Jeepney Press / Lala Lopez De Leon

Walk with me: Minami-Aoyama

May 15, 2022

In Minato-ku, Minami-Aoyama is undoubtedly one of the truly sophisticated areas in Tokyo. Among its many features, Minami-Aoyama is home to the Nezu Museum, which boast a proud collection of oriental and Japanese arts, and the Aoyama-Dori (Aoyama Avenue) that stretches from the subway Aoyama Itchome Station to Omotesando Station, lined with classy shops and luxury car showrooms.

There is so much to explore in here, but what is definitely distinctive about Minami-Aoyama is that it is chic while oozing with Japanese culture both traditional and modern. Definitely one of my favorite places in the city!

Today, I had to run errands, one of which is to have a set of old, hand-me-down jewelries repaired or reformed, if at all a Japanese goldsmith will agree to do them. An online search led me to a shop located at the backstreets of Minami-Aoyama. You see, along the main street are the usual fashionable shops. But behind them, is where you find the unexpected beauty!

With help from the app on my phone, I found the shop, but not without stopping every now and then to ogle the charming shops on the way.

And with no clear intention to search them, I discovered a few of the popular and trendy spots that I have only heard about!

A flower shop at a corner is one bright spot with its façade in vibrant yellow posts and a luscious lemon tree standing proud by it! Made me think of growing my own from seeds! Why not – it’s worth a try!

My adventure today ends at Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama. Any time is coffee time for me, even if it’s somewhat close to dinner time.

The perfect spot to enjoy a nice cup of my preference: hot, freshly brewed coffee! Till then….walk with me…on my next adventure.

Lala Lopez de Leon

Jeepney Press