Bourgeois’ giant, spiny alfresco spider called Maman and the benches-cum-sculptures along Keyakizaka-dōri. With expertly drawn lines of steel and glass, expansive tree-lined public spaces and a healthy smattering of the city’s top bars, restaurants and shops, Roppongi Hills stands as a testament to a new concept in urban planning. Rather than building larger and taller residential towers, it is argued developers should instead focus on usable space that can better serve the community. And although most Tokyoites can’t even dream about owning a high-rise apartment at the city’s most prestigious address, Roppongi Hills is a destination in its own right. The centrepiece of the complex is the 54-storey Mori Tower, which is home to some of the world’s leading companies, as well as the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View observatory. At the base of the tower is the marvellous Grand Hyatt Tokyo and some 200 shopping, drinking and dining establishments including internationally known brands and chefs (eg Joël Robuchon). On the plaza below, the TV Asashi network headquarters adjoin an ancient samurai garden and the Roppongi Hills Arena, where you can often catch outdoor performances. Just beyond, the brand-name shops ascending Keyakizaka are nothing short of marvels of modern design. Try ascending into Roppongi Hills from the subway Hibiya Line, via escalators through the cylindrical building Metro Hat. Other-worldly indeed.