The Insider's Guide to Tokyo: Retro Designers, Audio Lounges, and the Most Stylish Accommodations

      Welcome to Who What Wear Travels, a curated series focused on destinations cherished by the fashion community. This is your go-to guide for everything from stylish accommodations to unforgettable dining experiences and the ideal travel attire, all recommended by fashionable locals and well-traveled individuals in the fashion industry. Among all the destinations on our travel wish list, Tokyo remains at the top. There are few places as universally adored. Just ask anyone who's recently returned, and you'll receive an enthusiastic response—whether they're food enthusiasts, vintage fashion aficionados, culture lovers, or anyone in between. What we’ve discovered from our own travels is that as soon as you mention you're going to Tokyo, people will inundate you with eager suggestions. Everyone has a definite viewpoint. This is due to the city's vastness (which is approximately the size of 37 Manhattans!), meaning each trip can be completely different. It's always the right moment to talk about a trip to Tokyo, but with the growing excitement among American travelers, we felt it essential to provide a thorough yet not exhaustive Who What Wear travel guide to the city. With insights from our fashion friends—including Elie Inoue, a Japan-born, Paris-based fashion journalist; Diana Tsui, a writer on Substack and the digital head at 10 Magazine U.S.; and Poppy Lissiman, an accessories designer and Tokyo resident—along with my own contributions, consider this your ultimate resource for where to stay, eat, shop, and explore in Tokyo through a fashion-focused lens.

      **When to Visit**

      Spring is undoubtedly peak season when cherry blossoms bloom, but Inoue shares that she prefers fall, particularly from October to November. "While fall in Europe or the U.S. can be quite rainy, Japan often boasts clear skies and mild weather during this period," she explains. "Moreover, the scenery transforms into beautiful shades of red and yellow, with autumn leaves and golden ginkgo trees creating an especially stunning backdrop." The weather is generally most pleasant and suitable for sightseeing in both spring and fall. The only months to avoid? July and August, if possible, according to Tsui, since the heat and humidity can be oppressive, making exploration on foot much more challenging.

      **Where to Spend Time**

      For first-time visitors, Tsui recommends Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza as reliable options, along with Roppongi and Toranomon. "Most of the well-known hotels are located in these areas, with Roppongi, Ginza, and Toranomon leaning more towards luxury and Shibuya and Shinjuku offering more budget-friendly options," she notes. "As for exploring, Shimokitazawa, Koenji, and Nakameguro are also great for shopping, especially if you're seeking traditional vintage items like denim or deadstock Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, etc." If you're looking to delve even deeper, Inoue highlights Yoyogi-Uehara and Yoyogi-Hachiman as favorite neighborhoods. "It's a local favorite, filled with unique small shops scattered throughout the area," she elaborates. "Shimokitazawa is well-known for vintage shopping and experiencing local life, but in recent times, more savvy travelers have been drawn to Koenji. I suspect Kamata might be the next area to watch."

      **Where to Stay in Tokyo**

      **Aman Tokyo**

      Aman Tokyo is synonymous with celebrity glamour, catering to stars like Hailey Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. As the hospitality brand's first urban location, it seamlessly merges a Japanese-inspired aesthetic with Aman’s signature ultra-luxurious minimalist design. Located on the upper floors of the Otemachi Tower in Tokyo's business district, the spacious modern rooms provide stunning views from above, but the expansive, multi-level spa is perhaps the hotel's most appealing feature.

      **Bulgari Hotel Tokyo**

      Recognized as the top hotel in Japan and number 15 on the World's 50 Best Hotels list, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo lives up to its lavish reputation in every aspect. Nestled in the heart of the capital just steps from Daimaru Tokyo and Tokyo Station, it is characterized by its exceptional exclusivity, privacy, and intimacy, making it an authentic urban retreat. The design merges contemporary Italian styles with elements of Japanese tradition, blending the rich history of Bulgari’s house codes with local craftsmanship and culture.

      **Trunk Hotel**

      For those wanting to be at the center of Shibuya's shopping scene, Trunk comes highly recommended. "It's a boutique hotel that captures the essence of modern Tokyo," Inoue notes, describing this community-centric spot located on Cat Street. "I visited during a fashion event, and it felt like a place immersed in the city's creative vibes. Unlike another favorite of mine, Hoshinoya Tokyo, which has a more traditional Japanese feel, Trunk leans towards a casual, modern atmosphere."

      **Tip from WWW Travels:** Many