Designer Olivia von Halle shares with us her favourite city. See Tokyo through the eyes of this blonde beauty.
Olivia von Halle is available through net-a-porter.com
Why Tokyo:
For me, Tokyo is the coolest city in the world. The first time I visited I was with my husband for the weekend, we were living in Shanghai and so it was only a couple of hour’s flight. We had an absolute blast and both fell in love with it
Favourite sunbathing spot:
Hayama’s Isshiki Beach – it’s where the Emperor spends his winter holidays
Bar to while away the evenings:
Blue Moon
Place to get lost in:
Tokyo Hands is 10 floors of heaven – a department store selling everything from electronics to stationary and kimono accessories, it’s an amazing way to spend a few hours
Secret shop:
Everyone has a store in Japan, which is perfectly suited to them – it’s just a matter of finding it. Mine is GR8, in La Foret, Harajuku
Favourite culinary delight:
Okonomiyaki at Gonpachi, Minato
How many days to see it all:
You need at least four days, but once you’re there you’ll wish it were longer
Suggested travel partner:
Tokyo is great no matter how many of you go. I’ve been with my husband, on my own and recently with 40 friends for a wedding
Adventure spot:
Climbing Mount Fuji
Best work-out:
Join in one of the yoga classes in Yoyogi Park
Best place to rest your head:
The Park Hyatt Tokyo – most famous for its role in Sophia Coppolla’s movie Lost in Translation
Best spa treatment:
Spirit of Peninsula body treatment at The Peninsula Tokyo hotel
Favourite memory:
Leaving the nightclub Womb and walking through Tokyo as the sun rose – the whole city was pink
Music to listen to while there:
The club’s play techno and house music and the atmosphere is always amazing
Chill out spot:
Shinjuku Gyoen – a stunning park in the heart of Tokyo. It’s the perfect place to lie on the grass and watch the world go by
Time of year:
In early April, it isn’t too hot and it’s cherry blossom season – when the streets and parks of Tokyo erupt into a sea of pink flowers
Final words:
It is very peaceful and everyone is so respectful. It would be my dream to live in Tokyo, because I feel completely at home there.
