Roppongi Crossing

For most of the latter half of the twentieth century, Roppongi was an enormously popular nightclub district that stood out from the other pleasure quarters of Tokyo for its mix of international entertainment and people. It was where Japanese and foreigners went to meet and play. With the crash of Japan's bubble economy in the 1990s, however, the neighborhood declined, and it now has a reputation as perhaps Tokyo's most dangerous district—a hotbed of illegal narcotics, prostitution, and other crimes. Its concentration of “bad foreigners,” many from China, Russia and Eastern Europe, West Africa, and Southeast Asia is thought to be the source of the trouble. Roman Adrian Cybriwsky examines how Roppongi's nighttime economy is now under siege by both heavy-handed police action and the conservative Japanese “construction state,” an alliance of large private builders and political interests with broad discretion to redevelop Tokyo. The construction state sees an opportunity to turn prime real estate into high-end residential and retail projects that will “clean up” the area and make Tokyo more competitive with Shanghai and other rising business centers in Asia. Roppongi Crossing is a revealing ethnography of what is arguably the most dynamic district in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Based on extensive fieldwork, it looks at the interplay between the neighborhood's nighttime rhythms; its emerging daytime economy of office towers and shopping malls; Japan's ongoing internationalization and changing ethnic mix; and Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, the massive new construction projects now looming over the old playground.

For most of the latter half of the twentieth century, Roppongi was an enormously popular nightclub district that stood out from the other pleasure quarters of Tokyo for its mix of international entertainment and people. It was where Japanese and foreigners went to meet and play. With the crash of Japan’s bubble economy in the 1990s, however, the neighborhood declined, and it now has a reputation as perhaps Tokyo’s most dangerous district—a hotbed of illegal narcotics, prostitution, and other crimes. Its concentration of “bad foreigners,” many from China, Russia and Eastern Europe, West Africa, and Southeast Asia is thought to be the source of the trouble. Roman Adrian Cybriwsky examines how Roppongi’s nighttime economy is now under siege by both heavy-handed police action and the conservative Japanese “construction state,” an alliance of large private builders and political interests with broad discretion to redevelop Tokyo. The construction state sees an opportunity to turn prime real estate into high-end residential and retail projects that will “clean up” the area and make Tokyo more competitive with Shanghai and other rising business centers in Asia. Roppongi Crossing is a revealing ethnography of what is arguably the most dynamic district in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Based on extensive fieldwork, it looks at the interplay between the neighborhood’s nighttime rhythms; its emerging daytime economy of office towers and shopping malls; Japan’s ongoing internationalization and changing ethnic mix; and Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, the massive new construction projects now looming over the old playground.

This useful Tokyo travel guide presents fourteen original walking tours that unlock some of Tokyo’s secrets and mysteries. Although Tokyo today is a sprawling urban patchwork of towns and wards, each of the city’s districts retains a unique charm and character. Discover, in a series of linked, engaging half-day excursions, the stories behind places like Hibiya's Hall of the Cry of the Stag and "Flying Head" of Marunouchi. Visit the sites where the Forty-Seven Ronin, the "last Samurai" General Nogi, and Yukio Mishima committed ritual Seppuku. In the sumo district see where the wrestlers fight, train and live, and just a bit farther on, the massive Thunder Gate of Senso-ji Temple. John and Phyllis Martin have visited Tokyo numerous times and know the city intimately. With detailed directions and maps, they introduce the background, the legends, and the sights that bring old Edo alive.

An innovative combination that incorporates a compact-sized travel guide with a convenient fold-out map provides in-depth coverage of the great cities of the world, featuring capsule reviews of recommended hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife options, as well as handy travel tips, fun facts, the 25 best things to see and do, Web sites, service information and other useful sections.

The only guide you'll need for walking around Tokyo! Everything you need is in this one convenient package--including a large pull-out map! Tokyo: 29 Walks in the World's Most Exciting City is the only Tokyo travel guide that is exclusively a walking guide, with lively text full of facts and stories that emphasize the history, culture, architecture and spirit of the city and its neighborhoods. On foot and by train or subway, it takes you through the most fascinating parts of the modern megalopolis, while making the shogun's city--the Edo of samurai and geishas, merchants and artisans--and the outlines of old Tokyo come alive. From famous historical sites like the Imperial Palace to unique attractions like the Tsukiji Fish Market, this travel book offers something for every visitor and even long-term residents. Fully up-to-date, Tokyo: 29 Walks in the World's Most Exciting City contains: 19 walks in Tokyo 10 day trips that include Yokohama, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, and Kawagoe More than 100 full-color photos 50 full-color maps A large pull-out map!

Created specifically for fans of Japanese "cool culture," A Geek in Japan is one of the most iconic, hip, and concise cultural guides available. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and expanded with new chapters on Japanese video games, architecture, and a special section on visiting Kyoto. Reinvented for the internet age, it's packed with personal essays and hundreds of photographs, presenting all the touchstones of both traditional and contemporary culture in an entirely new way. The expansive range of topics include: Bushido, Geisha, Samurai, Shintoism, and Buddhism Traditional arts and disciplines like Ukiyo-e, Ikebana, Zen meditation, calligraphy, martial arts, and the tea ceremony Insightful essays on code words and social mores; dating and drinking rituals; working and living conditions and symbols and practices that are peculiarly Japanese Japanese pop culture genres and their subcultures, like otaku, gals, visual kei, and cosplay For visitors, the author includes a mini guide to his favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo as well as tips on special places of interest in other parts of Japan. Garcia has written an irreverent, insightful, and highly informative guide for the growing ranks of Japanophiles around the world.

The Tokyo New City Guide goes far beyond the well-worn tourist itineraries and deep into the complex, highly contrasted heart of one of the world's largest and most exciting cities. This lively, up-to-the-minute Japan travel guide covers modern Tokyo like no other. Here's where you will find the ideal balance between the still-extant traditional Japan with its temples, way of life, arts and crafts, kimono, festivals, customs and cuisine and the crowded futuristic technopolis of electronics, high fashion, contemporary art and architecture, and gastronomic experiences from the four corners of the globe. Bewildering at times, the coexistence of such contrasts is precisely what makes Tokyo tick. More than just a perfunctory Tokyo guide, this is a handbook for life in contemporary Tokyo. The style is informative, absorbing and witty and, where due, refreshingly frank and critical. Bursting at the seams with information, it is not only invaluable for the short term visitor or the newcomer, but likely to send even the most jaded long-term residents off to explore some new horizons of their many-faceted adopted home.

From the world's busiest intersection to the most serene hot springs, modernity and tradition mingle in Japan. Experience the natural wonder and rich culture of a country unlike any other with Moon Japan. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries including a two week 'Best of Japan' and a week in and around Tokyo The top sights and unique experiences: Wander the shrines and temples of Ueno-koen park and stop in Tokyo National Museum for world-renowned Japanese art. Learn about samurai heritage in Sanmachi Suji or zazen meditation at the Buddhist temples of Kyoto, and get an unforgettable lesson in 20th century history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Outdoor adventures: Hike the trails of Mt. Fuji or the river-filled valley of Kamikochi and relax in a communal onsen hot spring. Ski or snowboard at a world-class resort, surf in the Pacific off the coast of Shikoku, or dive along the coral reefs of Okinawa The best local flavors: Feast on ramen or an elaborate spread of sushi, sample fresh seafood at the world's largest fish market in Tokyo, and drink your way through the famed beer scene in Sapporo Honest insight from American expat and longtime Tokyo local Jonathan DeHart Full-color, vibrant photos throughout Detailed maps and useful tips for navigating public transportation Focused coverage of Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Kansai, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Okinawa, Tohoku and Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu, and more Helpful resources on Covid-19 and traveling to Japan Thorough background information on the landscape, wildlife, history, government, and culture Handy tools including health and safety tips, customs and conduct, and information for LGBTQ, female, and senior travelers, as well as families and travelers with disabilities With Moon's practical advice and insider tips, you can experience the best of Japan. Just exploring the major cities? Check out Moon Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.