Omotesandō is very easy to reach from anywhere in the city. The two metro stations Meiji-Jingumae and Omotesando are served by many lines and the Harajuku stop of the JR Yamanote line is also a step away. This elegant tree-lined boulevard evokes Parisian atmospheres with its wide avenues of luxury brands and romantic cafés, and is definitely a nice place to stroll around with your nose up in the air on weekdays or join the local atmosphere on crowded weekends. Here you can discover a sense of contemporary Japanese design through the buildings designed by famous contemporary (mainly Japanese) architects. Originally created as a route leading to the Meiji-Jingu temple, it connects the two districts of Harajuku and Aoyama and is now famous for its luxury boutiques and international air, but you only have to walk a few steps to find yourself in the tranquillity of the forest surrounding the Meiji-Jingu or to discover small places and quaint shops in the neighbouring streets.
What To See
Ukiyo e Ōta memorial museum of art. Credit thecitylane.com
Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art
This tiny Ota Museum is a temple of Japanese art housing a unique collection of ukiyo-e, one of the oldest forms of painting on wooden blocks, originating at the beginning of the Tokugawa period. The ukiyo-e paintings depict scenes of the ‘floating world’, showing the life of society at the epoch: you can discover the traditions, customs and habits of ancient Tokyo and fly with your imagination picturing life at the time.
Upon entering the museum you will have to remove your shoes. Once inside, you will be enveloped in a relaxing and serene atmosphere; the soft lighting, bamboo details and lanterns placed here and there inside help to create a peaceful ambiance, ideal for lingering in silence, and contemplating the wonders that lie before you. Only about a hundred works are exhibited inside the museum due to the size of the building and the delicacy of the paintings. Every month, the museum closes for a few days to replace the paintings on display and give visitors beautiful new images and paintings. Many of the ukiyo-e paintings bear the signatures of very famous artists, such as Hokusai and Hiroshige, and next to each masterpiece you will find an explanation of the work in English.
Nezu museum garden. Credit: whenin.tokyo
Nezu Museum
Inside the Nezu museum you can find quiet tea houses, enchanting traditional gardens and a vast collection of Asian art all in the same place. With over 7,400 works of Japanese and East Asian art, the Nezu Museum’s extensive and diverse collection attracts art enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Nezu Collection showcases everything from Japanese ink paintings classified as National Treasures to ancient Chinese bronzes. Many of the exhibits also have helpful explanations in English. The tea ceremony collection is extraordinary and occupies a dedicated room. You can contemplate the peaceful tea houses in the hidden gardens or sip a matcha latte while admiring the surrounding greenery at the NezuCafe.
Audi forum, Prada and Dior palace. Credits: Todd Fong, Patti-Oh and Jonathan Lin
Omotesandō Architecture Discovery Walking Tour
If you want to get an insight into Japan’s current sense of design, you’ve come to the right place, so enjoy a walk among these architectural gems. Start at Tokyu Plaza, a 2012 castle-like structure designed by up-and-coming architect Nakamura Hiroshi. The entrance is a kaleidoscope of mirrors and on the top floor is a Starbucks and a quiet terrace that you can access for free to relax and admire the view. Continuing on you will find the famous and luxurious Omotesandō Hills shopping mall designed by Andō Tadao, the glass Dior palace and Tod’s building with its concrete strips inspired by the zelkova trees below. Louis Vuitton’s maison, conceived by Aoki Jun, houses a free art gallery on the seventh floor and finally, don’t miss the iconic glass bubble building of Prada Aoyama.
Take a break from the glitz of the boutiques, and turn onto the quiet pedestrian alley called Cat Street and be captivated by its low, quaint buildings and less expensive shops.
UNU farmers market. Credit: Lily Crossley-Baxter at tokyocheapo
Best of Food and Drink
At Omotesandō, the cuisine is constantly evolving and you can enjoy the latest in dining. You will find a wide range of places to eat, from the more sophisticated like Eatrip to the more affordable, including natural, organic and vegan food like at Brown Rice. If, on the other hand, your passion is Gyōza, you cannot skip a visit to Harajuku Gyōza-rō. At this reasonably priced eatery, gyōza is the only dish on the menu, but in many variations and all of them are delicious.
As mentioned earlier, Omotesando is also home to many trendy cafés but you can also discover fabulous tea rooms hidden in the back of a flower shop like at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House. If you feel inspired to cook or organize a picnic, just a few minutes walk from Omotesando station, the plaza in front of the UN University hosts Tokyo’s best weekend Farmers Market. There are usually several food trucks, along with picnic tables for eating, as well as side events, including regular coffee, wine and sake festivals.
Tonkatsu Credit: We Love Japanese Food by Lighthouse Japan LLC
On a side street, inside a very particular setting (an old public bathhouse) in 1965 the first Maisen was established, a chain of 11 restaurants specializing in tonkatsu. Considered one of the best in Japan for enjoying this dish in its many variations, a walk in Omotesandō could therefore be the right opportunity to taste this typical cutlet in the delicious ‘Amai Yuwaku’ and ‘Kurobuta’ versions.
Why You Should Visit Omotesandō
In every season, Omotesando has something more to offer: in summer, coveted shade along the tree-lined avenue; in winter, the festively lit trees. And then the shop windows, especially those of big brands with displays that express the changes of the season.
Omotesando is definitely worth a visit, both for its international air and for its vibrancy, but above all for its harmonious mix of culture and fine shopping, its architectural gems that are among the most creative and curious in Tokyo, and the surprises it has in store at every corner. Moreover, its extreme variety of bars and restaurants also make it the perfect place for all food lovers. Let yourself be conquered!
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