Gridskipper

Today marked the opening of the much-anticipated Tokyo Midtown complex, Mitsui Fudosan's answer to Mori Building's much-hyped Roppongi Hills and Omotesando Hills salvo in Tokyo's shopping-entertainment sweepstakes. After a first visit, I have to say I'm finding so much more to like here. More open spaces, lots of green (and the abundance of cherry blossoms didn't hurt), the 21_21 Design Sight (a new design museum), the Suntory Museum of Art, an interior that feels less glam and more tasteful than RH, a collection of retail stores that actually interest me (heavy on the interior design), and fine restaurants, cafes, and delis that should keep you well fed in a stylish manner. Sure, it does the upscale thing like those other complexes do — it's funny seeing a chic 7/11 and Familymart on the premises — but it's somehow better executed, both on the outside and in. Don't take my word for it though; I've put up a Flickr photoset of 77 shots from today's outing.

Tokyo Midtown [Official site]

— Jean Snow

[Photo: Jean Snow]