Monthly Favorites: July 2024 (Tokyo Edition)

Visit: Azabudai Hills

Visit: Azabudai Hills

Azabudai Hills, a new development just a 10-minute walk from our stay in Azabu Juban, quickly became a favorite spot with much to explore. We spent much time at the Azabudai Hills Market, where the food stalls featuring famous restaurant offerings were a major highlight. Among the best were the chicken skewers from Michelin-starred Torishiki. We loved %ARABICA for coffee, and SABOE was our go-to for tea.

One afternoon, we visited teamLab Borderless, which I much preferred over teamLab Planets for its immersive digital art experience. There was also a range of shops, from luxury brands like Cartier, Dior, and Hermes to lifestyle stores like Caban, The Conran Shop, and Ogaki Bookstore.

Art lovers can enjoy galleries like Pace Gallery and Azabudai Hills Gallery, where we caught a fantastic Alexander Calder exhibition. The combination of gourmet dining, world-class shopping, and rich cultural experiences made it a place we returned to often.

1 Chome Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan

Shop: Biotop Tokyo

Shop: Biotop Tokyo

We visited Biotop in Tokyo and Osaka, and they quickly became my favorite boutiques in Japan! (P.S. Superegg is stocked there!). Biotop aims to create a shopping experience within a natural, living ecosystem, featuring a carefully curated selection of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. The balance between local and international brands is fantastic.

4 Chome-6-44 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan

Dine: 立喰鮨となり Tachigui Sushi Tonari

Dine: 立喰鮨となり Tachigui Sushi Tonari

Standing sushi is quite common in Japan, and it was a pleasure to quickly enjoy a delicious meal. We opted for the omakase course and added a few of our favorites at the end, along with soups, smaller bites, and drinks, all ordered through an iPad menu. The option to switch to the English version was convenient. The chefs were friendly, and we appreciated the enjoyable experience and casual atmosphere.

2 Chome−8−7 M2K Holding BLD 2階, Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045, Japan

Beauty: Shu Uemura Unlimited Lasting Makeup Fix Mist

Beauty: Shu Uemura Unlimited Lasting Makeup Fix Mist

Fixing mists are essential in the summer, especially given Japan’s extreme weather conditions we experienced this July and August. I particularly enjoyed Shu Uemura’s fixing mists, both the matte and the glowier versions. The mister is very fine, so it didn’t feel heavy, and I used it daily to set my makeup and keep everything intact.

Clothing: 132 5. Issey Miyake Fractal Solid Top

Clothing: 132 5. Issey Miyake Fractal Solid Top

Issey Miyake is my favorite Japanese fashion brand, especially Pleats Please, me ISSEY MIYAKE, and 132.5 Issey Miyake. I recently picked up a top that's both unique and flattering, featuring amazing fabric and great proportions. If you’re in Japan, be sure to explore the collections there, as the prices can be significantly lower. Fortunately, they’re also available on the US website in case you can’t visit!

Shoes: adidas Samba Decon

Shoes: adidas Samba Decon

I love my Adidas Sambas for their style, versatility, and comfort. I always keep an eye out for special collections and collaborations, and I snagged this pair at Kith, which often has unique styles. The vintage look and the soft, malleable leather make these especially comfortable. I also added a little shoe accessory from the Korean brand Monday Edition to spice them up a bit!

Bag: The Row 90's Bag

Bag: The Row 90's Bag

I had my eye on this bag for a while, and when it came out in butter yellow, I couldn't resist! Its size is perfect for days when you don’t want to carry a big bag, yet it still holds quite a bit despite its compact form. The leather is unbelievably soft, and its simplicity makes it easy to style while still feeling elevated.

Tea: 瀧爪 TAKIZME

Tea: 瀧爪 TAKIZME

I wanted to explore a few tea rooms this time, and Takizme was the most memorable. Though it’s located in a quiet residential area of Shinagawa, a bit off the main areas, it was well worth the trip. Situated in an older residential home, the newly updated interior design impressed me as a designer. The atmosphere was beautiful, and we enjoyed four teas paired with seasonal sweets. The tea master also shared many engaging stories, which enriched the experience and made it truly lovely.

1 Chome-28-7 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0002, Japan