I’ve been coming to Tokyo for over 15 years, and while the city keeps reinventing itself, the feeling I get every time I’m here never changes. There's a sense of harmony, beauty, and precision in everything from the way the light hits the buildings to the quiet hum of the streets. The food, the design, the rituals, the silence, the chaos Tokyo is a full body experience. It overwhelms your senses in the best possible way and makes you want to stay, blend in, and never leave. There are a million places to discover, but these are just a few of my personal highlights from my last two trips curated moments that I hope will guide and inspire your own journey through this dreamlike city.

 

-Where To Stay

This was our second time staying at Sequence Miyashita Park Shibuya, and I honestly love it. First, the location is unbeatable right between Shibuya and Harajuku, so you can walk almost everywhere and truly explore two of my favorite neighborhoods on foot. And let’s talk about their café Valley Park Stand the perfect spot to grab your morning coffee before hitting the streets. It’s got that local energy and effortless vibe that sets the tone for the day. If you stay on the upper floors, you’ll wake up to incredible views of the Tokyo skyline. There’s something magical about seeing the city stretch out in every direction. And their rooftop terrace? A total hidden gem. Whether it's for sunset drinks or just a moment to breathe above the city buzz, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you're in the right place at the right time.

-Must-visit neighborhoods

Here are four of my favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo; if you're doing a short trip or don’t have much time, these are the essentials. Of course, there’s so much more to explore: Shinjuku, Ginza, Shimokitazawa… and beautiful parks and landmarks like Ueno Park, the Imperial Garden, or Yoyogi Park. But personally, I love discovering cities like a local walking with no real plan, getting lost in side streets, and letting the city reveal itself slowly, as if I lived there. That’s where the magic really happens.

-Coffee and matcha places

-Museums

Aesthetics in Tokyo go beyond fashion or design; they permeate everything, specially its art spaces. Here, even the smallest details are carefully considered to create a truly immersive experience. These are some of my favorite galleries and museums. Whether showcasing permanent collections or rotating exhibitions, they’re always a visual and emotional spectacle. The architecture, the curation, the atmosphere every element is part of the story. In Tokyo, art isn't just something you look at it's something you feel.

-Where to eat

Shushi Kaikai is one of those once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences. No menu, no rules just the chef, the freshest ingredients from the market, and his intuition. You sit at the counter and watch magic unfold in front of you—each piece crafted with care, intention, and emotion. It’s not just sushi, it’s a story told through flavor, texture, and time. An unforgettable journey for the senses.

Higurashi in Nakameguro is the kind of place you only find if someone whispers it to you. No signs, no tourists just a few locals and a chef who cooks from the soul. There’s no menu only what the chef found at the market that morning, prepared with quiet precision and a deep sense of artistry. Every bite feels like a secret, shared just with you. It’s the kind of night that stays with you simple, unexpected, and unforgettable.

Koibumi is a traditional Japanese tavern with a twist tucked into one of the younger, livelier corners of Shibuya, it blends old-school izakaya vibes with a fresh, local energy. You’ll find a delicious, classic menu served alongside cold drinks, plenty of laughter, and yes smoking is still allowed in parts of the bar. It's noisy, casual, full of life, and packed with locals in their 20s and 30s. Come here for the food, stay for the atmosphere. It's Tokyo at its most unfiltered.

Food in Tokyo is an experience in itself rich in flavor, ritual, and surprise. Here are four of my favorite casual spots and street food gems that never miss. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between neighborhoods or looking for something low-key but unforgettable, these places capture the everyday magic of eating in this city. Delicious, unpretentious, and full of local flavor this is Tokyo at its most real.

During our last trip, we couldn’t help but notice the lines outside this little donut spot people everywhere were carrying those same bags, so we finally gave in and tried it. I’m not even into sweets… but I have to admit, it became a bit of an obsession. The texture, the flavor, the branding everything just hits. Mark my words: we’ll all be hooked soon. Because in Tokyo, trends don’t just start they quietly take over the world.

-Shops

Shopping in Tokyo is absolutely wild anything you can imagine, everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and more. But these are the six stores that truly fascinate me. Two of them Beauty & Youth and Ron Herman are especially close to my heart because you can find The New Society there. It’s a huge honor to be represented by stores that were a personal reference long before we were stocked in them. The others are brands I truly love, or places whose design and atmosphere bring me an unexpected sense of calm every time I visit.

There’s so much vintage in Japan; Harajuku, Shimokitazawa, and Nakameguro are filled with hundreds of stores. But nowhere in Japan, or anywhere else in the world I’ve been, has a selection as curated, thoughtful, and perfect. It’s a place of pure inspiration. I’m already dreaming of going back to Japan, just to feel that creative spark again.

-Music Bar

The new trend in Tokyo’s nightlife? Music bars mainly jazz with massive vintage speakers, vinyl spinning, and perfectly crafted drinks. We visited two and absolutely loved them. A whole vibe.

-Hair Dress Room 15 Daikanyama

Room 51 is part hair salon, part gallery, part café and a Tokyo gem I’ve known since my second trip back in 2006. It’s one of the few places that has truly kept its original vibe and spirit intact. This time, I finally experienced the salon side, and it was a true delight. Everything from the music to the pace, the space, and even the curated vintage magazines was a masterclass in aesthetic inspiration.

Coming back to this city always inspires me. Each visit deepens my connection with its way of seeing the world, its style, and its way of life.

Estefanía Grandío