EM Travel Guide

A Creative Director’s Guide to Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is one of my favourite destinations, a city where creativity, tradition, and modernity collide in the most extraordinary ways. Each time I visit, I find new inspiration—from the bustling streets of Shibuya to the refined elegance of Ginza. If you’re creative at heart, Tokyo is a place to immerse yourself in culture, uncover design treasures, and lose yourself in a whirlwind of fashion, food, and art. Here’s my guide to Tokyo’s must-see spots.

Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo’s shopping scene is second to none. Each neighbourhood offers a unique vibe, whether you’re after high-end luxury, avant-garde streetwear, or hidden vintage finds. Here’s where I go to spark new ideas:

Ginza:

• Ginza Six: This luxurious complex is must-see. From flagship designer stores to curated art installations, Ginza Six is where Tokyo’s high fashion and culture intersect.
• Dover Street Market: A curated wonderland of high fashion, streetwear, and art, created by the legendary Rei Kawakubo.
• Mitsukoshi Department Store: An institution in Tokyo, Mitsukoshi is a beautiful shopping experience with luxury brands and one of my favourite rooftop gardens (Tip: Get the Guest card for an extra 5% off after Tax-free).
• Ginza Side Streets & Vintage Shops: Don’t skip the charming side streets lined with small shops and curated vintage boutiques, where you’ll find truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

Shibuya:

• PARCO Shibuya: This multilevel mall is full of cutting-edge Japanese brands and art installations. The vibe is young, edgy, and inspiring for streetwear designs.
• Miyashita Park: A stylish urban oasis that blends fashion, food, and green space. Great for observing the locals’ effortless style.
• Tomorrowland: A chic and contemporary store where I often find sophisticated, timeless pieces.
• Kith Tokyo: A must for anyone who loves streetwear—Kith’s bold and stylish pieces are always ahead of the trend.

Shinjuku:

• Isetan Department Store: One of my favourite places for both fashion and food. Isetan’s basement food court is legendary, filled with artistic pastries and treats that are almost too beautiful to eat, perfect for an afternoon treat or lunch break.

Aoyama & Omotesando:

• L'Appartement: This boutique captures the relaxed, effortless style I love. It’s a wonderful source of inspiration for layering and casual luxury.
• Omotesando & Cat Street: Wandering these streets feels like stepping into a fashion mood board. The mix of high fashion, vintage shops, and street style is intoxicating.
• Omotesando Hills: A sophisticated shopping complex that combines architecture and retail design in a way that inspires creativity.

Sights to See in Tokyo

Tokyo is packed with iconic spots that capture the city’s vibrant mix of tradition and cutting-edge innovation. A few of the must-see sights, to name a few, are:

• teamLab Borderless: A digital art museum with mesmerizing light installations—a true creative haven.
• Toyosu Fish Market: Tokyo’s famous fish market where you can catch the tuna auction and savor fresh sushi.
• Shibuya Crossing: The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing; a must-see, especially at night when it’s lit up.

Each spot showcases Tokyo’s unique blend of culture and energy.

Where to Eat in Tokyo

Tokyo’s food scene is an art form in itself. From casual street eats to fine dining, these are some of my favourite culinary stops:

• Bills Ginza: Famous for its Aussie breakfast this is an ideal spot for brunch.
• Flipper’s Pancakes: Iconic for its airy soufflé-style pancakes, making for a sweet break during your shopping spree or a sweet breakfast.
• Sushiyoshi: Located in Ginza, this sushi restaurant is perfect omakase lunch or dinner stop, offering high-quality sushi in an intimate setting.
• Hibikiya: A must-visit for premium Ginza beef. Ideal for an indulgent dinner experience.
• Siesta Ginza: A hidden gem this unique spot combines Spanish cuisine with a Japanese-style izakaya atmosphere, creating a blend of Spanish and Italian bar vibes.
• Luke’s Lobster: This quick bite offers a taste of New York seafood with a Japanese twist—perfect for when you’re craving a snack.
• Eataly: For a change of pace, Eataly offers excellent pizza and pasta, letting you indulge in a bit of Italy within Tokyo.
• 7-Eleven: Don’t miss trying my personal favourite the famous 7/11 egg sandwich, a quick and satisfying breakfast option for travellers on the go.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo offers a variety of unique and stylish accommodations that range from high-end luxury to cosy boutique stays.

In Ginza

• Grand Bach Tokyo Ginza: Known for its refined aesthetic and central location, it’s a fantastic choice for travellers wanting to be close to Tokyo’s luxury shopping and dining scene.
• Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel: A sleek hotel offering comfortable rooms and modern amenities, perfect for a stay in the heart of Ginza.

In Shibuya

• Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel: This high-rise hotel offers panoramic views of Tokyo and a prime location in the vibrant Shibuya area.

For those who want to experience Tokyo like a local, Airbnb offers a range of cosy and stylish options across the city’s neighbourhoods. Staying in an apartment lets you immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of Tokyo, from the morning bustle to the quiet, lantern-lit evenings.

Getting Around Tokyo

Navigating Tokyo is easy with Google Maps and the city’s incredible train system. Be sure to download Suica (a prepaid transit card) into your phone wallet for seamless travel between neighbourhoods—you’ll be anywhere in Tokyo in just 15 minutes!

Day Trips and Other Destinations in Japan

Tokyo is an ideal starting point for exploring other culturally rich and scenic areas of Japan. If you have time, consider adding these destinations to your itinerary:

• Kyoto: Immerse yourself in Japan’s history with ancient temples, gardens, and traditional tea houses.
• Osaka: Known for its lively nightlife and delicious street food.
• Takayama & Shirakawago (Winter): Experience a magical winter wonderland with traditional Japanese village scenery.
• Hakuba Ski Resort: A paradise for winter sports lovers.
• Hakone: Take a day trip from Tokyo or stay for the night and see the iconic Mount Fuji from the Hakone Ropeway and visit the stunning Hakone Open Air Museum.

Whether you’re a creative looking for inspiration, a fashion enthusiast on a shopping quest, or a foodie on the hunt for the next best meal, Tokyo has it all. Dive into this vibrant city and let its mix of tradition and innovation leave you spellbound!