Since Edo shognate (1603-1868) ordered local vassals to stay in both Edo and their domain in turn by one year (called Sankin-Kotai) to make them spend their wealth to prevent coups. Therefore, Edo has so many compounds of local vassals, and Roppoing is one of such areas.
In Meiji period (1868 – 1912), the governement placed the military bases in Roppongi area, and they became the U.S. occupation army’s base after WWII, and were transformed into JSDF(Japan Self Defence Force) base. The base became Roppongi Midtown now, and the other came to be Roppongi Hills after an whisky plant was moved in 70’s.
Since the area has prospered by business for U.S. military after WWII, still many expads live here, and the mostly you do not need Japanese language as people here speak English in every restaurants, cafes, bars, or even supermarket. Also, the area became one of tourists destination by Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, and art museums (mainy, National Art Center Tokyo, Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills, and Suntory Museum in Tokyo Midtown) these days.
Roppongi Hills.Entrance from Roppongi subway station (Hibiya line). Directly connected from underground.TV Asahi, one of major private channels.View from “Tokyo City View”, an observation deck on 52nd Floor of Roppongi HillsThe black tower next to Tokyo tower (on the left of tower) is “Azabudai Hills” to be opened in 2023 autumn.Since “Azabudai Hills” are developed by the same Mori Group, the model was displayed in the “Tokyo City View”The green is Aoyama Cemetary. You see the Tokyo Art Center on the right (waved glass building)The heliport is for Akasaka US Army Press Center. Biden landed here when he came.The cafe accords to Disney events now.A shop on 52F. A shop on 3F.We have Museum of Yayoi Kusama. https://endup-japan.com/?p=1317If you know what this is, you’ll be my friend.Tokyo Midtown.It has prayer spaces for Muslims. See the different taste from Roppongi Hills.The garden – with Hinokicho Park -is attached.Tokyo separated worship of “Izumo Taisha”. “Izumo Taisha” is a shrine located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. It is one of the most ancient shrines, renowned that enshrines the deity of marriage and happiness. Entrance to main hall.Honestly say, it’s a building made of concrete…..Offered votive tablets.
