Whether you want to immerse yourself into the world-famous Japanese pop culture and the youngster’s neighborhoods, such as Shibuya & Harajuku or you prefer the old Japan area of Asakusa with Tokyo’s oldest temple “Sensoji” and its gate called “Kaminarimon”, it’s not important. Celebrating the Asiatic culture and city life is the only thing that matters, and we want to help you embrace this fantastic trip you have ahead of you. Prepare yourself for Shinjuku, the business area with its many hyper-modern skyscraper and the famous scramble crossing in Shibuya and don’t forget the trendiest sightseeing spot in the city, the Tokyo Skytree: from here – a 634m-meter tower – you could have a spectacular night view of the entire city, without even mentioning the large shopping complex and the aquarium. As a design and architecture’s lover favorite escape, the city will open its arms and give you the perfect inspiration. Let’s begin with our TOKYO DESIGN GUIDE!

TOKYO DESIGN GUIDE

WHERE TO STAY

HOSHINOYA TOKYO

In the Otemachi district, you can find this 84-room oasis, dedicated to the meditation and relax, far away from the city’s buzz. Start from the lobby, where you will be asked to leave your shoes in the elegant bamboo shoeboxes forming the wall and keep exploring the glass building and its floral Edo Komon pattern metal lattice.

With only a kimono, you will be placed at the rooftop where hot springs will be the last step of this relaxation route. The chef Noriyuki Hamada will know hot to reintegrate your body with a personal tasting menu experience. What are you waiting for?

BNA

BnA is the perfect answer to your more colorful and modern needs: it’s the perfect marriage between hotel and art, thanks to the collaboration with local artists called to give their contributions.

Two are the locations (in Koenji and in Akihabara) and the choice is between hanging with the local artist base or choosing mini-apartment for a more intimate staying.

WHERE TO EAT

YAKUMO SARYO

Aren’t you curious about experiencing a fabulous dinner in a residential house-turned-restaurant setting? That’s what architect Shinichiro Ogata has done with its restaurant Yakumo Saryo, located in the residential Meguro neighborhood: discover the seasonal kaiseki, its strong piece, recreated in a modern menu for the most demanding tastes. Dinner is by reservation only, of course.

GEN YAMAMOTO

Are you in for an expertly prepared seasonal cocktail? Head to Gen Yamamoto, whose philosophy is all about “shiki”, Japanese seasonality. Located in the Azabu-Juban district, it will be a unique experience of our TOKYO DESIGN GUIDE!

WHERE TO GO

KIYA

In Kiya, beauty meets simplicity with everyday objects displayed like pieces of art. Mandai Architects really designed an extremely unusual store in midtown, it’s worth your visit!

SOMEWHERE TOKYO

Somewhere Tokyo is one of the few design galleries and it belongs to Naoki Sato. Here, in a minimalistic setting, contemporary Japanese art pieces are displayed with more modern and post-modern pieces. Enjoy!