Midtown Tokyo

So unless you have happened to have your head stuck in the sand these past few weeks, you will know that the new Tokyo Midtown project opened recently in Roppongi.

Tokyo Midtown occupies a space of land that was formerly owned by the Japan Defence Agency. Over the last two years it has been redeveloped, and now houses the tallest building in Tokyo, and the fourth tallest in Japan. It boasts an impressive number of shops and restaurants, not to mention Tokyo’s first Ritz Carlton Hotel.

I visited the Midtown project over the weekend, and was impressed by the way that Central Tokyo continues to be revitalized. To me, the completion of the Tokyo Midtown project signifies more than just another skyscraper on the horizon in this bustling city. It is a sign of the continued revitalization of the Japanese economy. As everyone knows, Japan has recently come out of a 12 year recession which came to an end the year before last. There has been much speculation as to the length of time this recovery will last. However, visiting such an expansive project as Midtown really gives the impression that a continued recovery is on the cards.

Another interesting thing about the Midtown project is the environmental awareness with which the project was developed. The complex houses a park and the rooftops are planted with trees and flowers. According to the Midtown website, even the water is recycled. It is this consciousness of the environment that definitely stands out for me living in Japan.

There has been a lot of speculation about the impact of the new Midtown Project on other hotel complexes in Tokyo. Given the sheer number of people living here, not aside from the number of people that come in from neighbouring prefectures to work every day, it seems to me that this new space to work and play will be a welcome addition to the city.

I had dinner with some friends in the new Ritz Carlton, when Midtown first opened. I thought the service was outstanding, although it would be hard to find a place with bad service in this country. One gripe I would have is that I couldn’t get cell phone reception in the bar/lobby area, although this could be viewed as a positive aspect I guess. Possibly the Ritz Carlton’s best feature, is the amazing view. The bar/lobby area is located on the 45th floor, and the view alone is worth making the trip. For a more casual outing, it is worth checking out some of the other restaurants on the ground floor, and the three floors of shopping inside the gallery.

Tokyo Midtown is the latest sign of gentrification of the Roppongi area, as we head into the summer, on a Saturday afternoon you could walk from Midtown’s restaurants and museums to various activities and exhibitions at the Roppongi Hills complex. Here’s hoping for more to come.