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Midtown Tower
Midtown Tower
Midtown Tower
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Midtown Tower (ミッドタウンタワー, Middotaun tawā) is a mixed-use skyscraper in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Japan.[1] Completed in 2007, it is the tallest of the six buildings within the Tokyo Midtown complex, at 248.1 meters (814 ft), and was the tallest building in Tokyo until 2014.

Key Information

Construction

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Located at the center of the Tokyo Midtown development, Midtown Tower is the tallest of the six buildings located within the complex. At 248.1 meters (814 ft), it was the tallest building in Tokyo from the completion of primary construction in January 2007[2] until the completion of Toranomon Hills in 2014. Its official grand opening was on March 31, 2007, though the offices had been open since February.[2] The building was designed by Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill with help from Nikken Sekkei Ltd. and built by the Takenaka and Taisei Corporations.[3]

Facilities

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As a mixed-use facility, Midtown Tower's 54 floors are utilized in different ways. Several conference rooms occupy the entirety of the 4th floor. The 5th floor is the home of the Tokyo Midtown Design Hub, a gallery and space for exhibitions, collaborations and discussions by designers. Tokyo Midtown Medical Center is located on the 6th floor. This medical facility is the first Japan-based collaboration with Johns Hopkins University.[4] Unlike similar supertall skyscrapers in the area such as Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, Midtown Tower's top 54th floor is not a visitors' observation deck but rather houses building components and maintenance facilities.

Office tenants

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Floors 7 to 44 are designated as commercial office space and house the offices of (among others):[citation needed]

Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

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Floors 45 to 53 are home to Japan's second Ritz-Carlton hotel – the 247-room Ritz-Carlton Tokyo. The hotel offers many notable features including Japan’s most expensive Presidential Suite, available for $20,000 per night, and an "authentic" 200-year-old Japanese tearoom. Four works measuring 8.1 meters (27 ft) in height by American painter Sam Francis appear in the building's lobby, that, along with the second and third floors, is utilized by the hotel.[5]

The Ritz-Carlton Suite, billed at US$26,300 per night, was listed at number 9 on World's 15 most expensive hotel suites compiled by CNN Go in 2012.[6]

See also

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References

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Midtown Tower

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Midtown Tower is a 54-story skyscraper serving as the central feature of the Tokyo Midtown mixed-use complex in the Roppongi district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Completed in 2007, the tower stands at a height of 248 meters (814 feet) and includes office spaces on floors 6 through 44 and the Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo hotel on floors 45 through 53; the complex also features 410 condominium residences. Designed by the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in collaboration with , the tower features an all-steel structure with a gross of approximately 247,000 square meters, making it one of Tokyo's tallest buildings upon completion. Developed by a led by on the former site of Japan's Defense Agency headquarters, the project broke ground in May 2004 and opened to the public on March 30, 2007, integrating seamlessly with a five-acre public park and surrounding low-rise buildings inspired by traditional aesthetics. The tower's design emphasizes connectivity and public access, with a transparent glass facade and overlapping structural planes that link indoor and outdoor spaces, contributing to Midtown's total gross area of over 560,000 square meters across offices, retail, cultural facilities, and green spaces. As a of modern urban development, Midtown Tower exemplifies sustainable mixed-use planning in one of the world's densest metropolitan areas, attracting tens of millions of visitors annually to the broader complex.

Overview

Location and Complex

Midtown Tower is situated at 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, , , with geographic coordinates of 35°39′59″N 139°43′54″E. It serves as the central and tallest structure within the mixed-use complex, a development comprising six buildings that together provide approximately 560,000 of floor area for offices, residences, retail, and cultural facilities. The site of , including Midtown Tower, was previously occupied by the headquarters of Japan's Defense Agency, spanning about 10 hectares in the Akasaka-Roppongi area. This former government property was redeveloped starting in the early to create a vibrant urban hub, aiming to revitalize the surrounding district by integrating public green spaces and mixed-use functions in a densely built central location where land scarcity is acute. Midtown Tower's location positions it in close proximity to major landmarks, including the complex, which is less than a kilometer away and accessible by a short walk, as well as , visible from the area and roughly 1.5 kilometers to the southeast. This strategic placement enhances connectivity within Tokyo's bustling Minato ward, facilitating easy access via nearby stations like on the Hibiya and Oedo lines.

Architectural Features

Midtown Tower stands at a of 248.1 meters (814 feet), which made it the tallest building in upon its completion until it was surpassed in 2014. The structure comprises 54 floors above ground and 5 basement levels, with a total of approximately 246,408 square (2,652,310 square feet). This all-steel construction supports a mixed-use program, emphasizing vertical efficiency in a dense urban setting. The tower's design was led by the Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) as the master architect, in collaboration with Ltd. as the structural engineer and local architect of record. SOM's approach drew inspiration from , such as the layered screens of traditional , to create a cohesive form within the broader complex. Key architectural elements include a slender, elongated tower form that rises prominently, featuring a subtle setback near the summit to accommodate the hotel portion and mechanical systems. The exterior is clad in a curtain wall system, provided by Permasteelisa Japan Co., Ltd., which maximizes natural light penetration while offering a sleek, modern aesthetic that reflects the surrounding cityscape. Unlike many , the 54th floor serves exclusively as a and area, with no public . Floor distribution prioritizes functional : the lower levels (primarily floors 1 through 6) house retail, , and amenity spaces; mid-levels (floors 7 through 44) are dedicated to office spaces; and the upper levels (floors 45 through 53) contain the Ritz-Carlton hotel, with the pinnacle reserved for building operations. This vertical organization enhances operational flow and tenant privacy while optimizing the tower's silhouette against Tokyo's skyline.

Development and Construction

Planning and Design

The redevelopment of the former Defense Agency site into was led by Co., Ltd., in collaboration with a of partners including the National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yasuda Mutual Life Insurance Company, Fukoku Mutual Life Insurance Company, , Ltd., and Daido Life Insurance Company. The project was formally announced on April 21, 2003, following the 's winning of the contract to purchase the site from the Japanese central government in September 2001 through an open tender, which enabled clearance and preparation for . Planning goals centered on revitalizing the Akasaka and districts, transforming the area from a primarily nightlife-oriented zone into a balanced urban environment integrating commercial offices, residential spaces, cultural facilities, and leisure amenities. This initiative aligned with Tokyo's broader "urban renaissance" objectives, emphasizing on the 6.9-hectare site to foster work, living, and relaxation while enhancing public access through expanded green spaces, including the redevelopment of Hinokicho Park into a 4-hectare greensward. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) was appointed as the master architect for the project, overseeing the design in collaboration with Japanese firms such as Ltd. and landscape architects EDAW, with a focus on seamless mixed-use integration and 40% site allocation for greenery to create a cohesive urban oasis. The initial concept envisioned a landmark tower—ultimately realized at 248 meters with 54 stories—as the anchor for this development, blending high-density functions with environmental harmony. Regulatory approvals were secured through compliance with Tokyo's urban planning guidelines, including height restrictions and floor area ratio limits set at a maximum of 670%, ensuring the project fit within the metropolitan framework for the former government site. The plan received endorsement from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s city planning council on March 12, 2003, and official acceptance on March 31, 2003, supported by national designation as a priority urban redevelopment area with subsidies for infrastructure improvements.

Construction Process

The construction of Midtown Tower commenced with on May 18, 2004, at the site of the former Japan Defense Agency headquarters in Tokyo's district. Joint contractors and managed the build, employing a phased approach to erect the 54-story structure over approximately three years. Site preparation presented initial challenges, as the former military base required careful demolition and excavation while transplanting 140 mature cherry and camphor trees to minimize environmental impact and maintain urban greenery. Construction logistics prioritized minimal disruption to surrounding traffic in the densely populated area, utilizing off-peak operations and coordinated access routes. Key construction techniques focused on seismic resilience, incorporating an internal steel frame core and concrete-filled steel columns within an all-steel structure to withstand Tokyo's earthquake risks, supplemented by buckling-restrained braces and viscous oil dampers for energy dissipation. Advanced scaffolding systems, including modular climbing forms, enabled efficient vertical progression for the tower's height, allowing workers to assemble floors progressively while adhering to strict safety standards. A major milestone occurred in March 2006, when the framework reached topping out, marking the structural peak of the building. Structural completion followed in January 2007, transitioning into interior fit-out phases that integrated the Ritz-Carlton hotel on the upper floors alongside office spaces. Offices became operational in February 2007, with the full complex opening to the public on March 30, 2007, culminating the project ahead of schedule.

Facilities

Office Spaces and Tenants

The Midtown Tower dedicates floors 7 through 44 to commercial office space, providing approximately 184,000 square meters of leasable area designed for high-end corporate use. This configuration supports a range of floor plates, from flexible open layouts to customizable configurations, catering to diverse business needs within a premium Class A environment. Key features include high ceilings exceeding 2.7 meters in select areas, advanced fiber-optic connectivity for seamless digital operations, and sky lobbies on mid- and upper levels to facilitate efficient vertical circulation and visitor access. These elements position the tower as a modern workspace that prioritizes productivity and technological integration. Notable tenants reflect the building's appeal to multinational corporations and Japanese firms, anchoring Roppongi's evolution as a premier business district. occupies the 37th floor, leveraging the location for strategic consulting operations in . Cisco Systems maintains its Japanese headquarters on the 21st floor, utilizing the space for networking and innovation initiatives. Bottlers Japan Holdings has its headquarters here, spanning multiple floors to oversee regional bottling and distribution. Other major occupants include Software on the 18th floor for spend management solutions, Diageo Japan on the 43rd floor for beverage operations, (parent of ) with its Tokyo headquarters on the 33rd floor, Nike Japan across dedicated floors for marketing and sales, and Corporation as its head office. Since its opening in 2007, the office spaces have seen tenant evolution, with initial occupants like giving way to a more international mix amid post-global adjustments. As of fiscal year 2024, the Tokyo metropolitan area's office vacancy rate for properties, including Midtown Tower, stands at 1.3%, implying an occupancy rate exceeding 98%, driven by demand for premium locations. This high utilization underscores the tower's economic significance, drawing global firms that bolster Roppongi's status as a hub for , , and sectors, while generating stable leasing revenue at rates 1.3 times the market average.

Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo occupies floors 45 through 53 of Midtown Tower, providing guests with unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline, including landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku district, Tokyo Bay, and Mount Fuji on clear days. The hotel, which opened on March 30, 2007, as the first Ritz-Carlton property in Japan, features 245 guest rooms and suites designed in a contemporary East-meets-West style, with marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and residential-inspired layouts emphasizing serenity and luxury. Among its accommodations, the Presidential Suite on the 53rd floor spans 220 square meters with separate living and dining areas, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms, while the larger Ritz-Carlton Suite, also on the 53rd floor, covers 307 square meters and includes a grand piano, media room, and expansive terrace for elite travelers seeking ultimate privacy and opulence. The hotel's amenities cater to discerning guests through high-end facilities such as The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Tokyo, offering bespoke treatments inspired by Japanese wellness traditions, an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center on a dedicated health floor. Dining options include the Michelin-starred Héritage by Kei Kobayashi on the 52nd floor, specializing in innovative with Japanese influences, and Towers on the 45th floor, a bistronomy venue focusing on seasonal French dishes using premium ingredients like local seafood and produce. Additional features encompass the exclusive Club Lounge for select guests, providing personalized services, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with skyline vistas. Operated by , LLC, a of , the property targets high-end business and leisure travelers, accommodating up to 490 guests with tailored services including 24-hour assistance, private event spaces in three meeting rooms totaling over 860 square meters, and family-oriented programs like the Ritz Kids Adventure. It has earned consistent recognition for excellence, including the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for 2024 and inclusion in the Tokyo 2025, underscoring its status as a premier luxury destination in .

Additional Amenities

The fourth floor of Midtown Tower houses the Conference facilities, comprising two main halls (Hall A and Hall B) and nine conference rooms designed for meetings, seminars, shows, and product launches. These spaces feature natural lighting, projectors, screens, audio systems with wired and wireless microphones, ceiling speakers, RGB LED lighting, and high-speed , accommodating various event scales with capacities up to several hundred attendees depending on configuration. On the fifth floor, the Design Hub serves as a dedicated gallery and space promoting contemporary and through thematic displays, seminars, and workshops. This facility, operated in collaboration with design organizations, provides public access to innovative exhibits that explore design's role in , creation, and societal improvement, with free entry during standard operating hours from 11:00 to 19:00. The sixth floor is occupied by the Tokyo Midtown Clinic, offering comprehensive outpatient services including preventive medicine, specialist consultations, health checkups, and treatments in areas such as , with English-speaking staff available for international patients. Originally established in partnership with Medicine International to enhance care standards, the clinic now operates independently while maintaining a focus on high-quality, one-stop healthcare solutions. Underground parking is provided on the B2 level of the Tokyo Midtown complex, featuring automated and mechanical systems with 24-hour access, electric vehicle chargers, and accessible spots for disabled visitors, charged at ¥400 per 30 minutes with discounts for shopping receipts. Retail podium areas, spanning the Galleria (1F-3F), Plaza (B1 and 1F), and Midtown Tower (B1, 3F, 6F), connect seamlessly across the complex with 88 shops offering fashion, interior design, beauty services, and convenience stores like and . Accessibility within Midtown Tower includes multiple elevators providing step-free access from ground level to upper floors and direct underground connections to on the Hibiya and Toei Oedo lines, facilitating easy transit integration. Security measures encompass attendant-assisted parking entry and general building protocols to ensure safe navigation for visitors.

Sustainability and Impact

Environmental Features

Midtown Tower, as the centerpiece of the complex, integrates various sustainability measures to minimize environmental impact. The overall development dedicates over 40% of its 6.9-hectare site to green spaces, including a central spanning 4 hectares, which helps mitigate urban heat islands by lowering surface temperatures by up to 3°C compared to surrounding areas during summer. Key initiatives include photovoltaic solar arrays installed on building roofs, which generate to offset a portion of the complex's power needs. Landscaped green roofs across structures, including contributions from the tower, reduce stormwater runoff and enhance by supporting transplanted mature trees like cherry and species from the original site. Additionally, water recycling systems capture and reuse rainwater for and purposes, promoting efficient . Energy efficiency is achieved through a centralized regional heating and cooling system that recovers from gas-fired power generation, complemented by sodium-sulfur battery storage to stabilize peak electricity demand using off-peak supplies. Sunlight-triggered window blinds on the tower's façades further optimize daylight and thermal control. High-efficiency HVAC systems and automated controls further optimize operations throughout the complex. Since its 2007 completion, has implemented updates aligned with net-zero ambitions, including the installation of (EV) charging stations to encourage low-emission transportation. As of 2024, enhancements include expanded emergency power generators for resilience, enabling 100% peak-hour power supply for six days during outages, and biodiversity restoration with 25 Red List bird species confirmed in the green spaces. These ongoing efforts reflect the complex's evolving commitment to reduced carbon emissions and , in line with Group's net-zero target by FY2050.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Tokyo Midtown Tower has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the district, transforming a former military site into a vibrant mixed-use hub that integrates offices, residences, retail, and cultural venues, thereby enhancing the area's appeal as an and . This development contributed to Roppongi's shift from a predominantly nightlife-oriented neighborhood to a balanced urban environment, completing the "art triangle" alongside the Suntory Museum of Art and the National Art Center Tokyo. Economically, the complex generated approximately ¥30 billion in annual retail sales shortly after its 2007 opening, underscoring its contribution to local commerce and tourism-driven activity. Culturally, the tower and its surrounding complex serve as a key venue for promoting Japanese design and innovation through the Design Hub, which hosts exhibitions, seminars, and events like the annual DESIGN TOUCH festival to foster global connections in graphic and contemporary design. These initiatives align with broader efforts to position as an international art and design hub, emphasizing "JAPAN VALUE" by showcasing new sensibilities and talents. Opened amid Japan's post-2007 urban boom, the project exemplifies Tokyo's evolving skyline, where high-rise architecture harmonizes with green spaces and cultural institutions. As a symbol of modern , Midtown Tower blends contemporary innovation with historical elements, such as the preservation and expansion of Hinokicho Park's greenery near traditional sites, drawing over 28 million visitors in its first nine months alone and establishing itself as a major magnet. Its legacy includes demonstrating successful urban integration of public amenities and private enterprise in mixed-use redevelopments. Looking ahead, the tower's flexible spaces and sustainable features position it to adapt to post-pandemic hybrid work models, with fixed-rate shared plans introduced in to support startups and flexible workspaces.

References

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