We started our journey in Tokyo – knowing that it was going to be high energy and that we’d want to wind down as our days progressed.
Stay
Hotel Koe
This is where we spent our first four nights. It was a great spot for the beginning of the trip as the location is right in Shibuya, with tons of things to do all within walking (if you’re crazy and think that walking 10 miles a day is normal, like us). For hotel guests only, there is a private lounge upstairs with a bar where you can get breakfast, or have cocktails. The cozy, dark interiors are perfect for insulating you against the frenetic energy of Tokyo, which buzzes 24/7 outside. We utilized this space to relax a plan our days over kale smoothies and eggs in the mornings, and then to have pre-dinner Japanese gin cocktails in the evenings.
Andaz
Our last night in Japan we returned to Tokyo, since we all were flying out of Narita. For a change of pace from the intimate Koe experience, we wanted a more expansive “final hurrah”. The Andaz, located 50 floors up, provides amazing views, a gorgeous pool, and a killer breakfast buffet (fresh fruit, yay!).
Note : if you have tattoos, they might want you to wear a rash guard or hide them when using the pool. They also make you wear a swim cap. Lots of rules in Japan!
Neighborhoods: Shibuya & Daikonyama
Meguro River / Harujuku
Shopping
Diakanyama Book Store
A beautiful building exterior, with thousands of gorgeous publications to peruse inside, in a cool neighborhood. If you arrive after 11am, go to the library / cafe upstairs – it is full of Flexform lounge chairs and leather sofas, aged to perfection. Relax and have your first glass of bubbles, because, hey, vacation!
ILDK
Men’s fashion
Mansion of Owls
Saturdays
same as NY, but a fresh location is always fun
M.U.G.
Minotour
The Army Gym
Neighborhood
Cool Men’s fashion
Rag-Tag
awesome vintage
Franky-Grow
adorable hand made kids’ clothes
WTW Surf Club
it smells like a beach holiday in there, kind of like Montauk in Tokyo?
Opening Ceremony
Rag & Bone
same as in the states, but located in a really cute house
Food & Drink
Trunk Hotel
coffee / drinks – kind of like an Ace Hotel vibe
Seirinkan Pizza
better than most pie you find in the states, but made with all locally sourced ingredients. Get a classic margherita and a side of broccoli – you won’t regret it.
Higashi-Yama
A gorgeous little spot, tucked away, up a set of stairs. It smelled like my godmother’s house – firewood and cold damp stone – so I instantly felt at home. Go here for a quiet lunch, or if you’re lucky enough get a reservation for drinks and dinner. The vegetarian pre-fixe lunch was outstanding. They have a gorgeous little koi pond outside too.
Artless Coffee
Brad would have loved this place. Even though they didn’t serve tea, they had these pretty little pots.
Sites
Shibuya Crossing
definitely a scene to be witnessed. After work, it seems like all of Japan is crisscrossing this intersection. Oddly enough it always appears to be perfectly orderly.
Neighborhood: Shinjuku
Food & Drink
Golden Gai area – tiny bars
Find one with good tunes (hard to find “not-jazz” in Japan) and non-smoking, and pull up a seat at one of these cozy spots.
Neighborhood: Aoyama
Shopping
Cibone
Muji Found
Bloom & Branch + Cobi Coffee Shop
beautiful home accessories and some clothing
Omnibus Coffee
apparently the coffee its was a little funky, but the spot was really cool and we needed a moment off our feet.
Architecture
Prada
don’t go to shop, (unless that’s your jam), go to see the Herzog & de Meuron building
Miu Miu
another Herzog & de Meuron – across the street
Sunny Hills Cake Shop
by Kengo & Kuma, we didn’t get to try to treats, since they were closed.
Food & Drink
Tokyo Whiskey Library
Sasha Kanetanaka + Sugimoto sculpture
a great spot for a glass of bubbles and a regroup
Neighborhood: Ginza
Architecture
Capsule Tower
Hamarikyu Gardens
the trees are just insane
Food & Drink
Sushi Tokami – Michelin One Star
Sushi Extravaganza – if you’re going to do this tasting menu, be prepared for the best sushi you’ll ever eat, and the MOST sushi you’ll ever eat. I felt like a pelican after the first 10 pieces, and had to bow out early. I could not swallow one more bite. The spicy toro hand roll will forever be ingrained in my memory of epic deliciousness.
Aman Hotel
for drinks and an incredible view in a gorgeous setting
Neighborhood: Koto
Sites
Rainbow Bridge
you don’t actually want to walk over this thing.
Mori Digital Art Museum
for as far as we trekked, I would say it was a bit lack luster. A great article in the NYTimes sums up my experience pretty well. In general, this museum is best seen through your iPhone, and is not as exciting in real life as my Instagram photos might suggest.