48 TOKYO Hours in
Phenomenal sushi, top-tier vintage shopping and, yes, heated toilets await in this vibrant Japanese city.
WELCOME TO TOKYO, the adrenalin-fuelled capital of Japan. Modern culture and reverent tradition strike a balance in this sprawling city, which is made up of a collection of unique neighbourhoods: The artistic crowd gravitates toward Harajuku, luxury aficionados have Ginza and Ebisu remains a nightlife hot spot. While the eclectic metropolis boasts a futuristic skyline, its back alleys and side streets—which are home to some of Tokyo’s best hidden gems, from freshsushi restaurants to handcrafted-matcha cafés—can make you feel like you’re in another era. Service and quality are the backbone of everything in Japan; the people here often strive for perfection (a pursuit referred to as kodawari), and their keen attention to detail is what separates this incredible place from any other.
STAY
THE TOKYO EDITION, GINZA The Tokyo Edition, Ginza opened its doors late last year, making it the first luxury property in the trendy shopping district. Rooms are designed with both style and storage space in mind, embracing a minimalist vibe that’s cozy and just a little bit seductive. The boutique hotel also houses the speakeasy-inspired Punch Room, which is adorned with rich blue hues and golden velvet couches for a 1920s feel and features a menu of juice-infused cocktails. The scrumptious breakfast bu et—served in Sophie, the hotel’s bright and airy restaurant—blends Eastern and Western flavours to create remixed classics. (Don’t miss the matcha French toast.) Sister hotel The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon is just a short drive away and worth a visit for its pool and jungle-themed lobby bar. If you have time to spare, make a dinner reservation at The Jade Room Garden + Terrace for its tasting menus, which are served alongside a stunning view of the famed Tokyo Tower. EDITIONHOTELS.COM
EAT
GINZA SUSHIKO HONTEN Tucked away in an unassuming Ginza alley, Sushiko Honten has been serving some of Tokyo’s best omakase sushi since 1885. Sushi is freshly prepared in front of you, and no ordering is necessary (omakase means “I leave it up to you”); highlights include the grilled toro sashimi, the buttery tuna and the delectable abalone. There are only about 10 seats at the bar, so reservations here are a must—or be prepared to wait for availability. GINZA.JP
PIZZA MARUMO Pizza culture runs deep in Tokyo. This cool restaurant is located in the city’s Ebisu neighbourhood, and its chef, Yuki Motokura, has become something of a celebrity on the scene thanks to his menu of wood-fired creations, which are a balance of classic Italian fare—the margherita is an essential order—and Japanese-inspired pizzas, like the mayo-based Teriyaki Boys, which is loaded with chicken, mozzarella and black chili. PIZZA-MARUMO.COM
ORIENTAL LOUNGE Head up to the 38th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo for both an exquisite afternoon-tea experience and an unforgettable view of the capital’s skyline. Elements of the tea menu change seasonally, but the perfectly baked scones are a constant. The pastries are works of art, with some acting as a culinary illusion; what appears to be a perfectly fresh strawberry, for example, may reveal itself to be a delectable mousse. The tea o erings are a departure from the usual suspects, with options including a pineapple-infused green blend, white-sangria black tea and the signature royal milk tea. For those lucky enough to visit during Japan’s cherry-blossom season, the Sakura Afternoon Tea is a fan favourite. MANDARINORIENTAL.COM
DRINK
BONGEN COFFEE This tiny coffee spot is another hidden alleyway gem. Espresso is serious business at Bongen Co ee: The café’s signature drink has three shots, while another option blends matcha and espresso for the best of both worlds. The allwood space, adorned with a sweet little bonsai tree behind the counter, is Japanese minimalism at its best. BONGEN-SHIRAFUSHI-COFFEE.COM
LE CAFÉ V Louis Vuitton opened its second Le Café V outpost about a year after the debut Osaka location, this one in its Ginza flagship store. Luxury lovers have been flocking to this chic spot for the trendy flower-logo latte and Instagrammable furnishings, all of which are from the label’s own homewares collection. The fashionable café is also an excellent choice for a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar. JP.LOUISVUITTON.COM
A10 Every night boasts an all-vinyl set at A10, a speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming collection of street lockers in Ebisu. Oldschool records line the walls of this mysterious bar, which plays a mix of ’70s soul, jazz, R&B and funk. (Think everything from Sade to Marvin Gaye.) The menu also o ers some of the city’s best cocktails, including a pistachio-based pina colada and the matcha-infused Kekko-na Ote-mae-de, which is made with a Kyoto gin, Kyoho grapes and egg white. TABLECHECK.COM
DO
TEAMLAB PLANETS This could be the coolest museum on the planet, drawing the likes of Justin and Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and many more celebs. Shoes are o for this unique series of art installations, which take you through several shin-deep pools for a full sensory immersion. Created by TeamLab, an international art collective, the magnificent Infinite Crystal Experience and Floating Flower Gardens blend digital and physical media to create two of the most memorable rooms (and photo ops). TEAMLAB.ART
SHOP
SHISEIDO GLOBAL FLAGSHIP STORE Shiseido’s Ginza flagship is more than just a beauty store. Here, you can step into another universe with the Inner Beauty Charge, an immersive meditation journey inside a futuristic pod. When you pull down the pod’s egg-shaped door, a series of lights, sounds and scents designed to help your brain disconnect and recharge are emitted inside. Headphones guide you through a tailored meditation while a headband monitors your physical and mental responses to the experience over the next 30 minutes. Afterwards, you can view a report about your mental focus during the session. (Less focus means higher stress levels.) Once you’ve finished meditating, peruse the brand’s popular products. This location also o ers engraving services, skin analysis and makeovers in an upstairs glam room. SHISEIDO.CO.JP
SOLAKZADE This obscure boutique in the Harajuku district houses an impressive 30,000 pairs of vintage designer sunglasses from all over the world. The dimly lit store feels very Pirates of the Caribbean, with its decor of antique furniture, golden goblets and skulls. The eccentric and cool sta are half the fun as they pull out curated pieces like 1960s cat-eye shades, ’90s Chanel pairs and ’70s Seiko and Hoya styles famously loved by the Japanese yakuza. Best of all, frames come with a lifetime guarantee and there are no charges for repairs or restoration. SOLAKZADE.COM
CAMELLIA VINTAGE Calling all designer-handbag lovers. Camellia Vintage has one of the most impressive collections in the city, so you’re bound to find something whether you’re looking to splurge on a rare Birkin or sensibly invest in a well-priced vintage Chanel. The store also carries an array of other designers as well as funky and eclectic styles from Prada, Gucci, Dior and more, and most of the items are immaculately maintained. Bring your passport: Shopping is tax-free for tourists. VTG-BRAND.CO.JP
KAPITAL Kapital remains the most coveted Tokyo streetwear brand, with high-quality Japanese denim at the core of the label. The women’s line leans into a Western aesthetic, and the Tokyo locations o er pieces you won’t find anywhere else. The woven patchwork pu ers and vests are also staples and o er a fresh take on casual outerwear. KAPITAL.JP