Tokyo from the Top

Roppongi Hills
Tokyo, Japan
October 10, 2014


Right in the heart of Tokyo is Roppongi Hills, a modern cultural complex with 220 shops and restaurants and an art museum. Its rooftop observation deck is also a popular spot to savor a bird's-eye view of the city. 

The panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset, viewed from Roppongi Hill's Sky Deck.

We were there in October and so it was no surprise that the main grounds featured a giant spider as a tribute to Halloween.

Yikes! A giant spider in Roppongi Hills.

It was already late in the afternoon by the time we arrived here. Knowing that sunlight would soon be gone, we went straight to the top floor to get an aerial perspective of the Japanese capital. Behind picture windows of the Tokyo City View Observatory, we had an amazing and expansive view.

With Tokyo Tower and 360 views of the city as backdrop

Although I didn't expect to see Mt. Fuji, I longed to get just a glimpse. This was definitely on my bucket list! I was warned that she can be elusive. While I was on this observatory and scanning the horizon, my eyes landed on a distinct figure in the distance. I could vaguely distinguish a mountain peak.

"Is that Mt. Fuji?" I asked some other tourists nearby. They nodded and smiled at me. I couldn't believe it. Ahh, another wish fulfilled! I was sooo happy!

Tokyo city view with a faint Mt. Fuji's peak in the background.

A bird's-eye view of the Japanese capital from the Tokyo City View Observatory in Roppongi Hills.

From there, we went even higher... up on the rooftop's open-air Sky Deck.  Right in the center of the outdoor space is a large helicopter landing pad. It is encircled by viewing areas where you could get a 360-degree view of beautiful Tokyo.

This is it! The view of Tokyo from the rooftop deck.

Focusing more on Mt. Fuji in the background.

Fantastic Tokyo city views from the Sky Deck.

We couldn't wipe off our smiles after seeing Mt. Fuji.

This place couldn't possibly run out of fun things to offer. Before leaving the complex, we ventured into the Mori Art Museum and viewed an art exhibit, ogled at interesting pieces on display in hallway galleries, went inside shops and looked at items that piqued our interest.

Pretty dolls on display in the hallway gallery of Tokyo City View Observatory

Curious finds inside some shops

We also searched for the reputable L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. We already secured lunch reservations for an upcoming celebration there. More on that story later.

Found it! We're scheduled to celebrate here at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi Hills.

Visiting Roppongi Hills was so much fun! And all night long I was giddy, relishing the fact that Mt. Fuji unexpectedly revealed itself to me.

I spy Mt. Fuji!

This story continued from The Dog and The Scramble, part of a travel series about Japan.