Is Roppongi a good place to stay in Tokyo?

Roppongi is a good base if you want art, upmarket restaurants and nightlife in the same place. Roppongi Station has the Hibiya line to Ginza and the Oedo line around the city, and the Mori Art Museum, the National Art Center Tokyo and Tokyo Midtown are all within walking distance. It suits couples, night owls, art lovers and business travellers who want polished hotels.

The area is international and modern. Roppongi Hills has the Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo City View observation deck, Tokyo Midtown has the Suntory Museum of Art, shops and a park, and the National Art Center Tokyo sits in its wavy glass building in between. The streets around the main crossing are lined with bars and clubs, and quieter Nishi-Azabu next door is known for its restaurants. Tokyo Tower is a pleasant walk away.

The downside is that Roppongi's nightlife can be loud and pushy, with touts on the main streets late at night. It isn't a traditional or family-friendly area, there are few temples or old streets, and hotel prices are high. Roppongi Station is also on the edge of the main train network rather than at its heart.

What makes Roppongi special is the mix. You can spend the afternoon at the Mori Art Museum, watch the sun set over the city from Tokyo City View, eat in a quiet Nishi-Azabu restaurant and still have one of Tokyo's liveliest bar streets a short walk away.