Really Need to See it to Believe It.

Posted on April 25, 2007 by Ulara Nakagawa

Last night I went to RoppongiAn area of Tokyo very famous for its high concentration of nightlife and popularity among the foreign population. for the very first time in my life. It was like I’d arrived in Futureland, a sort of utopia where everything is sparkling, big, modern and all cultures live (and party hard) harmoniously. Walking along one city block, I saw various ethnicities mingling together and heard at least six different languages being spoken. Perhaps I am reeling in the novelty of it all, and it isn’t as glamorous as I’d like to believe. But I will relish in my delight whilst I can.

Hitting the 52nd floor Tokyo City View Observation Deck at Roppongi Hills, I continued to be shocked out of my element. Beneath me lay a never ending urban carpet, woven with a billion blinking lights and cream-colored Lego block buildings. As I stood staring at the insane skyline, it started to feel like the city became the air I had to breathe; only it was too rich for my lungs. (Completely overwhelmed.)

Perhaps some of the “sparkle” comes from the fact that Roppongi Hills itself is a mere four years old. The largest private redevelopment project in Japan to date, it was only completed in the spring of 2003. Now what was I doing five years ago? Probably whooping it up in some nightclub. Four years ago? Most likely the same. So between that second martini of 2002 and that fourth rum and coke of 2003, Roppongi Hills came into existence. Hmmm…

For first timers visiting the Tokyo Observation Deck, no, you cannot bring your dog in with you (even in a little bag). Also prohibited are umbrellas, large baggage, perishables, explosives, combustibles and other hazardous things. This would probably include small fireworks. Finally, the building was built to withstand earthquakes of small, medium, and large intensity so safety nuts can hang all day. But it’s open from 9 to 1am so after that, you’re on your own.