Tokyo Midtown Roppongi: The Pinnacle of Timeless Elegance!

Last year, I was mesmerized by the stunning white feather Christmas tree display, and this time, during my business trip to Tokyo, visiting Roppongi Midtown was a must! This place truly embodies the "old money" aesthetic, from its architecture to its ambiance. After exploring it, I finally understood why it has been captivating visitors for 20 years. Opened in 2007, Midtown was formerly the site of the old Defense Agency. Designed by Kengo Kuma, the 248-meter-high building is a prime example of a "vertical city." With the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Suntory Museum of Art, and high-end shops stacked layer upon layer, surprises await as you step inside—bamboo-inspired designs are everywhere! Traditional Shinto shrine torii elements are seamlessly integrated into the glass curtain walls, while the central courtyard features a Japanese-style garden complemented by soaring ceilings. The highlight is the steel truss structure: white curved steel beams resembling tree canopies spread across the ceiling, and when sunlight filters through the glass, the entire space looks like a scene straight out of a movie. This Midtown is distinct from the other one, so make sure to remember it's Roppongi! If you get tired, you can relax at the museum or watch the hustle and bustle in the central courtyard. Even the mall's signage is full of design flair, completely redefining the concept of a "shopping mall." A place quietly cherished by the elite for 20 years, it's truly worth a pilgrimage!