Tokyo Designer's Week

About

Tokyo Designer's Week transforms Roppongi into a creative playground where contemporary design, art installations, and hands-on workshops inspire young minds. This annual celebration of Japanese and international design features interactive exhibits, pop-up installations, and kid-friendly creative activities that make art and design accessible and fun. It's a unique opportunity for families to experience Tokyo's cutting-edge design culture while engaging children's creativity in an outdoor festival atmosphere.

What to Expect

Families will find a dynamic mix of outdoor design installations, pavilions showcasing innovative products, interactive art pieces that invite touching and exploring, and numerous workshops where kids can create their own designs. The event spreads across Roppongi Hills and surrounding areas with a festival-like atmosphere featuring music, pop-up shops, and design studios opening their doors. English signage is limited but visual displays and hands-on activities transcend language barriers, making it accessible for international visitors. The outdoor setting allows kids to move freely between installations while parents enjoy browsing contemporary furniture, fashion, and product designs.

Highlights for Kids

• Interactive design installations that kids can touch, climb on, or walk through—unlike traditional museums
• Hands-on craft workshops where children create their own design projects to take home
• Giant architectural structures and colorful pavilions perfect for photos and imaginative play
• Street food vendors and creative product displays that showcase Japanese innovation in fun, accessible ways
• Open-air setting that allows kids to run between exhibits without strict museum rules

Pro Tips for Families

1. Download a translation app before arriving as most workshops and exhibit descriptions are in Japanese, though visual communication works well for most activities
2. Visit on weekdays if possible to avoid peak crowds and give kids more space to interact with installations; weekends feature more workshops but are significantly busier
3. Bring a small backpack for collecting brochures, small design samples, and workshop creations—kids often accumulate treasures throughout the day
4. Check the official website before visiting for workshop schedules and pre-registration requirements, as some popular children's activities fill up quickly

Best Time to Visit

Visit in the late morning (10-11am) after the initial opening rush but before lunch crowds, giving families first access to workshops with limited capacity. Weekday afternoons are ideal for international visitors dealing with jet lag, as the event is less crowded and kids can take their time exploring. The atmosphere becomes more adult-oriented after 4pm, so earlier visits are better for younger children.

Food & Drinks

The event features numerous food trucks and pop-up stalls offering Japanese street food including yakitori, takoyaki, crepes, and international options. Roppongi Hills has multiple family-friendly restaurants and cafes with English menus within walking distance. Convenience stores (konbini) nearby offer affordable kid-friendly snacks, drinks, and pre-made meals. Pack snacks and water bottles as outdoor queues for food can be long during peak hours, and having familiar snacks helps when children are hesitant about unfamiliar foods.

Parking & Access

Take the Tokyo Metro to Roppongi Station (Hibiya or Oedo Lines) for easiest access—the venue is a 5-minute walk with elevators available at most exits. Driving is not recommended as parking in Roppongi is expensive (¥600-800 per hour) and limited. The outdoor areas are mostly stroller-accessible, though some installations may require navigating crowds or uneven surfaces. Consider using a baby carrier for flexibility during busier times. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Roppongi Hills for navigation assistance.