KAWECKI’S TOKYO HIT LIST

GINZA GRAPHIC GALLERY

Established in 1986, Ginza Graphic Gallery is a revered gallery space located over two floors in the heart of Ginza, which is never short of visual inspiration. Showcasing Japan’s finest art directors and graphic designers, it includes works from Tadanori Yokoo, Enomoto Ryoichi Kokaiki, Rikako Nagashima and the Tokyo Type Directors Club. www.dnp.co.jp/gallery/ggg_e

GINZA BAIRIN

When you enter Ginza Bairin [below right] — a great lunch spot renowned for its Tonkatsu (battered deep fried pork cutlet) sandwiches — you are seated by the bar counter or tables. Order a sake or beer with your meal. ginzabairin. com/en

NARUKIYO

[top left and bottom left] A new take on the Japanese izakaya-style eating with fresh seafood and meats perfectly paired with sake and beer. Find the head chef and owner, Narukiyo-san, whistling to his own selection of retro rock, funk and rockabilly music, a passion that comes from his background in music. B1F, 2-7-14 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

EN ROUTE

[right] This concept store champions the crossover between sport and style and features an integrated ‘running station’. Designed by Jo Nagasaka of Schemata Architects, it’s a charming space with exposed concrete and bright yellow industrial scaffolding, which provides a delightful balance to the casual-luxury garments sold inside. enroute.tokyo

CAFE DE L’AMBRE

Tokyo’s traditional kissaten coffee houses are a step back in time, with Cafe de L’Ambre [right] in Ginza taking you back to 1948. The dark, smoky wooden interior is perfect for a coffee roasted in-house and prepared meticulously. 8-10-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

NEZU MUSEUM

[right] A place I love to visit, even between meetings in the central Omotesando area, with a wonderful bamboo roji entrance by Kengo Kuma, Zen garden and lake, and a stellar collection of Japanese and Chinese dynasty antiquities from the collection of Mr Nezu.

ANJIN

In the Shibuya ward, just above T-Site Daikanyama’s [bottom right] main stretch of books and magazines, the Anjin library and lounge is the perfect place to meet guests, rest or enjoy a lazy afternoon coffee or evening wine. It includes a complete, rare archive of classic back copies of Brutus, Self Service and GA Architects magazines, which are available to read. real.tsite.jp/daikanyama/english

LITTLE SMITH

Hidden in the depths of Ginza in a basement, bartenders in black ties and suits serve classic martinis, original cocktails and Japan’s finest whiskies. Fifteen classic straight chairs designed by George Nakashima complement the wooden single bar counter and table. littlesmith.net