Tokyo, Japan
We’ve explored Tokyo multiple times, yet somehow it always reveals something fresh: a hidden gallery, a perfectly crafted slice of pizza, the quiet serenity of a temple garden in midday light.
Dream
The Aman Tokyo and The Okura offer timeless Japanese elegance and impeccable hospitality in the heart of the city.
Aman Tokyo is a serene, minimalist sanctuary; a peaceful retreat above the urban bustle, occupying the top six floors of the 38-story Otemachi Tower in the heart of Tokyo's central business district, Chiyoda-ku. The hotel offers expansive views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
Blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with refined contemporary design, one of the hotel’s most striking features is its dramatic 30-meter-high lobby, designed to evoke the grandeur of a traditional Japanese home. The hotel features spacious suites adorned with shoji screens, cypress wood accents, and stone bathtubs.
Centerpiece of the 2,500-square-meter spa is the 30-meter indoor pool overlooking the skyline, a masterpiece of contemporary design.
The Okura Tokyo is a classic luxury hotel in Minato City that beautifully blends tradition with modern comfort. Hotel rooms are arranged in two towers: the 17-storey Okura Heritage wing with 140 rooms with a traditional Japanese design, and the larger 41-storey high-rise Okura Prestige tower with 368 contemporary luxury style rooms, and office space beneath.
The hotel is located centrally between Toranomon Hills, Azabudai Hills and Ark Hills (home of Suntory Hall), each being no more than a 5-10 minute walk away. In short, this is a fantastic location with great access to restaurants, retail and Tokyo Tower.
Notable features of the hotel include its warm service, expansive gym and spa facilities, and its large landscaped urban garden.
Dine
As a vegetarian who doesn’t eat fish or meat, dining in Tokyo can sometimes feel like a challenge—a bit of a crime in a city famed for its seafood and meat dishes. But surprisingly, Tokyo offers an incredible variety of vegetarian-friendly options, especially within its vibrant Italian dining scene. The city boasts some of the best Italian restaurants outside of Italy, where fresh ingredients and creative chefs make dining meat-free an absolute pleasure.
Tokyo’s food scene is endlessly creative, especially where Italian and Japanese flavors meet:
Mandarin – KSHIKI: Offers a sophisticated dining experience in the heart of Tokyo, where Italian culinary tradition meets innovative Japanese flair. With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, each dish is a masterful blend of bold flavors and delicate presentation. Ideal for those seeking an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Hinokizaka / Sushi at Ritz-Carlton Tokyo: Elevated sushi in a sleek setting with sweeping panoramic views.
Brunch at Ivy Place (Daikanyama): A lush café nestled in the garden of Daikanyama T-Site, Ivy Place offers a serene setting with plenty of greenery and water features. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely late morning, whether you’re inside or enjoying the spacious outdoor seating.
Pizzeria e Trattoria L’OMBELICO (at Trunk Hotel, Yoyogi Park): A chill spot for sharp, flavorful Italian plates after exploring the greenery. Our absolute favorite in Tokyo for authentic, beautifully crafted pizzas and fresh pastas served in a relaxed, stylish setting. Perfect for winding down after a day at Yoyogi Park or exploring the nearby neighborhoods.
Aman Tokyo Breakfast: Start your day with a peaceful breakfast featuring a thoughtful blend of Japanese classics like miso soup and rice porridge alongside fresh seasonal fruit and Western favorites, all served in a sleek, light-filled dining room.
Aman Bar: An elegant, intimate space to unwind with expertly crafted cocktails or a quiet glass of sake, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Tokyo
Obicà Mozzarella Bar: Located in the vibrant Marunouchi area, Obicà brings authentic Italian flavors with a focus on fresh, creamy mozzarella. Perfect for a casual yet stylish meal after a day of sightseeing or shopping in the city, it offers classic Italian dishes like burrata, artisanal pizzas, and fresh pastas with a modern Tokyo twist.
Sarabeth’s: A beloved New York-born brunch favorite with locations in Tokyo’s upscale neighborhoods. Sarabeth’s offers comforting American classics like fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict, and freshly baked pastries—making it the perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or brunch in the heart of Tokyo.
Lina Stores: A true taste of London’s Italian deli scene now in Tokyo’s fashionable Omotesando district. Lina Stores Tokyo serves authentic Italian cured meats, fresh pastas, and imported delicacies in a cozy, classic setting, offering a slice of Italy with a distinctly Tokyo vibe.
Gift Italian Restaurant: A quaint, intimate spot with a stunning view of Tokyo Tower. Known for its warm and attentive staff, this hidden gem offers delicious vegetarian-friendly Italian dishes in a cozy setting.
Bubby’s: A New York City institution brought to Tokyo. Known for its American comfort classics—fluffy pancakes, pies, and hearty brunches—it’s a cozy, nostalgic spot perfect for a relaxed breakfast or casual lunch. An ideal pick-me-up when craving something familiar and indulgent.
Pizza 4P’s Tokyo: Nestled in Azabudai Hills, this Vietnamese-born pizzeria blends Italian tradition with Japanese ingredients. Signature pies like the “Suji-Aonori and Okahijiki Asari” pizza showcase house-made cheeses and seasonal produce. The minimalist, nature-inspired space offers a serene dining experience, with terrace seating available for al fresco enjoyment. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.
Do
Roppongi / Midtown Area
Mori Art Museum & Roppongi City View: Late-night entry with sweeping city lights; perfect for magical after-dinner visits.
Mori Tower Sky Deck: A stunning night panorama of Tokyo’s skyline, ideal for a nightcap after art and culture.
Asakusa / Skytree Area
Tokyo Skytree: Dominates the skyline; on clear days, offers breathtaking views including Mount Fuji on the horizon.
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa): Vibrant spiritual center with traditional shops, incense smoke, and authentic temple rituals—best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Shibuya / Harajuku / Omotesando / Aoyama / Daikanyama
Nezu Museum (Aoyama): Designed by Kengo Kuma, this serene museum features Japanese and East Asian art, a bamboo-lined entry, and peaceful gardens. A tranquil Tokyo must.
Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park: A calm, sacred escape within the city. Walk the tree-lined paths, then rest in the park’s open lawns.
Harajuku: Known for bold street style, Takeshita Street crepes, quirky shops, and colorful youth fashion.
Omotesando: Often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. Sleek architecture, designer boutiques, and polished cafés.
Daikanyama: My favorite Tokyo neighborhood. Upscale and laid-back, with quiet streets, design-forward stores, Tsutaya T-Site bookstore, and the preserved Taishō-era Kyu Asakura House.
Ueno / Imperial Palace Grounds / Ginza
Ueno Park: Expansive green space perfect for cherry blossom strolls, museums, and peaceful ponds.
Imperial Palace Grounds: Historic, tranquil gardens surrounding the Emperor’s residence; a calm counterpoint to the city.
Ginza 6: An upscale department store blending luxury shopping, gourmet dining, and striking contemporary architecture.
Shinjuku Area
The Yayoi Kusama Museum: Immersive, psychedelic, and endlessly engaging. A must for fans of modern Japanese art.
Azabudai Hills / Toranomon Area (Minato City)
Azabudai Hills: A striking new urban district in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, blending nature, culture, and cutting-edge design. Anchored by three iconic skyscrapers, the development integrates luxury residences, offices, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and a hotel into a seamless "modern urban village", just minutes from Roppongi and Toranomon.
The district’s public spaces and low-rise architecture were designed by London-based Heatherwick Studio, known for its innovative, organic forms. Their contribution includes the central green plaza, flowing pergola-style structures, lush terraces and rooftop gardens, and the campus of The British School in Tokyo.
This is a great place to grab a coffee from Arabica or Nicolai Bergmann NOMU Azabudai, or to stop off for lunch or dinner at one of the approximately 50 restaurants and cafes.
Toranomon Hills: Another major urban redevelopment, featuring four towers—Mori Tower, Business Tower, Residential Tower, and Station Tower—built between 2014 and 2023. The complex includes two hotels: Andaz Tokyo, occupying the top floors of Mori Tower, and Hotel Toranomon Hills (operated by Hyatt).
Dining is a highlight of the development, with around 46 restaurants and eateries spread across the towers. These include Toranomon Yokocho, a vibrant street-style dining area featuring 26 popular Tokyo restaurants. We particularly liked Crazy Pizza Toranomon, situated in T‑MARKET, a food court area in the basement of the Station Tower.
The complex is directly served by Toranomon Hills Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, offering convenient access to the area and integrating seamlessly with the towers above.
Other Highlights
Tokyo Tower & Marathon Day: Tokyo Tower rises brilliantly, visible from nearly every corner of the city. During our visit, we enjoyed spectacular views of the tower while the energy of the Tokyo Marathon filled the streets, runners passing by as the city buzzed with excitement—a truly unforgettable Tokyo moment.
Nezu Museum: Beautifully designed by Kengo Kuma with tranquil gardens, a bamboo-lined path, and an indoor-outdoor harmony that complements its exquisite Japanese art and Buddhist statues
Shopping & Local Finds
Loft: A Japanese favorite for lifestyle goods, stationery, beauty, homeware, and seasonal items. It’s organized, fun to browse, and full of little treasures you didn’t know you needed.
Don Quijote (Donki): The ultimate Japanese variety store—loud, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining. From quirky snacks and skincare to souvenirs, gadgets, and costumes, this place has it all. A must for grabbing affordable Japanese favorites.
Itoya (Ginza): A stunning stationery store spread across multiple floors, with everything from handcrafted paper to high-end pens. A dream for design lovers and a great place for gifts.
Tips
Suica Card: A rechargeable IC card for Tokyo’s trains, subways, buses, and even vending machines and convenience stores. Tap and go—no need to buy individual tickets.
Can be purchased at airport kiosks or train stations (look for JR East).
Also compatible with Pasmo systems—interchangeable across most of Tokyo.
Tip: Add the Suica card to Apple Wallet (or Google Wallet) for super easy mobile use—just double-click your phone to tap through gates.
No tipping in Japan: It’s not customary and can even be considered rude. Just pay what’s on the bill. Simply say "Arigato gozaimasu", and place money gently on the tray if paying in shops.
Etiquette on Trains: Stay quiet, take phone calls off-train, and set devices to silent mode ("manner mode").
Trash Tip: There are very few public bins. Bring a small bag for your own waste.
Shopping Tip: Bring your passport for tax-free shopping on eligible purchases over ¥5,000. Many stores offer in-store refunds.
7-Eleven = Goldmine: Not just snacks—great for ATMs, toiletries, and surprisingly good coffee or bento meals.
Suitcase Tip: Use Yamato Transport (TA-Q-BIN) to ship luggage from hotel to airport or next city—super easy and reliable.
Small details: say “eh” or “hai” if unclear, avoid “huh” or sharp tones that might be misinterpreted.
Why we’ll return.
Tokyo is a city of contrasts: sky-high skyscrapers and bamboo gardens, midnight art shows and morning ramen. It’s endlessly inventive and strangely comforting—familiar yet always surprising. This city invites you back better than any place we’ve known.
