One night (alone) in Roppongi ... what to do?
 

Hi Everyone,

I'll be staying for one night at the ANA Intercontinental (which is in Akasaka/Roppongi, I believe). I have the whole afternoon/evening to myself, have never been to Tokyo before and hope to see the city. I don't care too much if I don't sleep a lot and I am willing to spend a fair bit of money for a good meal/shopping/etc (though I suppose not at the level of Aragawa!).

So my question is whether I should just sort of wander around Roppongi and take in the sights, or are there any specific recommendations that you guys have? I've found this forum to be extremely helpful and really appreciate any recommendations you have on good nighttime activities, e.g., restaurants, shops/malls to visit, sights to see, etc.

Thanks very much for your help!

Phipps

You don't hve a ton of time, and while I am no expert by any means (only been in Japan once - over two years ago), I did stay in the same hotel for a few days. The view from the bar at the top of the hotel is fantastic.

Wandering around Roppongi at night is fine, I certainly did that and met a load of people, expat kids, expats, local japanese, you name it. Nothing really spectacular, but fun nonetheless.

I would also try and wander the area. Take the underpass and cross the street, and just wander around the area by walking onto smaller streets/pathways, poking your head into every shop/business possible, just to see what they are. Wander into a tonkatsu restaurant or a random ramen house and if you get a good feeling, sit down and eat. Take some photos, memorize 10 Japanese phrases (excuse me, hello, thank you etc), use them in the above settings and smile. Take photos (if you like that kind of thing) That should set you.

You could do things like the Imperial Gardens and all, but it does not seem like you have the time. Enjoy!

Is being ALONE at night an issue? :p

If it is, its an very expensive place to look for company (so I have been told):D

Seriously, there is so many things to do.

The Hills at night is a happening place with the night clubs and establishments. If that is your thing. Just don't forget your cash and credit cards,

So you can go into the wrong establishment, get drugged, then wake up to find your cash and credit cards gone.

Personally speaking the only things I thought worth doing in Roppongi were going to the top of the Mori building and leaving Roppongi.

Well, there is the Mabo place......;) !

Well some love Roppongi, others hate it, and most simply have not the foggiest idea what is there beyond what exists in a couple of city blocks. No news that though.

I would suggest though that with an afternoon and an evening to play with, that limiting yourself to Roppongi the entire time would be (in terms of LAX) akin to staying at a hotel in Hermosa Beach and only managing to make it all the way to Manhattan Beach duri ng your entire day there. Roppongi will be alive and well no matter what time you get back from wherever else you may venture.

My suggestion is that although the 'Pong is fun, this forum has a wealth of suggestions of options that your time frame will allow. Have a good look at the top of the forum and do a few searches to discover what can only be described as gems of ideas here.

Mike

Ah, but Coco? ;) (just for you Q)

One night alone in Roppongi huh? Take the train and go somewhere else, shibuya or ginza or something. :P I doubt that it's likely that you'll find something in Roppongi that it's not a tourist trap! :S

There is LOTS of stuff in Roppongi that is not a tourist trap. For starters, avoid anyplace that a tout tries to get you to go to. Actually a few of them are legit, but there is no reason to take a chance and see if you get lucky. I'd say starting at the Heartland Brewery in Roppongi Hills -- if you can find it -- will do just fine. Other places where you won't encounter a door charge and will find reasonably priced drinks include Geronimo Shot Bar, Quest, anything with "Gaspanic" in the name (although that's mostly for people under 25), Paddy Foley's, and even Motown I or II.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the ideas so far. Truth be told I am willing to go anywhere, though from what I have read the metro seems a bit intimidating for first timers. With that said, the idea of just exploring what areas of Tokyo that I can sound very appealing.

Two additional questions (if I may):

1. Are there any places people recommend for good Japanese beef? I frankly don't know much about my options, but any sort of robata/steak place would be great, given how much i have heard about Japanese beef over the years.

2. Are any of the big shopping areas open at night? The main electronics district sounds very interesting, or even just shopping in somewhere like ginza (I think).

I certainly plan to return after this, but am excited to get as much of a taste of Tokyo as possible on this brief visit.

Thanks again!
Phipps

1. I think you better have a price range before the team here floods in with places, it can be real expensive

2. Electronics ? Shinjuku / Akihabara / Ikebukuro sounds a more reasonable choice for me unless you are going for the Sony Building / Apple Store.

Out, out, damn spot!

FWIW, most stores close @ 9 pm.

Can you get some good kobe/japanese beef for 3000-4000 yen? I would even be happy with a kobe burger, it doesn't have to be a steak. I will be staying in the Shinjuku area. I would like to try a nice beef meal and then I can eat noodles the rest of the trip!

Unlikely.

Mosburger isn't all that bad. ;)