Maybe it’s because of the strong impression Japanese dramas left on me, but I’ve always felt that if you want to experience Tokyo’s fashionable, upscale side, you have to visit Omotesando in person. After arriving by train, I took a stroll along the pleasant tree-lined avenue. The luxury boutiques on both sides were all impressively designed, one stunning building after another. Along the way, I unexpectedly discovered a cute little shrine, Akiba Shrine, tucked between tall luxury retail buildings. It was a delightful little surprise.
As a local landmark, Omotesando Hills truly lives up to its reputation as a work by master architect Tadao Ando. The beautiful lines and interplay of light and shadow make it hard not to stop and take another look. Leisurely walking and shopping here not only lets you experience its distinctive urban aesthetic, but also a completely different side of Tokyo’s refined atmosphere.
















