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Roppongi (六本木), a part of
Minato Ward,
Tokyo,
Japan, is chiefly known for its nightlife and the presence of Western
tourists and expatriates, although the vast majority of visitors are
Japanese.
It is in the southern portion of the circle described by the
Yamanote Line and can be reached via the
Hibiya or
Oedo subway lines. The area features numerous bars, nightclubs,
restaurants, and other forms of entertainment including hostess clubs and
cabarets. Prices for food and drink cover a wide range tending towards the
more expensive, and some locations feature cover charges and elaborate pay
systems that should be confirmed before entering. In general, Roppongi has
a slightly sleazy yet sophisticated reputation. Among the Western
expatriate community, it tends to be favored by businesspeople and
financial workers as well as off-duty military, while many English
teachers and academics turn up their noses at the district as being
unauthentic and shallow.
The turnover of establishments is fairly high, but a few famous
landmarks persist. The cheap "Gas Panic" clubs and bars (there are 3 in
Roppongi) have long been a favorite of the wilder elements, while the
wealthier and more adult crowd tends to gravitate to bars such as Motown
and Lexington Queen. Velfarre, owned by Japanese entertainment mogul
Komuro Tetsuya, is
Asia's largest
disco.
The best nights for a typical Roppongi experience tend to be Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday. Although Japan's long recession has blunted the
scene somewhat, it is still an active and lively part of Tokyo.
Roppongi is also the location of Tokyo's newest skyscraper complex,
Roppongi Hills, which opened in
2003.
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