One of the most unforgettable moments was the traditional tea ceremony. At the small tea house Kojitsuan by Suomi Kakinuma in the Yanagi dori district, we discovered how much history, precision, and grace lie in every single movement. Our ceremony began with a quiet ritual: we followed a narrow path to a stone basin, washing first the left, then the right hand, before bowing through the tiny nijiriguchi entrance into the tearoom. Inside, time seemed to stand still. Beautifully arranged seasonal sweets, almost too pretty to eat, tempted us to taste. Ms. Suomi Kakinuma prepared the first bowl of matcha with masterful elegance before letting us try our own skills. The soft sound of the bamboo whisk, the earthy aroma of the tea, the calm in the room, it felt like a moment of pure magic. After enjoying our self-whisked matcha, we bowed in gratitude and slipped once more through the low doorway, carrying a quiet sense of appreciation and peace.

Right after, another traditional highlight awaited us: a visit to the Tokyo Tegaki Yuzen Kimono atelier of the renowned artist Keiko Tanabe, personally honored by the Emperor. The studio was sunlit and serene, filled with the delicate scent of dyes, a space of deep concentration. On the tables lay her designs, each one a masterpiece of color, form, and precision. Every kimono tells a story: cherry blossoms dancing in the spring wind, cranes in flight, rivers under moonlight. Ms. Tanabe spoke with such warmth and humility that it was hard to believe she is considered a “National Treasure of Japan.” She showed us how silk is painted, with fine lines, gentle hues, and total focus. It was one of those rare moments when time disappears, and you’re completely immersed in beauty, tradition, and respect for Japanese craftsmanship.

Beyond these cultural highlights, Tokyo reveals its modern heartbeat. From Tokyo Tower or the Skytree, you can enjoy an endless panorama of streets, parks, shrines, and rooftops, with Mount Fuji visible in the far distance on a clear day. In Harajuku, street fashion explodes into a riot of colors, animal cafés, and creative boutiques, a true celebration of self-expression. Ginza, sleek and sophisticated, tempts with luxury shops, department stores, and gourmet restaurants, while Shinjuku and Shibuya dazzle with neon lights and anime culture. In contrast, Asakusa preserves the city’s traditional charm.

As night falls, Tokyo’s nightlife begins to glow. That meant cocktails at Bar Centifolia, a hidden gem that quickly became one of our most unforgettable bar experiences in Tokyo. Tucked away on the 6th floor of the La Muse Azabu-Juban Building, this little spot might be pocket-sized, but wow, does it pack a punch in atmosphere. The crew was incredibly attentive, reading your mood before you even finished your drink, and behind the counter ruled Yuzo Komai, a true artist of mixology.
Watching him work was pure magic, flames, smoke, sparkles, each cocktail quite a performance, equal parts precision and passion. But this wasn’t just for show; every drink tasted divine, layered with flavors that made you close your eyes and smile. Naturally, we couldn’t stop at just one… or two. Each creation outdid the last. We left with the feeling that we had discovered one of Tokyo’s most unforgettable places.

Tokyo fascinated us more than we ever expected. This city is a firework of impressions, loud, calm, colorful, orderly, wild, and yet, amid all the chaos, we felt peaceful and safe. We carry so many moments with us: the soft sound of the bamboo whisk, the scent of matcha, the shimmer of city lights. All of it is now part of us, a little piece of Tokyo we brought home in our hearts.

A big thank you to TCVB for making these unforgettable moments possible. We left with a deeper understanding of Japan’s traditions and beauty.
TCVB
Tokyo - Old Meets New
Tokyo Yuzen
Kakinuma Teahouse
Sky Tree
Bar Centifolia Reservation