22 cultural hotspots to check out in Tokyo during sakura season

Sakurai Tea Experience

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

1/22

This serene tea room is a lovely space in which to experience the art of drinking tea. Dedicated servers prepare and explain how best to enjoy the many varieties. Watching them is like observing an art in itself, from the delicate pours to the finishing flicks of the wrist. We opt for a mid-range tea course and get to sample multiple brews, both hot and cold, as well as wagashi (Japanese sweets) at the end. Reservations are recommended.

Hot tip: Sakurai Tea Experience is located inside the Spiral building, which is home to many interesting shops worth exploring.

Address: 5-6-23 Minami-aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo (SPIRAL 5F)

Website: https://sakurai-tea.jp/en

The National Art Center

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

2/22

The National Art Center is a well-established museum that hosts a number of high-profile exhibitions. That being said, the real draw of this place is the iconic, undulating glass architecture (most recently featured in the latest John Wick movie as the Osaka Continental, even) and the incredible gift shop found in the basement. It features many unique and design-centric wares, making it a great place to pick up gifts.

Hot tip: Other museums worth checking out include Mori Art Museum, Tokyo Opera City Gallery, and Ginza Graphic Gallery.

Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.nact.jp/english/

Tofu-ya Ukai

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

3/22

There’s no need to visit the iconic Tokyo Tower; go instead to this long-running tofu-centric kaiseki restaurant located at its base. The enchanting and extensive gardens, along with old structures, will make you feel like you’ve slipped back in time several hundred years to a feudal lord’s manor. Save some time pre or post-meal to wander among the greenery. You’ll never believe you’re smack dab in the middle of busy Tokyo. Reservations are recommended.

Hot tip: Another hidden garden worth visiting is Nezu Museum’s.

Address: 4-4-13 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.ukai.co.jp/english/shiba/

Scai The Bathhouse

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

4/22

Despite what the name may suggest, this isn’t actually a bathhouse. At least, not anymore. Scai The Bathhouse is a tiny art gallery located in a repurposed public bathhouse, and you can see remnants of its previous life in the entryway lockers and the olden exterior. It’s a fascinating reimagining, and the streamlined interior, which hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, offers a dramatic contrast.

Hot tip: Pair a visit to Scai The Bathhouse with a meal at nearby Kayaba Coffee, found in our curation of dining spots further down this list.

Address: 6-1-23 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.scaithebathhouse.com/en/

Mitsubishi Ihigokawan Museum

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

5/22

The architecture is the star of the show at this museum. A painstaking reconstruction of the first Western-style office building in the area, its brick facade harkens back to a different time. The attached Cafe 1894 even showcases old bank teller partitions as a nod to its former life hosting the banking department of the Mitsubishi Corporation. It gets busy on the weekends, so go at off-hours and during weekdays to snag a seat.

Hot tip: The Echire Maison du Beurre store in nearby Marunouchi Brick Square is also worth stopping by for its financiers and madeleines.

Address: 2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://mimt.jp/english/

The Lounge at Aman Tokyo

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

6/22

There are plenty of hotels serving high tea in Tokyo, but the Aman Tokyo definitely boasts one of the most spectacular views to go with its delectable tiers of finger foods. The lounge also features soaring heights, black stone, and shoji-esque details, making for quite a luxurious setting. It’s a great example, too, of an appreciation for Japanese geometries and natural textures, paired with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Imperial Palace grounds. Reservations are required.

Address: 1-5-6 Otemachi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo/dining/lounge-aman

Museum of Contemporary Art

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

7/22

This modern art museum, which seems to be hosting more design-centric exhibitions lately, sits in the revitalized neighbourhood of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. It has received a burst of energy recently, thanks to several cool coffee breweries like Allpress Coffee and Blue Bottle setting up shop in industrial buildings in the proximity.

Hot tip: Take the bus to/from the museum to check out several of the neighbourhoods nearby, including the more recently developed Toyosu.

Address: 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/en/

Okuno Building

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

8/22

Built in 1932, the Okuno building is a historical landmark and an example of early modernist architecture from the early Showa period (1926-1989). Now home to several art galleries and antique shops, the building, which even operates a manual elevator, offers a historical charm that sets it apart from the modern buildings around it. Interestingly, one of the rooms – Room 306 – has been preserved as a time capsule project of sorts after its original occupant passed away and is available to be occasionally viewed by the public.

Address: 1-9-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://room306project.tokyo/about-en/

Yamatan Museum of Art

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

9/22

A quiet museum specializing in nihonga (Japanese paintings after the Meiji era), Yamatane also features oil paintings, ukiyoe, and ancient calligraphy in its collection. Beyond that, one of its highlights has to be the attached Cafe Tsubaki (camellia), or more specifically, its menu. A unique take on the pairing of art and food, the cafe serves tea and wagashi literally inspired by motifs found in the works of each exhibition. Specially ordered from confectionery Kikuya, it makes for a sweet post-museum experience.

Address: 3-12-36 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/english/

Akasaka Antique Maket, Ark Hills

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

10/22

Usually held on the fourth Sunday of every month, the antique market at Ark Hills is a fun vintage fair that attracts a number of interesting booths, ranging from homeware to fashion. High-end and slightly Euro-centric, it feels a bit like a Parisian brocante in the middle of Tokyo. It draws a stylish crowd of shoppers and is a great place to people-watch for inspiration.

Hot tip: If a more specifically Japanese selection is what you’re after, Oedo Antique Market at Tokyo International Forum is the outdoor market you should check out.

Address: 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Karajan Plaza)

Website: https://www.arkhills.com/en/akasaka-nominoichi/

Blinc Vase

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

11/22

An absolute jewel box of a store, this teeny-tiny space is home to an excellent international curation of premium glasses and sunglasses. Despite its size – you can literally walk from end to end in three steps – it is often manned by two friendly staffers and draws a cool, glasses-loving crowd. While its wares aren’t cheap, the quality speaks for itself.

Hot tip: If buying prescription glasses, make sure you account for a week or two for the order turnaround.

Address: 3-5-15 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Website: http://blinc.co.jp/blincvase/

Itoya Stationery

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

12/22

You can recognise the flagship store of this longtime stationery brand by its giant paper clip logo on Ginza’s main thoroughfare. Consisting of two buildings and eighteen floors in total, it offers anything and everything the stationery lover might ever want, from pens and stickers to cards and planners. It continues to expand its offerings and now includes homewares and accessories, not to mention food by way of a cafe that serves meals with greens grown in the building itself. Worth a meander.

Address: 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.ito-ya.co.jp/lang/en/index.html

Journal Standard

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

13/22

Japanese fashion retail has quite a few strong multi-label stores, and Journal Standard is one of them. It offers an interesting mix of local and international brands at a relatively accessible price point. With multiple locations, this women’s store is on the see-and-be-seen Omotesando avenue, right by the street style photography magnet Cat Street. It serves as an interesting starting point to see what’s out there and popular in the Japanese mainstream.

Address: 4-26-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://journal-standard.jp/

Vintage in Yoyogi

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

14/22

The Yoyogi-Uehara to Tomigaya area is home to several vintage stores. It’s worth some leisurely wandering to see what niche treasures you might uncover. Front 11201, the sister shop to Brooklyn-based Front General Store, offers a well-curated mix of American utility wear and basics. At Amici, right by Fuglen (see DINING list), shoppers may even stumble across a cache of vintage Star Wars t-shirts, even.

Hot tip: For a high concentration of vintage shops, head to the Shimokitazawa neighbourhood. Also, beware of late opening times for vintage shops in general.

Address: 21-9 Motoyoyogi-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Silhouette 104)

Website: https://front11201.com/

A to Z Cafe

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

15/22

A quirky hidden cafe full of character, A to Z features rustic furniture, a mini wooden house, and artwork by Yoshitomo Nara. During the day, it serves a delicious and reasonably priced teishoku (set lunch) with free-flow drinks that feature colourful fresh ingredients done in a home-cooking style. It’s popular with retail staffers who work nearby, which makes for quite a bit of stylish people-watching. And if not the clientele, the fifth-floor location offers nice views over surrounding Aoyama as well.

Address: 5-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Equbo Bldg 5F)

Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/atoz/minamiaoyama#/

Ginza Kurosu

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

16/22

Many sushi restaurants in Ginza seem intimidating, but not this one. This tucked-away six-seater (which also has two private rooms) is a warm and welcoming space, personified by its friendly head chef. Dinner boasts quality omakase, as expected, but lunch – with its reasonably priced multi-course set – is an especially good deal. Reservations are recommended.

Hot tip: The place is a little tricky to find for the uninitiated, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to find it. Also, Cha Ginza down the street is worth a visit to buy some top-notch green tea.

Address: 6-7-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (2F)

Website: https://ginza-kurosu.jimdo.com/

Fuglen Tokyo

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

17/22

This long-running Tokyo offshoot of a Norwegian coffee shop boasts a mid-century, Scandi-chic interior complete with teak furniture and a moody vibe. Located near the green Yoyogi Park, this place serves up delicious brews in a relaxed setting to its cosmopolitan crowd of locals and tourists alike. Fuglen has since opened three more locations within Tokyo as well, should you find yourself in need of caffeine in Asakusa, Jinnan, or Setagaya as well.

Address: 1-16-11 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://fuglen.no/Fuglen-Tokyo-Tomigaya

Kushinobo

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

18/22

Less well-known than sushi or ramen but equally delicious, kushiage is a Japanese style of food where vegetables, fish, and meat are deep-fried on skewers and served piping hot and fresh. It’s typical of Japanese cuisine in that seasonality is king. Beyond the food itself, one of the best parts of ordering kushiage is that you can keep them coming until you decide you’ve had enough (they will then charge you accordingly). The Osaka-headquartered Kushinobo is a great kushiage chain, and the Ginza outlet is always a solid choice.

Address: 5-5-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku (Sakaguchi Bldg 3F)

Website: https://kushinobo-ginza.owst.jp/en/

Nanaya Aoyama

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

19/22

There are matcha lovers, and then there are matcha lovers. This specialized ice cream shop is for the latter. Its main offering features seven different kinds of matcha ice cream, all ranging in levels of matcha concentration. The deeper the shade, the more bitter and concentrated the matcha. It’s incredibly fun to get multiple green scoops to taste and compare like a true matcha connoisseur. The shop also sells other tea-flavored ice cream, including hojicha and sencha.

Address: 2-7-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://nanaya-matcha.com/?mode=f4&sid=50

Kayaba Coffee

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

20/22

This atmospheric kissaten – a style of retro establishment serving coffee and light meals – is located in a house first built in 1916, in the old-fashioned Yanaka district. It opened its doors as Kayaba Coffee in 1938 before shuttering once in 2006 and re-opening in 2009 in its current iteration. Choose to sit on its tatami mat second floor, and pretend you live a slower-paced life as you snack on egg sandwiches and take in all the lovingly preserved details.

Hot tip: Pair it with a visit to nearby Scai The Bathhouse, found in the cultural listings above.

Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://www.instagram.com/kayabacoffee/?hl=en

Seirinkan

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

21/22

Steampunk pizza? Didn’t know it was a thing until coming across this Nakameguro-based pizza joint. Featuring an industrial interior (complete with a looming spiral staircase), this Beatles-happy restaurant serves up Neapolitan pizzas, pasta, and sides. The excellent crust alone might make it worth a visit. Fun fact: Seirinkan, in kanji, is the old Japanese term for Hollywood.

Hot tip: It gets busy, but show up shortly before opening, and you should be able to grab a seat. Even if not, the line moves reasonably fast as people come to eat, not linger.

Address: 2-6-4 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://theseirinkan.com/

Ginza Wakamatsu

Credit: Leslie Kay Lim

22/22

An unassuming sweets shop hidden in bustling Ginza, Wakamatsu has been in operation for over 125 years. Suffice to say, they know what they’re doing when it comes to Japanese dessert. In 1930, the shop created the anmitsu dessert of agar jelly topped with red bean paste, fruit, and black sugar syrup, which went on to become a Japanese classic available all over the country. Between the weathered shop itself and the older crowd that frequents it, you get the nostalgic sense of a place that’s lived through and seen it all.

Address: 5-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Ginza Core Bldg 1F)

Website: http://ginza-wakamatsu.co.jp/

This article was originally published in Female.