The Roppongi and Akasaka areas are all about luxury and extravagant entertainment and dining. Home to top-rated nightlife and upscale museums, these districts are the go-to for sophisticates traveling in Tokyo. Smart travelers can enjoy a vibrant, fun time in this part of town at all hours.

Roppongi and Akasaka are easily accessible from Shibuya Station – just about 10 minutes by train. The area is serviced by multiple subway lines: the Tokyo Metro Hibiya and Toei Oedo subway lines at Roppongi Station; the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda subway line at Nogizaka Station, and the Tokyo Metro Namboku subway line at Roppongi-Itchome Station.

With a huge expat community, many entertainment spaces cater specifically to foreign guests

The area is home to the country's biggest film festival

The name Roppongi translates to "six trees," and was given to the area back in the 1660s. It's said that six very old and large zelkova trees were once used to mark the area. Another local legend is that the six lords who lived near the area during the Edo period each had the kanji character relating to trees in their name.

Though the area was always quite heavily trafficked, it wasn't until after the Meiji Restoration in 1868 that it started booming. In 1890, the area saw an influx of Japanese soldiers, and later American soldiers, make their residence here, resulting in a burgeoning nightlife, something that Roppongi is still very well known for today.

Modern day Roppongi and Akasaka are a fascinating mix of overseas tourists, longtime expats, and Japanese residents, giving the neighborhood a sophisticated, international feel unlike anywhere else in Tokyo.

Roppongi is arguably Tokyo's most popular nightlife district, particularly for overseas visitors. From disco in the '70s to EDM today, Roppongi's nightclubs welcome anyone and everyone looking to drink and dance.

The district is also home to two expansive, world-class complexes - Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown – which both provide a rich mix of experiences, including top-notch dining, inspiring art galleries and top-notch cinemas, peaceful gardens, comfortable hotels, and plenty of shopping opportunities – all enough to fill an entire day.

Just a short distance away, Akasaka Sacas offers a “city within a city” experience, complete with a Broadway-style theater and a diverse range of international restaurants.

Beyond the nightclubbing scene, Roppongi and Akasaka are often regarded as home to Tokyo's most impressive galleries and art spaces. The area houses three main museums that make up what's commonly referred to as the "Art Triangle Roppongi": The National Art Center , the Mori Art Museum , and the Suntory Museum of Art . Discount tickets are available for those who want to visit all three galleries.

Each of the three different points of the Art Triangle caters to something different. The Mori Art Museum , located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, has the most incredible views and a wide selection of works from Japan and across the world. The National Art Center , housed in a spectacular building across from Tokyo Midtown, typically hosts exhibitions based around a specific unifying theme, as well as an impressive selection of work by local artists.

Finally, inside Tokyo Midtown itself is the Suntory Museum of Art , which gives you a look inside Japanese culture and history. Finding beauty in everyday life, this gallery space is filled with collections of incredible Japanese paintings, ceramic wares, and textiles.

Aside from the Art Triangle, the area is filled with smaller museums and gallery spaces like Ota Fine Arts, Zen Foto Gallery, 21_21 Design Sight , and complex665. History enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the State Guest House Akasaka Palace – Japan's only neo-Baroque palace and one of the largest buildings constructed during the Meiji era.

As an entertainment hotspot, the Roppongi and Akasaka area is home to a wide range of traditional and contemporary events throughout the year. From art shows to traditional festivals, there's never a dull weekend.

A more recent addition to the Roppongi event calendar is Roppongi Art Night, a popular event that's modeled after the famous Nuit Blanche festivals featured around the world. This all-night art celebration sees around 600,000 visitors each year. For the most up-to-date information on dates and programming, please check the official event website.

During the Christmas season, don't miss the incredible Christmas illuminations. Located around Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, thousands of brilliant LED lights are carefully curated to create a magical glowing wonderland like nowhere else.