As co-founder & proprietor of Trunk Tailors (a specialist in handmade tailoring, based out of Melbourne) it’s unsurprising that Jack Liang is a big — and I mean big — fan of Tokyo.
In both his capacities as a menswear professional and young dad of two, Liang touches down in the Japanese capital multiple times per year: in search of rest, relaxation, and authentic inspirations.
“It’s one of the most stimulating cities in the world,” says Liang — a man whose work in product development and sourcing of rare fabrics takes him regularly to destinations as far afield as Florence and Shanghai.
“Ultimately, [Tokyo] is such a great destination, especially if you’re visiting, because of each individual’s relentless pursuit of perfection. In clothing, cuisine, and so many crafts besides, the experience I have there aligns so closely with what’re always trying to achieve at Trunk [Tailors].”
Read below for Liang’s essential Tokyo travel guide. Think bars, restaurants, accommodation and plenty more.
RELATED: The 15 Best Hotels In Tokyo For 2024
Stay
Aman Tokyo
“Aman hotels are famous all over the world, but the Tokyo property symbolises the brand at its most authentic. Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Financial District, the lobby is dramatic to say the least — with extremely high ceilings and incomparable views of the Imperial Palace.
In the rooms and common areas, the architecture is classically Japanese. Minimalistic and functional. In a phrase? This is pretty much the best-case example of a perfect luxury hotel in a major metropolis.”
Aoyama Grand Hotel
“This cosy boutique hotel is located in the heart of Minato. Filled with period-correct mid-century furniture, its staff is as attentive as they are friendly.
Location and accessibility are both strong selling points, with Aoyama right on your doorstep and Omotesando within walking distance.”
Eat & Drink
Bar Martha, Ebisu
“A bar with a very polarising reputation among Tokyo’s international visitors — and one of my favourites. There’s a ‘no photography’ policy, loud noise isn’t tolerated and the staff can be, to put it mildly, strict.
Huge walls of vinyl and top-of-the-line HiFi equipment (like an original McIntosh 275 amp) set the tone for what is a pretty serious listening bar experience.
To really enjoy Martha you have to respect the house’s rules, but in return you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in music, exceptional cocktails and — speaking frankly — an atmosphere that’s essentially unique to Japan.”
Le Parrain, Shinjuku
“This joint takes its name from the French translation of ‘the Godfather’. Unsurprising then that its specialty is cigars and cocktails, in the centre of Tokyo. It’s a small venue: with roughly 10 seats on the bar counter and no more than two staff working at any given time.
I’d recommend flying solo or going with a date. The selection of whisky and cocktails is thoughtfully executed and the bartenders tend to be friendly and, in classic Tokyo fashion, extremely attentive.
Again: the expectation is that phones should be put away so that guests can really immerse themselves in the overall experience. But I managed to snap some sneaky pocket shots with this travel guide in mind.”
Address: 6-13 Ishii Building, 3/F, Shinjuku 3 Chome, Shinjuku 160-0022 Tokyo Prefecture
Telephone: +81 3 3358 8432
Sushi Kagura, Shimbashi
“Originally opened in 2021, Kagura is a fairly typical edomae sushi restaurant: tucked down a laneway in Shimbashi, with a counter that seats around 9 diners.
The sushi is about as good as anywhere else, but my personal drawcard is the amount of interaction you’ll have with the chefs — who speak excellent English and are interested in making the omakase experience more personable and relaxing.”
Shop
United Arrows, Harajuku
“Arguably the quintessential Japanese retailer, United Arrows is the benchmark against which I measure most multi-brand men’s clothing stores.
The entire UA team, from buyers to sales associates, have impeccable taste — I’m always able to discover something new or, at the very least, product that is exclusive to Japan.
There’s a courtyard in the middle of the Harajuku flagship: an amazing centrepiece, particularly during summer and spring. Order a cocktail, a light pasta, and once you’re refueled, continue your shopping journey.”
The Real McCoy’s, Shibuya
“Japan is considered Mecca when it comes to high-quality workwear, and within that universe, The Real McCoy’s Tokyo is pretty much the one physical retail destination you have to visit.
As you’d expect, the atmosphere of the store, visual merchandising, and the product itself are all second to none. But the reason it makes my shortlist is that there’s such a variety of choice at so many different price-points.
From letter-accurate A-2 flight jackets to a basic loopwheel tee, you’re pretty much guaranteed to walk out of the shop with something.”
If you’ve enjoyed this edition of BH’s ‘On The Town’ city guide, here are a few more of our favourite travel stories to keep you reading:
