Tokyo Apartment Guide: Roppongi Area Overview and Rent Prices

Roppongi is a vibrant international district located in the heart of Tokyo, known for offering a refined urban lifestyle. Alongside its towering skyscrapers, the area features a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, including museums and parks. With a large population of foreign residents, Roppongi offers a wide range of English-friendly services and international restaurants, making it an ideal and welcoming place for newcomers to Japan.

This article explores the features of Roppongi, highlighting its appeal, convenience for daily living, and rental price trends. If you're considering a move to Roppongi, let this serve as your essential guide.

What Kind of Area Is Roppongi, Tokyo?

Roppongi is a lively district that blends culture and entertainment. Landmark complexes like Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are at the heart of the area, offering luxury shopping, fine dining, and contemporary art under one roof. Art lovers from both Japan and abroad frequent cultural institutions such as the Mori Art Museum and the Suntory Museum of Art.

The area is home to high-end high-rise residences, attracting wealthy individuals and expatriates working at multinational companies. Properties such as Roppongi Hills Residence and The Park Residences are among the most prestigious apartments in Tokyo.

Roppongi is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife. With a mix of bars and clubs, the area exudes a cosmopolitan atmosphere where locals and foreigners mingle. At the same time, it hosts numerous embassies and international companies, reinforcing its status as a key business hub.

Transportation is highly convenient, with the Hibiya and Oedo subway lines providing easy access to major Tokyo neighborhoods. Despite its urban setting, Roppongi features several green spaces and peaceful residential areas, making it an ideal location for enjoying both the buzz of the city and a quiet lifestyle. Truly, Roppongi embraces a wide range of lifestyles.

Transportation and Accessibility in Roppongi

Situated in central Tokyo, Roppongi boasts excellent connectivity. Popular neighborhoods such as Azabu-Juban, Nishi-Azabu, Aoyama, and Akasaka are all within walking distance, making it a convenient area for both commuting and leisure. Below is a summary of train and bus options available.

Train Access

Roppongi Station is served by two major lines: the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and the Toei Oedo Line. These lines offer smooth access to key parts of Tokyo. For instance, Shinjuku Station can be reached directly via the Oedo Line without transfers.

Interestingly, Roppongi Station on the Oedo Line is known as the deepest station in Japan. Platform 2 is located 32.8 meters below ground, and Platform 1 is at a depth of 42.3 meters—equivalent to a 10-story building. When using this station, allow about five minutes to reach the platforms from street level.

Bus Access

Roppongi also has a number of convenient bus routes, which can sometimes be more practical than trains. One particularly useful option is the Minato City community bus called “Chii Bus.” For just 100 yen, it provides access to areas such as Azabu, Aoyama, Akasaka, and Tamachi. Additionally, Toei buses run frequently from Roppongi to areas like Shibuya, Gotanda, and Shimbashi with no transfers required.

Is Roppongi a Comfortable Place to Live? 7 Key Points

While Roppongi is often associated with nightlife, it also offers many advantages as a residential area. Here are seven key reasons why living in Roppongi can be appealing.

1. Presence of Major Shopping Complexes

Roppongi’s charm lies in its two massive multi-purpose complexes:

• Roppongi Hills

• Tokyo Midtown

From luxury brands to daily fashion and household items, you’ll find a wide variety of shops. Roppongi Hills also houses TOHO Cinemas Roppongi, a great place to enjoy the latest movies. Both complexes feature top-tier hotels, including the Grand Hyatt Tokyo and The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, which offer upscale restaurants as well. These aren’t just shopping malls—they function as entire communities centered on culture, cuisine, and the arts.

2. Plenty of Supermarkets and Discount Stores

Grocery shopping is easy in Roppongi. Inside Roppongi Hills, you'll find stores like SHINOYA, Seijo Ishii, and Grand Food Hall. In Tokyo Midtown, there’s also the upscale supermarket "Precce Premium." Another standout is Don Quijote Roppongi, a large discount store selling everything from food to electronics at low prices—ideal for those looking to save. Having so many stores within walking distance is a huge plus for daily life.

3. Wide Range of Dining Options

Roppongi boasts a diverse food scene, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries. You can find fast food chains like McDonald's and Starbucks, as well as authentic Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Thai, and more.

• Serina Honten: A teppanyaki restaurant with over 60 years of history

• Imakatsu Roppongi: A popular tonkatsu restaurant

• Iruka TOKYO Roppongi: Well-known for its ramen

• TsuruTonTan: A late-night udon shop

• Gyo-Pao Roppongi Crossing: Famous for juicy boiled dumplings

• Wolfgang’s Steakhouse: A high-end American steakhouse

These restaurants are popular with both locals and tourists. With many open late into the night or even early morning, you’ll never have trouble finding a place to eat.

4. Proximity to Ward Office and Embassies

Minato City’s Azabu Regional City Office is located in Roppongi 5-chome. Residents can handle administrative matters such as resident registration and national health insurance here—no need to visit the main city hall. Roppongi and its surrounding area host many embassies, including those of the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Singapore. Having your embassy nearby offers peace of mind, especially in emergencies or for handling official procedures.

5. Abundance of Parks and Gardens

Despite its urban image, Roppongi offers plenty of green spaces. Hinokicho Park, adjacent to Tokyo Midtown, features a Japanese-style pond and wide open lawns for seasonal enjoyment. Mohri Garden, located in Roppongi Hills, is a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Sakura-zaka Park (aka RoboRobo Park) is a favorite with children thanks to its colorful playground equipment. These parks offer valuable opportunities for relaxation, family time, and weekend outings.

6. Close to International Schools

Given its large expat population, Roppongi is home to excellent international schools. Tokyo International School in Minami-Azabu is an IB-certified institution serving around 370 students from 54 countries, providing consistent education from kindergarten through middle school. Roppongi Hills also houses the American School in Japan Early Learning Center for children aged 3 to 5. With a Reggio Emilia approach, the curriculum emphasizes curiosity and active learning. These educational options make Roppongi an ideal environment for families with children.

7. Rich in Cultural and Artistic Venues

Roppongi is a cultural hub, home to several prominent museums. The National Art Center, Tokyo features one of the largest exhibition spaces in Japan. The Mori Art Museum on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills focuses on contemporary art. The Suntory Museum of Art offers diverse exhibits under the theme of “Art in Everyday Life,” encompassing both Eastern and Western art. With all of these institutions within walking distance, it's easy to enjoy art casually—whether on weekends or after work. Living in Roppongi means immersing yourself in a culturally rich daily life.

Rental Price Trends for Apartments in Roppongi, Tokyo

Roppongi is one of the most expensive rental areas in Tokyo.

Luxury high-rises like Roppongi Hills Residence offer stunning views from higher floors—along with higher rents. However, within Roppongi 1-chome to 7-chome, you’ll find a wide range of properties. Choosing older buildings or locations slightly farther from the station can lead to more affordable options. While rent is generally high, Roppongi remains an attractive choice for those seeking a convenient and sophisticated urban lifestyle in central Tokyo.