Aoyama in Japan

Aoyama Tokyo is well known for being a chic and upper-class area in the centre of the city, so as you might suspect the nightlife of the area reflects this, don’t expect to find grimy punk rock venues or slamming hip-hop clubs. But if intimate wine bars and Jazz clubs are what you are in the mood for, then throw on your stylish suit or a beautiful formal dress and a night out in Aoyama is exactly what you are looking for.

Its safe to say that the Blue Note is Tokyo’s most famous jazz club and often hosts some very well known international artists. The likes of Tony Bennet who played the first every gig at the club in 1988, Average White Band, Booker T, The Adrain Belew Power Trio and hundreds of others. The list of musicians that have graced the stage of the blue note is very eclectic, from jazz to blues to funk and soul. The venue itself is fairly small, which means you will be seated literally feet away from the performers, giving the whole event a more intimate and special feeling.

Very much in the vein of the exclusive nature of much of Aoyama, Le Baron Tokyo is members only club, popular with celebrities and members of the Tokyo elite. There is also a VIP area for those wishing to have an even more private evening with friends. The club has a host of resident DJs as well as international guest DJs spinning the latest in dance music, to make sure the small but fabulously decorated and moodily lit club is the perfect place to party until the sun rises.

Picture Sources: jeroen020 Nokton dat’

If we talk about a typical Japanese mean it consists of a combination of staples. Rice or noodles constitute the main item of every meal. Okazu side dishes such as fish, tofu, or meat are also served along with some soup or pickles. Japan is a group of islands which is why it mostly depends on seafood. With the use of seasonal ingredients Japan produces many varieties of food items.

Aoyama is a neighborhood of Tokyo and home to one of the finest Japanese cuisines in the world. After shopping in Tokyo, finding a good place to eat in Aoyama is the next best thing. Aoyama is eminent for impeccable and succulent tradition food ranging everything from traditional Japanese to international cuisines. Eating in Aoyama could be a little pricey but if quality is what you are looking for then you must visit the following five great restaurants in Aoyama:

1.    Nikusho Nakata

This place is known for finest beef dishes. The selection of ingredients, salts and various other items clearly demonstrate why this is a must visit place in Aoyama. The flavor available in Nikusho Nakata cannot be challenged by any other nearby restaurant. Nikusho Nakata specializes in Yakiniku cuisines. The interiors are luxurious and the ambiance offers a perfect dining experience.

2.    Esaki

Specializing in what is called “safe food” this small place was awarded two Michelin stars in 2009 Tokyo Michelin guide. Safe food is basically organically grown food with vegetables as their center food. Esaki serves traditional Japanese cuisine and the price range is a little high but you won’t mind paying a little more for the quality of food they offer to their customers.

3.    Torafuku

Known for its Japanese staple of rice at its highest quality, Torafaku serves impeccable cooked grains and cuisines. Lunch consists of fresh rice, served with a side dish and pickles while dinner consists of freshly prepared fish and shiny fresh plump grains. The Teishoku food is amazing and the price range is not high.

4. Mominoki House

Due to people’s inclination towards seafood and other non-vegetarian food in Japan, a restaurant that specializes in vegetarian food is more than hard to find. But with Mominoki House, it is more rewarding than just to have found a vegetarian restaurant. This place is off the hooks to have been serving unmatched vegetarian cuisines in Aoyama. Get wholesome foods in their simplest and most natural forms and enjoy the brand of uniqueness in their cooking with spices that they use to accomplish such unrivaled quality of vegetarian food. Every itme in Mominoki is created using natural ingredients. Organic beer, wine and sake are another specialty that they have.

5.    Tanbo

A true rice lovers paradise; imagine rice being served with soups, meat, pickles and so many other mouth watering ingredients. This is the specialty of Tanbo. The genmaicha tea, Teishoku and Yoshuku are also very famous in Tanbo.

On the west side of the Tokyo metropolitan area, formed into a rough triangle, you can find Harajuku, Omotesando, and Aoyama. Although very close in proximity, they, like most other areas in Tokyo, have characteristics that are uniquely their own. Nonetheless, these areas are all bundled up in the heart of the city – the border of one often blending into the other almost seamlessly to an untrained eye.

Walking along Aoyama-dori, (Aoyama Street towards Shibuya) it is here in the Aoyama and Omotesando areas you will find many fine dining establishments, high fashion boutiques, world-class designs and a very cosmopolitan café culture. The area in and around Omotesando Dori is where you will find the trend-setting high-fashion district of Tokyo.

If you love shopping for branded clothing and think of yourself as a fashion lover then this area might seem like heaven to you, as every major fashion designer’s brand is very well represented here, along with what is sometimes referred to as the “Champs Elysées of Tokyo”. From Omotesando, Shibuya is about a 15-20 minute walk along Meiji Dori and is also great for shopping, restaurants and its vibrant nightlife. Just up Omotesando dori from upscale Omotesando and Aoyama is Harajuku.

The border between these areas difficult to notice. Though, the shift in style of dress on the streets is a fairly good indicator. Here, amidst a labyrinth of backstreets, is the cutting-edge of Japanese fashion. It’s a place where more off the wall artistic fashions mix with Tokyo’s well publicized alternative street style.

Residing behind Harajuku station, Yoyogi Park and the beautifully wooded area surrounding Meiji temple provide a much-needed backdrop of serenity to the area. All told, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Aoyama make for fantastic areas to shop, dine or simply as a great place to wander, taking in the sights and sounds. It also offers some of the city’s better residential neighborhoods and green spaces (Meiji Jingu Gaien Park, Aoyama Cemetery, and Yoyogi Park).