Unpacking List: Tokyo, Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

So many of Japan’s cultural touchstones can be experienced at the Imperial Palace, just steps from our Hotel. Emperor Akihito recently passed the baton to his son, which means the royal residence will soon be welcoming the new Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako – something we’re all very excited about. Take a private tour of the lush palace grounds, or witness imperial ceremonies on special days, like the New Year’s Greeting on January 2. During cherry blossom season, restricted sections are opened to the public. As you stroll between blossom-laden trees, practice hanami, the Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers.

With a history going back 13,000 years, traditional Japanese ceramics make ideal souvenirs: they’re beautiful and meaningful, while also being useful in everyday life. Each of Japan’s 47 prefectures produces its own unique ceramic ware, giving you a dizzying array of choices. My personal favourite is Kutani-yaki, pottery with overglaze painting in vivid colours, made in Ishikawa Prefecture. Head to Antique Mall Ginza for vintage designs, or to Akomeya for modern interpretations of this classical craft. Located in a side street in Ginza, this shop curates Kutani-yaki with bright pops of colour and fresh patterns – a perfect piece of Japan to take home.

In most places around the world, fireworks are launched to celebrate an occasion. In Tokyo, the fireworks themselves are the special event! Marvel at a dramatic dance of light, colour and music at one of the city’s summertime fireworks festivals. You’ll join local residents for the revelry, many of whom wear yukatas (a casual version of kimonos) and come with loved ones to enjoy the “flowers in the sky”. It’s said that Tokyo’s first public fireworks display took place in 1733, along the Sumida River. Ever since then, our pyrotechnic craftsmen have constantly been experimenting and innovating, which means you’ll get to witness some truly spectacular fireworks.

Long before Starbucks, Tokyoites got their caffeine fix at kissaten (old-school coffee shops). Born at a time when Japan was modernizing, these social hubs welcomed everyone from salarymen to university students. Step into a world seeped with nostalgia at one of the many kissaten that still dot the city, from moody jazz cafés to literary establishments lined with books. At Café de l’Ambre in Ginza, you can sample single origin varieties aged for 10-20 years and brewed with a cloth filter, while Koffee Mameya in Omotesando stocks beans from great roasters around the world.

For stationery connoisseurs, Tokyo is a land of endless delights. With every changing season, Japanese stationery companies release new line-ups of products – from sophisticated gadgets and writing instruments, to themed letter sets and journals. Stock up on your favourites at Maruzen Marunouchi bookstore, LoFT in Ginza or Shibuya, and Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku. A must-visit for artists, Pigment Tokyo in Shinagawa stocks an incredible range of art supplies, including pigments in 4,500 hues, 200 kinds of Sumi ink sticks, and 50 types of isinglass.