Dreaming of Tokyo
Three picks from one of my favorite cities—and countries—in the world.
As we prepare to celebrate one year in London, I’m reminiscing about our first time living outside the U.S., in Tokyo. I’m remembering what a challenge that first year was and how different we felt by the end of it. Japan remains one of the most magical places I've ever been, a place that defined my twenties and has, without a doubt, shaped everything that’s come after. To have borne witness to all of their thoughtful preparations only to have the country closed off to tourists during the Olympic Games this summer simply broke my heart. But Japan doesn’t need an Olympics to be worth visiting. Whenever you’re able to go, its people, art, food and traditions are sure to leave their mark on you, drawing you back from the moment you leave.
If you have Tokyo on your travel wishlist (and if you don't, add it now), I wanted to share with you three of my top picks. But there could easily be a thousand editions of MIDDI about Tokyo alone. Every block, neighborhood and square mile of its electric sprawl is worth exploring. Bring an open mind and an empty stomach.
Here’s to the people and places that stay with you forever.
1. Cure Natural Aqua Gel ($38)
Experimenting with J-beauty was one of my favorite things about living in Japan. There are so many unique brands and ingredients to discover, all designed to give you that flawless geisha skin. Of everything I tried, the standout was this peeling gel from Cure, which is made with 91% activated hydrogen water along with glycerin, aloe vera and botanicals like gingko. This liquid exfoliator is very gentle—no scratchy beads or grains—revealing seriously soft skin in less than two minutes. While my complexion was adjusting to the Tokyo climate (i.e. freaking out), this was my savior.
Paying full price for designer clothes, shoes and accessories is not in the MIDDI budget. Shopping used and vintage clothing stores to score amazing treasures at deep discounts is much more our speed. And Tokyo is a vintage shopper’s dreamland. The Harajuku outpost of RAGTAG (6 Chome-14-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001) showcases designers from all over the world in its carefully curated racks. The items are in excellent condition and it’s the perfect place to be introduced to Japanese designers like Junya Watanabe (pictured above).
Our final apartment in Japan was located in Daikanyama, a neighborhood within Shibuya known for its fashionable boutiques and eateries. One of the places you must visit in this area is T-Site, the giant Tsutaya bookstore (17-5 Sarugakucho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0033). Designed by Klein Dytham Architecture, the goal was to create "A Library in the Woods." This beautiful site is a haven for bibliophiles, stocking Japanese and Western titles. You can also find music, movies, stationary, a café and a travel desk to help you plan further adventures in Tokyo and beyond.
Something to think about …
A blogger I adore wrote about visiting Tokyo and not liking the food. Once I saw they mostly dined at their hotel, I knew what the problem was. Getting out with a local can help you take off the training wheels, navigate the language barrier and avoid the tourist traps. Arigato Travel’s curated food tours can help you taste the real Tokyo.