Roppongi: Tokyo's Pulsating Heart of Nightlife and Culture

• Helloこんにちは
  [Konnichiwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [Sayonara]
• Yesはい
  [Hai]
• Noいいえ
  [Iie]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [Douzo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [Arigatou gozaimasu]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [Ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せていただけますか？
  [Menyuu o misete itadakemasu ka?]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [Niku wa tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [Okaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
• Go away!去ってください！
  [Satte kudasai!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [Keisatsu o yonde!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [Isha o yonde!]
• I'm lost道に迷いました
  [Michi ni mayoimashita]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです...
  [Kaitai desu...]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [Miteru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [Sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値引きしてもらえますか？
  [Nebiki shite moraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [Ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)10時半
  [Juuji han]
• Morning朝
  [Asa]
• Afternoon昼
  [Hiru]
• Evening夕方
  [Yuugata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [Kinou]
• Today今日
  [Kyou]
• Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
• 1一
  [Ichi]
• 2二
  [Ni]
• 3三
  [San]
• 4四
  [Shi]
• 5五
  [Go]
• 6六
  [Roku]
• 7七
  [Nana]
• 8八
  [Hachi]
• 9九
  [Kyuu]
• 10十
  [Juu]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [...wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Juusho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で示してもらえますか？
  [Chizu de shimeshite moraemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)...行きの切符をください
  [... Iki no kippu o kudasai]

Roppongi's history begins in the Edo period (1603-1868), when it was primarily a farming area. The name 'Roppongi' translates to 'six trees', which is believed to refer to six prominent trees that marked the area. During this time, Roppongi was a small village catering to samurai and feudal lords traveling to Edo, the former name of Tokyo.

The early 20th century saw significant changes in Roppongi with the establishment of the Roppongi district as a residential area for foreigners and diplomats. The presence of embassies and international businesses marked the transformation of Roppongi from a quiet neighborhood into a cosmopolitan hub.

After World War II, Roppongi rapidly evolved, becoming a center for nightlife and entertainment. The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of bars, clubs, and restaurants, catering to both locals and foreigners. This period established Roppongi’s reputation as a vibrant nightlife destination, attracting artists, musicians, and expatriates.

In the early 2000s, the Roppongi Hills project was launched, transforming the landscape with the construction of a multi-use complex featuring offices, apartments, shops, and the Mori Art Museum. This development epitomized modern urban design in Tokyo and reinforced Roppongi's status as a cultural and economic center.

In recent years, Roppongi has become a symbol of globalization, attracting a diverse population and a plethora of international businesses. The area is known for its art galleries, high-end shopping, and culinary experiences that reflect both Japanese and international influences, making it a unique microcosm of Tokyo's cultural landscape.

Roppongi is easily accessible from various parts of Tokyo. The Roppongi station is served by the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and the Toei Oedo Line. From Shinjuku, take the Oedo Line directly to Roppongi Station, which takes about 15 minutes. From Tokyo Station, take the Hibiya Line to Roppongi, which will take approximately 20 minutes. If you're coming from Shibuya, you can take the Hibiya Line, which takes around 10 minutes.

Roppongi is a walkable neighborhood, but public transport can help you explore further. The subway is the most efficient way to navigate the area. Taxis are also readily available, but be prepared for higher fares, especially late at night. Bicycles are an increasingly popular way to get around; rental services are available in the area. Be mindful of pedestrian areas and follow traffic rules if cycling.

Roppongi is generally safe for tourists, but caution is recommended, especially at night. Avoid poorly lit streets and stay aware of your surroundings. While violent crime is rare, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas or nightlife spots. Areas around Roppongi Hills and the main nightlife districts are usually safe, but it's best to remain vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 119 for fire or medical emergencies. English-speaking operators may not always be available, so it's helpful to have a Japanese speaker with you. Locate the nearest hospital or clinic upon arrival. The Roppongi area has several medical facilities, including international clinics.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly, as Roppongi is known for its upscale venues. Avoid overly casual attire when visiting high-end restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting temples or shrines. Public Transport: Do maintain quiet and avoid speaking loudly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do bow slightly when greeting someone; handshakes are also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local izakayas and sushi bars. Don't engage in rowdy behavior in public spaces or during dining.

To experience Roppongi like a local, visit the local art galleries and museums, such as the Mori Art Museum. Participate in local festivals if visiting during the summer. Explore the hidden alleyways for authentic dining experiences away from the tourist crowds. Try to learn a few basic Japanese phrases; locals appreciate the effort. Don't miss out on the vibrant nightlife but be mindful of local etiquette, especially in bars and clubs.