Michael’s Guide to Tokyo
The designer shares his favorite things to see, eat and do in Tokyo.
DO
Asakusa
Spend some time walking along the traditional craft shops and street food stalls in Asakusa, then take in the Senso-ji Temple.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Escape from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of these gardens. If you can go during cherry blossom season, it’s amazing.
Azabudai Hills Market
A luxury grocery store and market—featuring the sushi and yakitori counter has a Michelin star. Walk through this underground market after checking out the architecture and urban green spaces in Azabudai Hills.
Roundabout
Great kitchen wares and things for the home. I always find special pieces here.
EAT & DRINK
Ginza Tenichi Honten
The lightest tempura bites and a celebrity-studded history, this place is a must-stop when I’m in Tokyo.
Sushi Ko Honten
One of the oldest sushi restaurants in Tokyo, the dishes in this 11-seat restaurant are exceptional.
Old Imperial Bar
A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed terracotta mural along the back wall and an interior that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
Sakurai Tea Experience
No trip to Tokyo is complete without a tea tasting and the experience here is mesmerizing with a serene tranquility and artisanal flavors.
Azuki to Kouri
These are like edible works of art made out of meticulously shaved ice with locally-inspired flavors.
STAY
Aman Tokyo
I love how every Aman hotel manages to combine the beauty of the destination, like the Tokyo skyline, with unbeatable service and amenities. It’s an escape right in the city.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Recently reopened, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is everything you want in a luxury hotel—plus, you get to have your own Lost In Translation’s Scarlett Johansson moment looking out across Tokyo’s sprawling vista.
SHOP
Isetan Shinjuku
From a rooftop garden to an entire floor dedicated to exquisite traditional kimonos, you could spend an entire day at this department store. I could spend hours alone in their food hall looking at melons that are unblemished and perfect to strawberries displayed like jewels.
Pejite Aoyama
This store feels like it’s from another era with beautifully crafted furniture and ceramics handmade by local artisans.
Along Meguro-Dori
From vintage stores to the most incredible selection of vintage and contemporary furniture stores, spend some time here and you’ll find something you didn’t know you needed.
Bingoya
I love this old-school Japanese craft store, a perfect place to buy authentic Japanese gifts for the home.