文章 | Fiona Dinkelbachs Tokyo Art Luxury Design City Guide

As we look ahead to the impending change of seasons, our minds wander east to Tokyo, and that lingering window for a final summer escape. To this end, we’ve tapped Fiona Dinkelbach — the Munich-based writer, photographer, art historian, and founder of The Dashing Rider — for all the spots you can’t miss. It’s everywhere to go between gallery and museum visits, with all the architecture, luxury, and refreshments one could desire — and of course, a bit more art for good measure. —Eds.

MAISON HERMÈS

The flagship store, designed by Renzo Piano, captivates with its unique facade made of 13,000 custom-made glass blocks. During the day, the glass gently filters daylight into the interior; at night, the building shines like a glowing paper lantern in the heart of Ginza. In addition to exclusive artisanal collections, the building houses the Le Forum art gallery on the upper floor.

LEMAIRE

Set in a quiet 1960s residential building in Ebisu with an enclosed garden, Lemaire’s Tokyo flagship store embodies the ultimate sense of tranquility. Warm wood tones, traditional washi paper and a carefully designed layout create an intimate, cozy atmosphere for the Parisian brand’s minimalist collections.

LAMBERT

Tucked away in Okubo, Lambert offers a sanctuary for the senses in a restored, 70-year-old building. The combination of historic woodwork and modern minimalism creates the perfect setting for freshly brewed organic matcha from Izumo. My favorite: the hojicha latte, a roasted green tea served as a creamy latte.

GINZA MUSIC BAR

An absolute haven for music lovers: With over 3,000 carefully curated vinyl records, custom built Tannoy speakers, and subdued, elegant lighting, the Ginza Music Bar combines excellent drinks with sophisticated sounds ranging from jazz to soul. It’s worth taking a little time to explore the menu here. The Imperial — made with yuzu, lemon juice, and Japanese gin — and the classic highballs are my favorites. The bar bites include a selection of cheeses, olives, and a variety of chocolates.

BANTEN EBISU

Created by the founder of the iconic A10 Bar, Banten combines high-end vinyl soundscapes with Japanese craftsmanship. This bar, with just a few seats right at the counter, is an absolute hidden gem in Ebisu. Art enthusiasts will also find much to enjoy here. The striking wall behind the bar consists of a stacked collection of antique, traditional tansu wooden chests and medicine cabinets dating from the Edo to the Meiji periods. The menu features a first-class selection of sake and handmade cocktails, such as the Waka Tea, made with matcha and cocoa, or the Dirty Smoky, prepared with charcoal-grilled mackerel, fresh pineapple, shochu steeped in Kyobancha tea, and tequila.

MANDARIN BAR

Perched high above the historic streets of Nihonbashi, the Mandarin Bar on the 37th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo combines Japanese aesthetics with world-class mixology. Accompanied by soft live jazz and an impressive panoramic view of the metropolis at night, guests can enjoy meticulously crafted signature cocktails.

ARVA AT AMAN TOKYO

Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the restaurant captivates with its sublime aesthetic, characterized by Japanese minimalism. Floor-to-ceiling black granite surfaces create a striking contrast with the warmth of washi paper elements. The panoramic view of the Tokyo skyline, and on cloudless days, even Mount Fuji, provides the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s culinary philosophy: a tribute to traditional Italian cucina rustica, reinterpreted with exquisite, seasonal Japanese ingredients. Dish recommendations: Hokkaido hairy crab with pistachios and lemon, and the flounder tartare with caviar.

KYU ASAKURA HOUSE

Nestled in the Daikanyama district lies a rare time capsule of the Japanese capital: a Taishostyle villa built in 1919 that is now a designated national cultural heritage site. As one of the few fully preserved structures of old Tokyo, this estate survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake and the destruction of World War II unscathed. A particular highlight is the Japanese strolling garden, laid out on a hillside. Just a few minutes away from the vibrant vibe of Shibuya, the mansion retains a profound and peaceful atmosphere.

HAPPO-EN

Happo-en translates to “Garden of Eight Views,” a reference to the fact that the park looks flawless from every angle. Centuries-old bonsai trees, some of which are over 500 years old, an idyllic koi pond and a historic teahouse make you instantly forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Another highlight on the grounds: the Kochuan, a historic Japanese villa serving traditional kaiseki dishes.

HATAKEYAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Located in a peaceful forest, this museum is dedicated to the art of the Japanese tea ceremony, called chanoyu. The private collection, founded in 1964 by Issey Hatakeyama, features around 1.300 artworks including fine ceramics, calligraphy and lacquerware from Japan, China, and Korea. The traditional Japanese tea garden (roji), designated as a local cultural monument, blends seamlessly with the sukiya-style architecture, whose modern additions provide a serene contrast to the historic elements.

THE TOKYO EDITION TORANOMON

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon is an architectural masterpiece that combines architect Kengo Kuma’s organic design language with luxury. The hotel’s art collection is particularly worth seeing. The light installation “Little Birds” by Japanese artist Mariko Mori in the entrance area catches the eye as soon as you arrive: a minimalist, ethereal work that sets the tone for the curated art throughout the hotel. Through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in the lobby, the art inside blends seamlessly with Tokyo’s unique skyline.

THE OKURA

The Okura Tokyo, located in Tokyo’s Toranomon district, was built in May 1962 by architect Yoshiro Taniguchi. It was considered an icon of Japanese modernism and played a major role in fostering the country’s postwar optimism. Even today, the hotel is well worth a visit. Following a careful renovation, iconic elements of mid-century design, such as the famous hexagonal lanterns and kumiko woodwork in the lobby, have been perfectly preserved and blended with contemporary luxury.

THE PENINSULA TOKYO

Located directly across from the Imperial Garden, The Lobby at The Peninsula is arguably the city’s most glamorous spot for classic afternoon tea. Beneath the iconic crystal light installation, seasonal, artfully crafted delicacies are served on the signature tiered stand, perfectly accompanied by the subtle sounds of the live ensemble on the balcony.