Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi

The latest quality urban development in Tokyo, located at the once notorious area of Roppongi: The Tokyo Midtown. The sprawling complex is not too far from its major competitor, the Roppongi Hills, which already has its lease of life since a couple of years ago and is hugely successful.

 

At the Tokyo Midtown (TM), the formula is quite similar to that of Roppongi Hills (RH):

1. Prominent architects and designers (KPF at RH; and SOM at TM)

2. Huge and trendy shopping mall

3. Museum (Mori Art Museum at RH, and Suntory Museum at TM)

4. Luxury Hotel (Grand Hyatt at RH; and Ritz Carlton at TM)

5. First Grade office towers and tenants

6. Urban Garden

7. Art installation

8. Cultural Anchor (Asahi TV at RH; Design Sight at TM)

 

Based on my experience at both, the mall at the Midtown is more luxurious and elegant, but at Roppongi Hills, it is more lively and successfull, with more diverse and quality tenants. The Grand Hyatt at Roppongi is much better than the boring Ritz Carlton. The restaurants and food choice at Roppongi is unbeatable. Midtown is quite deserted and "cold", whereas Roppongi Hills is very lively and happening.

 

SOM / Skidmore, Owings, Merrills, Pritzker Prize Winner (1988)

Done