The Roppongi Tenmon Club makes use of the complex's high-rise Mori Tower to give its members the opportunity to stargaze from the heart of the metropolis. Its Star Party, starting this month, offers other visitors three days of events — on July 25, Aug. 2 and Aug. 22 — where they can learn from astronomy experts and use the club's telescope to view the night sky.
On July 25 and Aug. 22, there's a kids' workshop from 5 p.m. where they can learn how to build their own telescopes to view the sky, which is followed by a lecture about the latest news in astronomy at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. visitors can head to the Sky Deck of the Mori Tower to watch Saturn's rings and other phenomena through a large telescope.
The highlight of the Star Party, however, takes place on Aug. 2, to coincide with this year's Tanabata festival, Japan's celebration of the stars Altair and Vega. Based on a Chinese myth, the stars symbolize two doomed lovers that are forcibly separated by the Milky Way. Legend has it that on only one day of the year, Tanabata, the Milky Way stops keeping them apart and they get the opportunity to embrace. On Aug. 2 from 8 p.m., you can see the real Altair and Vega, which are particularly visible this time of the year.
Star Party by Roppongi Tenmon Club takes place at Roppongi Hills on July 25, Aug. 2 and Aug. 22. Hours and fees vary depending on the events. Register online at bit.ly/starpartyropp.