We have asked people from all around the world to share with us their Style tips of the place they call home. If you would like to contribute to Style In.... just click here to contact us.
What Place are you writing about?
Tokyo, Japan
A Little About You My name is Monique Dekker, a Dutch National currently living and working in Tokyo. I have been in Tokyo for almost two years now. Before Tokyo, my husband Ben and I lived in Singapore, Chicago, Boston and New York.
Tokyo is a huge Metropolis. 17 million people live in Tokyo and about 37 million people live in Tokyo and its suburbs. Needless to say it is a hectic and fast-paced environment. I am currently the General Manager of Roppongi Hills Club a private members dining Club managed by Hyatt Hotels Corporation (www.roppongihillsclub.com). I have worked for Hyatt for 14 years now and this is my first General Managers position. The Club is a very exciting and exclusive environment. Our members are very diverse; ranging from high-placed politicians and ambassadors, powerful business men and women, actors and actresses, models to entrepeneurs, designers and artists. Both Japanese as well as foreigners!
In my free time I like to discover new places and traditions of Japan, play with my dog Ringo – the naughtiest beagle on the planet. As well as swim, bike and run with my husband Ben who set up his own company in Tokyo specialized in bike fitting and consultancy www.t1bicycles.com.
Your Favorite Place to Shop?
The most important outfit in Tokyo is a black suit. Everyone in Tokyo owns several black suits and conservative ties/blouses and shoes. Hyatt also requires its managers to wear black suits so I have several.
Unfortunately since I am Dutch and at least 20-30cm taller than the average Japanese woman, it is very difficult for me to shop here. I have all my suits made in Hong Kong by a wonderful tailor – Vijay from NobleHouse. For shoes, blouses etc. I take a few trips abroad or order them online.
There are however, great shops in Tokyo. All big fashion houses have several stores in different areas of Tokyo – like Omotesando, Ginza and Roppongi. Japanese have an obsession with name brands and they all (both women and men) wear handbags by Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci etc. I can assure you that all these bags are real and not from the market somewhere in Thailand. Japanese people like to dress up. The women love anything with glitter, glimmer, sparkles, lace, pearls and ruffles. There are several very cute boutiques in Omotesando and Roppongi that provide this style. Fashion for a younger audience can be found in Shinjuku and Shibuya, as long as you can handle the pounding house-music coming from the store’s speakers.
Any Local designers you have found?
The Japanese are known to be very fashion conscious and some great designers have arisen; Issey Miyake, Kenzo Takada and Hanae Mori to name a few. I have not really found (or looked for) any local small designers, as their items will not fit me. As a comparison the Banana Republic here only carries up to an American Size 6 and the length is adjusted to fit the Asian Physique.
Your Favorite Place to have a Tea/Coffee?
No doubt the Sega Freddo in Hiroo. It is a favorite hangout spot for Expatriates and is a perfect place for people watching and possibly making some new friends.
Best place to have a great meal?
The options are endless in Tokyo. There are so many restaurants and bars in each area. Whether it is Japanese Kaiseki style food you are after, a nice pizza or an Izakaya (Japanese pub), you can find a plethora of choices within a few blocks from each other. Below just a few of my favorites:
Andy’s Izakaya, a noisy Japanese pub under the Ginza Train tracks. The food is fresh, the beer is cold and the service quick, efficient and relatively affordable.
Orange – Midtown – a nice upscale French restaurant with lovely terrace. The perfect place for an early evening dinner with champagne and light fingerfoods. The service is great and they allow dogs on the terrace. Our dog Ringo is a regular there.
And last but not least; Roppongi Hills Club, a private members club located on the 51st floor of the Mori Tower with 360 degree views of Tokyo. Each of the 7 restaurants, 2 bars and function spaces overlooks a different section of Tokyo and the different food choices are sure to delight.
Top 3 MUST SEE or DO?
“Come on Eileen” on little Banjos
Asakusa is a great area to visit. Asakusa is on the north-east fringe of central Tokyo, and most famous for the Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple. There are several more temples in Asakusa, as well as various festivals. Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest geisha distri
For most of the twentieth century, Asakusa was the major entertainment district in Tokyo. A great area to stroll around and soak up the Japanese culture.
Kamakura is a city located 50 kilometres south-south-west of
Any other Stylish Tips?
When in Japan a visit to an Onsen must be part of the itinerary. An onsen is a term for hot springs in the Japanese language, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. A volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered along its length and breadth. Onsen were traditionally used as public bathing places and today play a central role in directing Japanese domestic tourism.
Onsen are a central feature of Japanese tourism often found out in the countryside but there a number of popular establishments still found within major cities. They are a major tourist attraction drawing Japanese couples, families or company groups who want to get away from the hectic life of the city to relax. Japanese often talk of the virtues of "naked communion" for breaking down barriers and getting to know people in the relaxed homey atmosphere of a ryokan with an attached onsen. The water in the Onsen is said to have lots of minerals and it will make your skin – baby soft.
And last, but not least the ‘sunbrella’ is a must-have in Japan. They come in every shape, size, color and price range and protect the Japanese ladies against the harmful rays of the sun, while keeping their skin soft, smooth and white.
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