Millie Lagares

This beautiful small boutique museum has a private collection of Japanese & other Southeast Asian art. The building itself is designed by architect Kengo Kuma, and is situated in a spectacular serene Japanese garden.

This lovely open-air museum boasts wonderful collections of artwork made by some big names in the art game - from Picasso, to Taro Okamoto, to Henry Moore. The various exhibitions are surrounded by gorgeous mountainous landscapes that accentuate the stunning sculptures of the museum.

Laekker is a tiny, understated bakery known for its rich, custard-filled pastries and Scandi-Japanese style. The focus is on quality over quantity, with a small, ever-changing selection each day. Go early as quantities are limited, and favourites sell out fast. There’s no real seating or coffee, so plan to take your pastries away and eat nearby. If you’re unsure what to choose, ask the team what’s just come out of the oven. 

CaNARi Nakameguro is a carefully curated vintage store with a stylist’s eye, blending well-known designers with lesser-known pieces across denim, jewellery and leather goods. The layout feels spacious and gallery-like, giving each item room to stand out. The selection leans towards more distinctive finds, so we’d suggest setting your sights on a rare piece that you’ve never seen before. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly but unobtrusive, so feel free to approach them to ask about the provenance of a piece or how to style. 

At Shimokita Rokkaku, meals are unfussy, local and deeply satisfying, delivering well-executed Japanese staples in a laid-back, neighbourhood setting. The menu is shaped around comforting set meals; go for grilled fish or karaage if you’re unsure. It gets busy between 12–1pm, so time it just before or after to avoid the queue. It’s cash only, so swing by a nearby 7/11 beforehand to withdraw – quick, easy and fee-free. 

At neo, the menu shifts often, but a few signatures tend to surface – seasonal vegetables treated with real care, crudo-style fish with bright acidity, and deeper, comforting plates that lean European. The wine list is a big part of the experience, so it’s worth handing over control – share your preferences and let the team guide both food and pairings. 

Grandfather’s is a classic Tokyo listening bar, that's all about the music. It's known for its serious vinyl selection, constantly changed by the head bartender. The intimate, smoky atmosphere is a quintessential Tokyo place to sit, listen and unwind – go solo for the best seat at the bar with the salarymen, or in a pair, although you’ll most likely be sharing the table with other people. Photography here is generally frowned upon, so keep flash off and be discreet. 

LUG Hatagaya is a relaxed, design-forward café with a loyal local following. The menu is short but well executed, with the breakfast plate remaining ever popular: egg, bacon, bread, and organic vegetables. We also love the orange butter pancakes, which the chef recommends pairing with bacon for a sweet and salty treat. It opens early, making it a reliable first stop before a day out, though it fills quickly on weekends. Seating is limited but the turnover is steady. 

Fuglen Tokyo is a Norwegian import that works as a café by day and bar by night. Known for its light roast coffee and mid-century interiors, it offers a different feel to Tokyo’s more minimalist spaces. Sit inside if possible to drink in the full atmosphere, or outside in warmer months. The filter coffee is a good choice with its bright and well-rounded flavour enjoyed on its own. It’s worth revisiting later in the day – after 6pm it transitions into a bar with an impressive cocktail menu. 

Warito in Ikejiri ohashi is a deeply local, tiny tsukemen spot, known for its thick noodles and intensely rich dipping broth, akin to gravy and packed with umami. The setting is simple and slightly worn, but that’s part of its appeal. You’ll need to order using a ticket machine, and come prepared knowing that it’s cash only and the staff speaks limited English (this is where Google translate will come in handy). Portions are generous, and if you’re lost, watch how the locals eat – slurping is encouraged!