THINGS TO DO | TIMELESS TOKYO - Official luxury travel resource for professionals

LEARN MANGA SKILLS FROM A PROFESSIONAL CARTOONIST

Celebrated manga artist Britney Hamada has made a name for herself through her acclaimed work. Learn the tricks of the drawing trade through an exclusive portrait class led by Hamada herself in Tokyo’s Asakusa area.

CURATED STROLL INTO THE CITY OF DIVERSITY

Delve into diversity in Daikanyama, one of Tokyo's eclectic collections of artistic enclaves. With an expert guide, a walk around Shibuya's "brooklynesque" neighbor unveils the rich history and many charms of this enchanting area.

DRAW THE CHARM OF THE CITY ON THE NIGHT VIEW

The night sky explodes in the intricate, thrilling beauty of Japanese fireworks. Electrifying dancers perform to a symphony of music and light. Culinary delights and beach-side relaxation abound. STAR ISLAND offers true resort-style entertainment in the very heart of Tokyo.

BUZZING WITH TASTE: THE JOY OF HONEY MADE SUSTAINABLY

Decadence meets farm-to-table sensibilities in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district, courtesy of artisanal urban apiary Ginpachi. Indulge in a honey cocktail with a tale to tell at the flagship bar of a world-champion mixologist, or see for yourself the sanctuary of Ginza's rooftop beekeepers, who bring new life to the city and authentic, sophisticated flavors to local tables.

THE HIDDEN POWER BEHIND TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CUISINE

Unlock one of the secrets to Japan's revered culinary heritage. At a historic sake brewery where traditional craftsmanship meets modern luxury, or an innovative and elegant restaurant, take an intriguing voyage to discover the many powers of koji through gastronomic delights and exclusive experiences.

RELAXING IN TOKYO'S UNIQUE SAUNAS

With onsen bathing being a favorite pastime throughout history, and bathtubs being a fixture in many homes, Tokyoites have always embraced the appeal of thermal therapy. It is no surprise, then, that Tokyoites would also take the sauna - recent years have seen an uptick in these heated facilities. Taking things a step further, some of Tokyo's hottest, newest saunas come with innovative features such as solo cubicles, sauna facilities with craft beer on tap, and so on.

ZEN FOR YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE

With the flurry of activity in modern society, it has become more important than ever to intermittently calm one's mind and realign oneself. Visit Chokokuji Temple in Nishi-Azabu to practice zazen (seated meditation with the eyes naturally kept open) with Buddhist monks. You'll walk away with newfound realizations, having learned a meditative technique that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

DELICATE AROMAS OF JAPAN

Scent, emotion, and memory are inextricably intertwined - so what finer way to mark a sojourn in Tokyo than visiting the atelier of a globally-acclaimed perfumer. Aromas that capture the very essence of Japan await.

GETTING ACTIVE ON THE WATER IN WESTERN TOKYO

For an adventure amidst verdant scenery, journey to the forested Okutama region in western Tokyo, where pristine waters form the base for a variety of exciting activities. Kayak or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) down the river to explore the area. But water sports aren't the only things to do here - brimming with lush nature, Okutama is dotted with museums, temples, and shrines, where you can get acquainted with the local history and culture.

MEET THE WORLD'S ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

Overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens, Peninsula Spa, located within The Peninsula Tokyo, offers tranquility and respite from the Tokyo rush. Indulge in luxurious spa treatments that combine the latest methods from around the globe with time-honored Japanese beauty regimens, including its signature Chi-Healing treatment, a Peninsula Spa exclusive.

BEAUTIFYING THE BROKEN

Kintsugi is the art of "golden repair," and a window to the soul of Japan that values the venerable and the perfectly imperfect. A timeless technique, it can be experienced on a visit to the contemporary artisans of Tokyo finding innovative applications for the art.

DELVING INTO TOKYO'S ART SCENE

In Japan's pulsing, cosmopolitan capital, the refined realm of art is more diverse and internationalized than ever. Read on to see Tokyo through the discerning eyes of a gallery owner, and for insider introductions to some noteworthy bastions of brushwork and bohemia.

TOKYO AS A HUB OF CULTURE

The culture of craftsmanship reaches each corner of Tokyo, imbuing every art form and experience with an extra dimension. Experts on crafts from across the country concentrate here at the nation's hub, and Tokyo has an artisan for almost any craft you can imagine, be it elegantly simple or richly refined, waiting to welcome you into their world.

A BOAT JOURNEY TO UNCOVER TOKYO'S ORIGINS

Trace the history of Tokyo - from its roots as a humble fishing village, to its days as the prosperous capital called Edo, to the dynamic metropolis that it is today - on a boat ride through its waterways. A cruise from Nihonbashi will take you on a journey through time and give you a peek into Tokyo's food culture, architecture, and religious traditions.

YOUR VERY OWN TEA CEREMONY WITH A GREAT MASTER

The tea ceremony, which flourished in the Edo period, lives on in ultra-modern Tokyo. Let Charen Tranquilitea, helmed by a tea-ceremony specialist descended from feudal lords, introduce you to the way of tea through tailor-made experiences such as cha-kaiseki (tea ceremony and kaiseki fine dining) at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

STEPPING INTO THE INTIMATE WORLD OF THE LOCALS

Explore the rich history of Japan's national drink at Toshimaya Shuzo. This brewery is attached to Tokyo's oldest sake shop, established in 1596. Feel the living sake tradition with a personal introduction from the head brewer and a sake tasting paired with locally-grown vegetables you pick yourself.

IN TUNE WITH NATURE AND UNIVERSE

There are two main types of Shojin-ryori, Japan's time-honored take on Buddhist vegetarian cuisine: simple, practical dishes served to monks, and those served to guests as a mark of hospitality. The Tokyo version of this cuisine focuses on delighting guests with premium ingredients and aesthetics. Experience this traditional style with a modern twist at Daigo, a reservation-only restaurant near Tokyo Tower that's one of only two Michelin-starred Shojin-ryori restaurants in Japan.

FOR ALL TEMPURA AFICIONADOS

Tempura has been a popular source of nourishment in Tokyo since the 17th century. At Tempura Tenko, international visitors can take a genuine masterclass with head chef and owner Hitoshi Arai, covering everything from browsing a wholesale market to frying the tempura with his proprietary blend of oils.

A HIDDEN TASTE OF TOKYO

Step back in time at a legendary traditional restaurant wrapped in gardens in the heart of Tokyo - and savor an atmospheric meal of seasonal, homemade dishes.

JAPANESE HOME COOKING MADE EASY

It's perhaps the ultimate souvenir from a trip to Tokyo: the ability to cook Japanese food. TOKYO COOK excels at teaching the art of Japanese home cooking, from gyoza dumplings to dashi broth, with experiences that are fun, tasty - and surprisingly easy.

TOKYO'S PLANT-BASED CUISINE

Japan's ancient world of Zen Buddhism-inspired vegetarian cuisine has been given a fresh modern upgrade by top Tokyo chef Daisuke Nomura. Accompany the culinary innovator on a shojin ryori journey - from morning vegetable market shop to an exclusive private tasting in his restaurant.

TOKYO'S CULINARY THEATER

Tokyo's long celebrated restaurant scene is not just about superlative food: add a sprinkle of flexibility combined with some first-class hospitality - and the end result? Restaurants such as atelier morimoto XEX, where guests can enjoy a bespoke culinary experience which is unique, atmospheric and always memorable.

A MODERN TASTE OF KINTSUGI

From a rare encounter with a legendary kintsugi artist to an exquisite tea ceremony-inspired cocktail experience - slow down and explore the rich cultural landscape that lies beneath the surface of Tokyo’s fast-paced urbanism.

URBAN ART ODYSSEY

Keen to dive beneath the surface of Tokyo's art world - from large-scale museums to edgy galleries (plus everything else in between)? Richard & Tezen is a leading art consultancy that excels at crafting bespoke insider experiences across the capital, for curators, collectors and art lovers.

SIMPLE, YET A NOVEL IDEA

Experience a uniquely modern take on cha-kaiseki tea ceremony dining at Sokkon in upscale Aoyama. Owner Soko Udagawa, the 18th-generation master of the Sowa-ryu school of tea ceremony, turns convention on its head with a refreshingly accessible approach that he calls “a return to the essence of tea tradition.”

"BEAUTY" IS POWER

At Ippodo, beauty is power. The owner and curator of this gallery in Tokyo's luxurious Ginza district is Keiko Aono, a knowledgeable art connoisseur who is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art by Japan's top artists and rising stars alike. Savor Japanese art and culture in the intimacy of Ippodo's private tearoom - a tranquil, exclusive space for experiencing the Japanese tea ceremony while admiring exquisite works of art.

A HIDDEN VILLAGE RICH IN NATURE AND TRADITION

See the other side of Tokyo on Mount Mitake. Just two hours from the bustle of the city center, this richly forested holy mountain has welcomed pilgrims and visitors for centuries, in lodgings run by Shinto priest families. Discover a world of ancient worship, traditional cuisine, and stunning natural beauty.

APPRECIATING NATURE, THE JAPANESE WAY

In the art of bonsai, little pots hold fascinating miniature worlds encapsulating many of Japan’s ancient aesthetic ideals and philosophies. Meet an acclaimed bonsai master in Tokyo, and discover a new way to appreciate nature and Japanese culture through his timeless works of living art.

A JOURNEY OF THE FIVE SENSES IN THE SKY

Suspended in heaven, at the start and end of all roads in Japan, experience the ultimate in Japanese hospitality and aesthetic treatment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. Calming aromas and Buddhist sounds guide you on a journey of inner peace, health and beauty.

VIEW OF LIFE TO REALIZE THE MOMENTS

A fresh breeze, the gentle rustle of trees, relaxing scenes of green – outdoor beauty can be found even in the center of Tokyo. At TRUNK HOTEL in Shibuya, enjoy an oasis of natural freedom to create your own story.

RETAINING TRADITIONS WHILE GO BEYOND TRADITIONS

The kimono–a symbol of Japanese beauty and tradition – is continuing to evolve through the work of contemporary artisans. At a bright, airy boutique in Tokyo, HIROCOLEDGE reimagines the kimono for modern life with vivid designs based on timeless motifs.

JAPAN BLUE MEETS THE FUTURE

Indigo – the color of victory, the color of tradition, and the color of the future. Using all-natural ingredients and techniques passed down from the 8th century, Tateisucanna offers fashion imbued with the wisdom and beauty of Japan’s aizome indigo dyeing tradition.

The Pinnacle of Craftsmanship : Bespoke Shoes by Sonomitsu

Lovingly tailored to each customer, Sonomitsu’s handmade shoes are a superb example of Japanese craftsmanship. Cap your exploration of the charming, history-laden area of Yanesen in northeast Tokyo by visiting shoemaker Hajime Sonoda at his atelier for a personalized shoe consultation.

EDO KUMIKO : AN INTRICATE AFFAIR

Visit this small Edo workshop, specializing in delicate wooden latticework, and bring back a piece of Japanese carpentry history in the form of a beautiful andon lantern, a speciality of Takahiro Tanaka who continues this proud Tokyo tradition.

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC TRADITION

From traditional craft techniques to the elaborate tea ceremony, a host of unique hands-on experiences awaits the traveller to Tokyo.

MEDITATION GALLERY KURENBOH

Visit this unique gallery run by the art-loving head priest of Chohouin Temple for a meditative conversation with the carefully selected art pieces on display.

MORNING YOGA IN A VERITABLE MUSEUM

Morning yoga classes at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo in Meguro ward invite yogis of all levels from beginner to advanced to practice in beautiful art-filled surroundings. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed healthy breakfast in the boutique hotel’s top-floor lounge.

TOKYO’S GREAT OUTDOORS (AND A TIPPLE OF SAKE, TOO)

Beautiful nature and exciting adventure awaits just a short train ride from central Tokyo. Finish your day with a visit to one of Tokyo’s most loved sake breweries.

SEASONAL DELIGHTS

Despite the city’s dense urban center, Tokyo’s many parks and temple gardens offer refuge from the concrete jungle throughout the year.

BORDERLESS CUISINE

Producers, chefs and diners − Florilège breaks down barriers to offer you a front-row view of the ingredients, passion and techniques that produce impeccable, modern French cuisine. Surprising drink-pairings dazzle the senses. Enjoy a borderless adventure of culinary communication in Tokyo.

CUSTOMIZED SUSHI-MAKING EXPERIENCE WITH MATSUNOZUSHI

At Matsunozushi, a family enterprise that’s been serving classic Edomae-style sushi since 1910, book a dining experience that’s complete with a tailor-made master class by the fourth-generation chef.

NIHONRYORI KANDA

Hiroyuki Kanda's eponymous restaurant in Toranomon is an ideal place to experience true Japanese cuisine at its finest.

THE MODERN TEA CEREMONY

The stylish Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience in fashionable Aoyama is the perfect place to explore the wonderful world of Japanese tea beyond the usual thick matcha. Explore the more than 50 varieties of local Japanese tea or perhaps one of the tea-infused cocktails.

UNRIVALED CULINARY DELIGHTS

With a tantalizing choice of dining options from healthy soba noodles to elaborate multicourse kaiseki meals, Tokyo is unrivaled as a culinary destination.

NEW WAVE MEETS TRADITION

Ukiyo-e – the striking woodblock prints that inspired Monet and Van Gogh and set the course of fashion in Edo-era Japan. Uncover your own authentic masterpiece at Hara Shobo in Kanda, and bring home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of Japanese art.

MEET AN ART LEGEND AT GALERIE NICHIDO

In trendsetting Tokyo, the styles, stories, and tastes of the time are constantly being reinvented across all genres of art. For lovers of contemporary oil painting, Galerie Nichido in Ginza has been keeping the field fertile for nearly a century.

A TREASURE TROVE OF JAPANESE CONTEMPORARY ART

Belying its stern, imposing contemporary design, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Koto ward proves to be a fun, stimulating, and surprising place to visit for adults and children alike. It’s a must-visit for contemporary art fans and architecture buffs.

DIGITAL ART IN TOKYO

If there's anywhere in the metropolis where you'll feel unbounded by space, it's at the teamLab's signature venue: Planets. Even time seems to warp in this otherworld where art and technology intersect.

TOKYO ARCHITECTURE

From centuries-old wooden temples to skyscrapers of steel and glass, Tokyo has it all.

STORY FROM A SINGLE THREAD

Traditions handed down for over a thousand years and stories beginning with a single thread − kimonos embody Japan’s timeless devotion to craftsmanship, beauty and style. At Ginza Motoji, select your own hand-crafted fabrics to create your own personally fitted masterpiece.

YOUR OWN PRIVATE TEA CEREMONY

Find out what the Way of Tea is all about in a ceremony created just for you.

FANTASTIC ART FOUND ONLY IN TOKYO

Tokyo’s art scene is a thriving mix of well-established museums and smaller innovative galleries showcasing the best of the new.

MUST-VISIT TOKYO MUSEUMS

Tokyo offers a surprising number of museums as well as art galleries. The museums listed here are top recommendations for any Tokyo sojourn.

NIHONBASHI: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Explore the thrumming hive of modernity that’s grown around Tokyo’s original core in Nihonbashi. Historical edifices like Japan’s first department store await, and backstreets invite with pubs and eateries that timeslip to the mid-20th century.

COLLABORATION OF BLOWING AND CARVING

Edo Kiriko glass – a handmade artistic tradition crystallizing the spirt of Tokyo. Glass hand-blown by Tajima Glass and carved and polished by artisan workshops such as Hanashyo offer you a perfect, breathtaking memento of Tokyo that will endure for generations.

CUSTOMIZING TRADITIONAL CRAFTS

Home to many unique craft traditions developed in its days as a castle town during the Edo period (1603–1868), Tokyo offers refined souvenirs and gifts you won’t see anywhere else.