In contrast to the understated scheme, the Gold Bar on the ground floor is a handsome space to see and be seen at. Knock back a tipple or more at this stunning watering hole, which is clad primarily in dark wood and set against backlit shelves that showcase gleaming rows of bottles.

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Founded in 2003, this notable museum in Roppongi focuses on showcasing contemporary art and design primarily from Japan and the Asia Pacific region; it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Located on the 53rd floor of the Mori Tower, its galleries and The Sun cafe also look out to spectacular views of the city, so do make time for a coffee break in between the exhibition hopping.

Right now, the museum is holding an exhibition showcasing the work of UK studio Heatherwick Studio, running from 17 March to 4 June, 2023, at the Tokyo City View gallery. The exhibition is based upon the concept of “soulfulness” while combining interactive elements with video displays, large-scale images, as well as models, mock-ups, and material samples. 28 of the studio’s most memorable designs will be presented: these include Airo, a full-scale model of a car that cleans the air as it moves, alongside mechanised versions of the firm’s popular Magis Spun chairs, as well as a light-up model of the UK Pavilion created for the Shanghai Expo.

Among the elegant tree-lined streets and boutiques of Aoyama and Omotesando is a graceful new property, crafted in collaboration with Aoyama Nomura Design. Opened in August 2020 by Japanese hospitality and lifestyle group Plan Do See, The Aoyama Grand Hotel is distinguished by its verdant facade, and rooms with mid-century modern influenced interiors paired with a beautiful array of restaurants and bars within.

Wind down after a busy day in the city at its spacious 160-seater restaurant and bar The Belcomo, or grab a table at its popular rooftop venue The Top, which looks out to panoramic views of the neighbourhood.

Since its October 2021 opening, this Gucci Osteria outpost in Tokyo’s glitzy Ginza district has steadily drawn crowds and has become one of the city’s buzziest Italian venues. Helmed by chef Antonio Iacovilleo, the Michelin-starred restaurant features Italian classics prepared with Japanese ingredients, with each dish playfully plated on tableware from Gucci Décor.

Like with all Gucci venues, the restaurant located on the top floor of the Gucci Ginza boutique too boasts a memorable interior: a vibrant green entryway is decorated with botanical wall panels (also from the home design line by the Italian fashion house) and paired with plush velvet seats in a deep blue hue. Its alfresco terrace evokes the feeling of the winter gardens of Europe and is the perfect spot for a chic lunch before you indulge in some serious retail therapy in this glamorous shopping district.

With its laidback, almost village-like atmosphere, this retail and dining venue in Shimokitazawa features a mix of shops, restaurant bars, cafes, galleries and co-working spaces spread across several low-rise buildings. Opened in October 2020, Bonus Track is a compact yet cosy enclave in Shimokitazawa, realised by Tsubama Architects and En Landscape Design, and located between the Shimokitzaawa and Setagaya Daita stations on the Odakyu line. The venue comes alive during seasonal events and exhibitions that keep the mood lively. 

Grab a thirst-quencher from Why Juice?, shop for groceries made with fermented ingredients at Hakko Department, nibble on potato croquettes from Croquette Cafe and then browse the racks of indie stores that include the music selection at Pinola Records, the Fuzkue bookstore.

Dining options at Bonus Track include the oden and sake bar Andon, which specialises in dishes from the Akita prefecture, along with Indian-style curries at ADDA, as well as Taiwanese staples at the Big Romantic Store; the latter serves up homely bowls of braised pork rice while retailing Taiwanese-themed merchandise from local brands and makers.

Just a short walk away from Bonus Track in Shimokitazawa is Reload, an up-and-coming destination that houses the Mustard Hotel as well as a growing and eclectic mix of over 20 lifestyle stores and restaurants. The minimalist low-rise complex is designed by Japanese architect Shin Ohori of General Design and is situated on an elongated plot that takes over part of the stretch of the former Odakyu railway tracks.

Traverse through a winding mix of vintage clothing stores and quirky specialty shops that include eyewear store Masunaga1905, art and design shop Great Books, and stationery boutique Desk Labo. Then load up on your caffeine fix at key stops that include the second outpost of Ogawa Coffee Laboratory, and enjoy tea-flavoured desserts and drinks at the Shimokita Japanese Tea Lab.

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