A taste of the high life in Omotesando

Intersect’s second-floor bistro is designed as a living room, blending modern and traditional Japanese elements, plenty of natural light and monthly playlists curated by musician Towa Tei.

Aesthetic choices throughout the space offer quiet nods to Lexus design while playing a practical and unobtrusive role. The bamboo lattice surrounding the building is inspired by the signature Lexus spindle motif and allows sunlight into the space while offering a sense of privacy and comfort. Even the legs on some of the original hand-designed furniture act as subtle easter eggs.

With shelves of books about cars, art, design, food, nature and travel, it’s easy to while away a few hours on the sofa with a drink from the bar.

Intersect is one of only two places in Tokyo where you can try Morizo Tea, a premium craft tea produced by Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, and a racing driver also known as Master Driver Morizo.

Inspired by the forests surrounding the Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka, Morizo Tea is made with pesticide-free single origin Shizuoka green tea and floral water infused with botanicals like fragrant olive, kuromoji (Japanese rosewood), vervain and cinnamon.

The drink offers the rich umami and subtle astringency of green tea with a calm, slightly floral aftertaste that pairs well with the bistro’s assorted sweet and savoury set. In order to give back to Toyota’s ‘home of motorsport’, a portion of the proceeds from Morizo Tea is donated to assist with conservation efforts in Shizuoka.

The food is no afterthought at Intersect; it’s one of the things that sets the venue apart. Featuring a range of ‘uniquely Tokyo-style’ dishes, the menu emphasises seasonally inspired creations, reduced food waste, plant-based options and multicultural influences. Intersect’s multicourse dinner also offers an optional alcohol pairing showcasing expertly selected wines.

If you prefer to order à la carte, select from appetisers and mains including seasonal vegetables and fresh salads like tuna nicoise, or go for the signature L-bone steak. For dessert, the bistro offers seasonal parfaits and tarts, as well as in-house creations such as Basque cheesecake made with sake lees.

At the bar, the extensive cocktail menu combines staples like the bloody mary and moscow mule with original offerings such as the Spindle Espresso Martini, featuring vanilla vodka, espresso and cream.

The Garage on the first floor goes beyond the traditional car display concept to spotlight art, culture, design and local crafts. The versatile space hosts a variety of exhibitions and installations inspired by the Lexus lifestyle, often centred on sensory immersion.

Past exhibitions have included VR experiences, light-and-space installations and even a food-centric installation that featured edible art and a tasting bar. With exhibitions changing several times a year, there’s always something new to discover. Nearby, the space’s Crafted for Lexus lifestyle goods area showcases Japanese artisans.

There’s plenty here for car and engineering enthusiasts, too. The Parts Wall along the staircase is an installation showcasing genuine Lexus components. On the second floor, mini cars dotted throughout the space – check out the bathroom ceiling – highlight Intersect’s passion for fun and exploration.

Subtle touches in the light fittings, wall panels, furniture and decor go beyond interior design to appeal to those in the know. Tucked amongst the shelves, books on art, engineering and architecture offer hours of research and deep dives.

Intersect by Lexus - Tokyo is located at 4-21-26 Minami Aoyama, Minato. lexus.jp/brand/intersect/tokyo. Opening hours: 1F Café, shop & Garage 9am-11pm (breakfast 9am-11am); 2F Bistro lounge 11am-11pm (lunch 11am-5pm, last orders 2pm; dinner 5.30pm-11pm, last orders for food 10pm, drinks 10.30pm).