The Blog

Vogue Japan’s Fashion Market Director Saori Masuda takes us on a tour of her favourite places in Tokyo.

Downtown Tokyo is the backdrop of the authentic quintessential scenery you see on postcards, in films and on TV. In May, a new addition came, the ‘Tokyo Sky Tree’, the world’s highest broadcasting tower. The area is considered a hip an interesting place to be, but the general sense is still one of classic Tokyo – exactly how I dreamt it while living in Europe. You may think of Tokyo as a city full of technology and skyscrapers, but to me, downtown represents the feeling of history and tradition.

At the moment, Tokyo is at the end of the rainy season and it’s hot and humid. A good place to be at this time is Meiji Kinenkan’s Beer Terrace Sekirei. Even if you are not partial to beer it has a lovely atmosphere. If you have more time to spare, you should also visit the holy Meiji Shrine’s power spot.

Next up, for food the Nezu Café inside the Nezu Museum (you need to pay the admission fee to enter the cafe) is situated inside a picturesque Japanese garden and Baishinka in Yakumo is lovely as well, serving traditional Japanese congee breakfast, and the tea in the afternoon is highly recommended.

Although I’ve been lucky enough to visit spas all around the world, I consider Japanese spas to be the best there is. Their technique is amazing, but it’s also the service, they pay attention to all the little details. There are more than 50 spa places that I could recommend but the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo’s spa has a great modern/traditional Tokyo vibe and you can look out on the amazing scenery from high on the 37th floor from the jacuzzi and treatment rooms.

Don’t forget shopping! As with any international city there are so many shops to choose from, from the traditional local boutiques and markets to beautiful luxury flagships. The iconic London store Dover Street Market launched in Ginza this March and it’s the place to go for it’s breadth of collections and beautiful space. You can also purchase Mulberry’s special edition bag there as well!

Another boutique I should introduce you to is a Japanese brand called Theatre Products, their boutique is in a little alleyway in Harajyuku. They are slightly retro and kitsch, it always reminds me of the Japan style that everyone covets.