36-Hour Tour of Tokyo’s Architecture and Coffee Scene

36-Hour Tour of Tokyo’s Architecture and Coffee Scene

Heading to Tokyo. This time, I only have a day and a half. I’m on a mission to explore as many
architecture and coffee spots as possible. The first stop –
Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama. Every seat looks cozy. I tried to order a seasonal drink –
but it was already sold out. So instead,
I got their 10th Anniversary Blend. Started my coffee notebook. Not just to record the shops and coffees – but to capture how I feel in the moment. One cup of coffee
refreshes everything. Now, onto the next destination! Just a one-stop metro ride
from Omotesando – I arrived at one of the most iconic
architectures in the city. Its concept is “a museum in the forest.” The flowing glass façade creates
beautiful, wave-like curves. From the lobby, you can enjoy
seasonal views of the surrounding greenery. Just a 10-minute walk
from The National Art Center, Tokyo, I arrived at my next destination. 21_21 Design Sight is designed by world-renowned architect
Tadao Ando. Founded and directed by Issey Miyake,
Taku Satoh, and Naoto Fukasawa, this museum serves as a
“sight to view the world through design,” hosting a wide range of exhibitions. Tadao Ando’s architecture is known for its minimal yet powerful concrete forms, his dramatic use of light and shadow,
and his dialogue with nature. I had a business dinner
in the evening. Day 2 starts in Asakusa. About a 10-minute walk from the Kaminarimon Gate, I came here first for a good cup of coffee. Oslo-orign FUGLEN COFFEE
now have six locations in Japan. Furnished with the Scandinavian vintage interior creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. I’m waiting for my coffee. One sip. Coffee charge. The pain au chocolat was perfectly crisp and flaky, with countless delicate layers. Absolutely delicious. I moved to the counter seat and started writing my coffee notes. The music, the atmosphere, the baristas – everything about this place
makes it a truly great coffee shop. With my coffee fix complete, I drift back toward Kaminarimon through the arcade. Asakusa—always alive, always magnetic. Travelers from all over the world capturing moments, snacking on street food,
diving into souvenir shops… endless scenes unfolding at every corner. I wish I had more time to wander around,
but with only a day and a half on this trip – I’m focusing on my key destinations. Now, on to the next one. Kengo KUMA is known for using natural materials
such as wood, and this building is designed as if seven traditional wooden houses were stacked vertically. From the observation deck, Tokyo reveals itself from a new angle— quiet, vast, and breathtaking. Late lunch. I came to a famous curry spot
listed in the Michelin Guide. It’s so popular that even coming late
means waiting in line. My expectations kept rising…
and so did my hunger. All three curries were delicious. I tried them from the spiciest to the mildest. And just like that,
Tokyo suddenly felt like India. There’s a specialty coffee shop
here in Jimbocho that always comes up when people talk about
the best in Tokyo. They serve only single-origin coffee. I smelled the aroma of each. I chose two coffees – Ethiopia and Kenya –
based on my mood. Took my time and savored it slowly. The trip is coming to an end. Sipping an incredible cup of coffee,
I realized something. On this Tokyo trip, my goal was to see
how many architecture and coffee spots – I could visit in just a day and a half. But in the end, what truly matters
is not quantity— but quality. If I can experience the very best by my own standards, and spend time that feels genuinely meaningful, then that alone makes the journey complete.

36 hours in Tokyo – a quick trip to Tokyo always feels too short — but also somehow just right. In this video, I explore Tokyo’s architecture and coffee culture in just 36 hours. From contemporary masterpieces to high-end specialty coffee shops, this short trip gave me so much inspiration.
If you love design, coffee, or slow travel, I hope this vlog gives you new ideas for your next visit to Tokyo.

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BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE Aoyama
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Omotesando Station in Tokyo,
BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE Aoyama welcomes you with its iconic entrance.
Step inside to find an open, airy space designed to enrich your coffee experience.
Official page: https://store.bluebottlecoffee.jp/pages/aoyama
Open: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily

The National Art Center, Tokyo
The National Art Center, Tokyo, features one of the largest exhibition spaces in Japan.
Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa under the concept of “a museum in the forest,”
this building is the 27th—and the final—museum he created.
https://www.instagram.com/thenationalartcentertokyo/
https://www.nact.jp/english/
Hours
Daily: 10:00–18:00 (Last admission: 17:30)
Friday & Saturday: 10:00–20:00 (Last admission: 19:30)
Closed on Tuesdays

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando,
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT is directed by Issey Miyake (founder), Taku Satoh, and Naoto Fukasawa.
It serves as a place to “see the world through design,” hosting a wide range of exhibitions and creative programs.
https://www.2121designsight.jp/en/
https://www.instagram.com/2121designsight/
Opening Hours
10:00 – 19:00 (Last entry: 18:30)
Closed
Tuesdays, New Year Holidays (Dec 27 – Jan 3), and during installation periods
Admission
General ¥1,600

Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center
Located right in front of Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa,
this tourist information center is known for its distinctive design,
which resembles seven stacked traditional wooden houses.
The 8th-floor observation deck offers one of the best views of Asakusa
and is highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Free entrance

FUGLEN COFFEE – Asakusa
Located about a 10-minute walk from Asakusa’s iconic Kaminarimon Gate, FUGLEN COFFEE is a popular specialty coffee shop originally from Oslo.
Open every day from 8 a.m.
https://fuglencoffee.jp/en/pages/fuglen-asakusa?srsltid=AfmBOoqCd6YTwjMN4Xxl0K5nsEncb9u1x0NY5KJYJFQALgLzAdh2N67m

SANTOSHAM Curry
SANTOSHAM is a South Indian curry restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide.
Here, you can enjoy authentic, richly flavored curry made with care and precision.
Open:
11:00–15:00 (L.O.) & 17:30–21:00 (L.O.)
Closed: Mondays & occasional days
https://santosham.tokyo/
https://www.instagram.com/santosham3/

GLITCH COFFEE & ROASTERS
If you’re exploring specialty coffee in Tokyo, GLITCH COFFEE is a spot you’ll want to experience at least once.　They offer a wide range of coffee beans, including rare varieties that are hard to find in Japan.
https://glitchcoffee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/glitch_coffee/

#architecture #TheNationalArt CenterTokyo #21_21 #tadaoando #kengokuma #tokyoarchitecture
#asakusa #tokyotravel #tokyotravelguide #2ndpassport_tokyo