Aoyama, a district for the well-heeled offering chic boutiques alongside one of Tokyo's most exquisite museums.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Aoyama Cemetery. From 1874, early Meiji restoration, resting place of historical figures, foreign section, dog Hachiko, cherry-tree lined paths.
Nezu Museum. Antiquities collection, architect Kuma Kengo gallery space, glass-walled cafe, exquisite Japanese-style garden.
Okamoto Taro Museum. Tiny museum, was residence and studio of avant-garde artist Okamoto. Easy to pop in and out in 20 min.
Tea, Sweets & Ice Cream
Aoyama Flower Market. Flower market, verdant tea shop, great atmosphere, downside: long queues.
Sakurai Tea Experience. Modern tea bar in spiral, seasonal Japanese teas are prepared with precision, reverence.
Nananya Aoyama. Matcha lovers' heaven: seven tea ice creams, each dialed to a different intensity.
Sunny Hills. Taiwanese pineapple cake flagship, all wood and sunlight, samples always included.
Qu'il Fait Bon. A jewel-box patisserie famed for its exquisite seasonal fruit tarts.
Cafes & Light Bites
Cafe Kitsune. Chic Franco-Japanese café with minimalist interiors and a loyal weekend crowd.
Criss Cross. Casual all-day café with a breezy terrace shaded by trees, great for brunch.
Little Darling Coffee Roasters. Hip roastery-meets-garage café with lots of outdoor space and industrial charm.
Ginza West Aoyama Garden. Elegant kissaten-style spot known for ultra-fluffy pancakes and soufflé, worth the wait.
Where to eat
Lunch Options
Daruma. No-frills ramen shop loved by students, known for its spicy takana soba.
Yanmo. Casual spot dishing out hefty lunch sets centered on perfectly grilled charcoal fish.
A to Z Café. Artsy café filled with Yoshitomo Nara’s work, more relaxed gallery than eatery.
Essence. Modern Chinese-inspired joint with standout vegetarian mapo tofu and clean, focused flavors.
Clinton Street Baking Co. Outpost of New York LES eatery, brunch fare,, sweet treats & pancakes
DEK. Small café and grocer spotlighting seasonal Japanese produce in both the meals and the market.
Cicada. Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Aoyama with a breezy resort feel—think tapas, tagines, and terrace seating by the reflecting pool. A long-time expat favorite.
Dinner
Okinawan Parlor. 25-seat izakaya in a quiet backstreet, Menu features Okinawan staples. Service is friendly and relaxed, a neighborhood spot.
Shikaku at Aoyama Grand. Reliable dinner spot, square counter wrapped around an open kitchen. You watch as seasonal dishes — claypot rice, teppan meats — are made in front of you.
Den Kushi Flori. For those who have already eaten everywhere else, collabo btwn Den X Florilège, it serves an inventive tasting menu. It is a memorable meal, also available for lunch on certain days.
Two Rooms. Sleek rooftop restaurant and bar in Aoyama with skyline views, modern steak-and-seafood menu, and a smartly dressed crowd.
Drinks
Tokyo Whisky Library. Shelves with collection of 1,200+ distilled spirits, from world’s major whisky regions, looks like church, relaxed vibe.
INC Cocktails. An audiophile and cocktail lover’s paradise. More than 2000 vintage records ranging from jazz and soul to pop, 100 plus bottles of the highest quality spirits, liqueurs, and original blended whisky, craft cocktails.
Bar Lasile. Low-lit, 18-seat bar tucked into a basement, intimate vibe, bartender is attentive. Drinks lean classic, executed with care.
無垢 (Innocent). Sanctuary of quiet elegance, behind heavy wooden door, a dimly lit space with hints of cigar smoke and aged wood. The bar has an extensive selection of single malts. The proprietor is gracious, unshowy, mixes a fantastic Manhattan
Shopping
Shops on Kotto Dori. Known for antique shops and galleries. Euro furniture stores, bespoke shoes
Sanyodo. A storied bookstore dating back to 1891, known for its vintage charm and curated shelves. It specializes in art, design, and rare Japanese publications, making it a quiet gem for collectors and book lovers.
Spiral. Designed by Fumihiko Maki, this cultural complex features a signature spiral ramp and airy central atrium. It hosts rotating art and fashion exhibits, plus a café, design shop, and record store all under one roof.
SGHR. Known for hand-blown glass made by skilled artisans. Every item is shaped one at a time, often with subtle asymmetry and soft curves.
Moomin Arabia. Curated selection of Moomin-themed tableware, textiles, and collectibles, shelves lined with Arabia ceramics, plush toys, and seasonal items.
Found MUJI. A sub-brand of MUJI that curates everyday tools, crafts, and household goods from around the world—often reinterpreted in MUJI’s minimalist aesthetic.
UN University Farmers’ Market. Longest running, best-attended markets, specialities from prefectures, teas, fruit, baked goods flowers. ARK pet adoption
Fashion
Comme des Garçons. Rei Kawakubo’s flagship, where avant-garde silhouettes meet cerebral fashion theory.
Sacai. Hybrid fashion house blending unexpected textures and forms into deconstructed, wearable art.
Undercover. Streetwear with a subversive twist, where punk, surrealism, and precision tailoring collide.
Prada. Sleek, architectural Aoyama store housing the Italian brand’s cerebral takes on luxury.
Loveless. Curated concept store with edgy designer pieces and slick, fashion-forward styling.
Momotaro. Premium denim label rooted in Okayama craft, best known for its “going to battle” stripes.
SOU・SOU. Kyoto-based brand that reimagines traditional prints & designs for contemporary life, clothing, footwear, signature item, the split-toe tabi shoe.
Wellness
Rejuva. Dr. Hirata’s clinic, aesthetic/regenerative treatments, dermatology, donor stem cell therapy, HIFU, Thermagen, etc.