One day in… Ikejiri-Ohashi

We don’t know how Drip does it, but the café manages to be equally modern and retro at the same time. Opened up by models Ryo Ichinose and Sakiko Takizawa in 2021, Drip feels like it’s been around for decades – there’s the dark wood interior, tinkling jazz music and, for an upscale touch, a well-curated art selection. Further adding to its retro atmosphere, the menu is reminiscent of a classic kissaten with a colourful Sunny Day Cream Soda and the homemade coffee shop pudding. 

When night rolls around, you'll have a chance to sample the café’s unique cocktail menu, which centres around tipples made with coffee. For starters, try the Irish Shakerato, which beautifully blends coffee, Irish whisky and cream.

Just as its name suggests, you can expect a warm welcome, friendly conversation and excellent coffee on your visit to Good People & Good Coffee. Barista Tomoshi Okamoto names his coffee blends based on classic American pop culture references like Johnny B Goode and Tomando – the more obscure ones make a perfect conversation starter. Get your coffee brewed in any method you please, whether that be a simple pour-over, Italian- or Tokyo-style. If the coffee piques your interest, you'll definitely want to check out the shop's original merchandise as well as the vintage Pac-Man game hidden in the corner.

Tucked away off Ikejiri-Ohashi’s main shopping street, Lobby is a space made to feel as if you're hanging out in the lobby of a hip hotel. Try one of the many craft gins stocked at the bar or a signature cocktail like the Lobby made from muscat liqueur, mint, fresh cream and egg white for a frothy top. The interior is inspired by the cool industrial-style restaurants found in Sydney, Australia with cement walls, bench seats and a secret hideaway gallery space showcasing a rotating selection of unique art.

At first glance, this shop may just look like any old liquor store, but Deguchiya also has a kaku-uchi (standing bar) counter where you can sample a selection of sake, shochu, wine, craft beer and pub grub. Wines are sourced from small-scale vineyards, and there’s a healthy selection of organic and natural wines from both Japan and abroad. During the winter, the shop even offers fresh cups of mulled wine if you’re more inclined to a warm tipple.

This trendy little bar and café has a relaxed atmosphere and stocks over 100 types of craft gin. Choose your spirit and pair it with a selection of obanzai, light Kyoto-style dishes made with vegetables and seafood. If you prefer a cocktail, the gin-based drinks here can be adjusted to your preference, so just let the bartender know your favourite flavours. If you’re around earlier in the day, Sicx serves up hearty breakfast and lunch options such as homemade croque-monsieur sandwiches and some pretty darn good coffee.

This unusual urban oasis is built on the roof of a loop junction on the Metropolitan Expressway and boasts a 400m-long walkway with approximately 1,000 trees and 30,000 odd shrubs making it like a floating jungle amongst the dense city. The garden is wonderful to visit anytime of year, with cherry blossom trees blooming in spring and colourful foliage covering the walkway in autumn. The best time to head up? Try getting there for sunset on a clear day for the best views.

Get lost in a snowy world anytime of year at Tokyo’s Snowdome Museum. The museum is found inside the Ikejiri Institute of Design and is home to an amazing 1,000 snowdomes collected from around the world. Join one of the regular workshops where you can create your very own snow globe or pick one up as a fun souvenir.

This popular public bathhouse is regularly frequented by locals in the ‘hood and was beautifully restored by renowned architect Kentaro Imai, who is known for his public bath renovations. The refurbished sento features a gorgeous wooden ceiling, a mosaic wall, and a classic mural of Mt Fuji painted by Morio Nakajima – one of only three remaining sento mural painters in Japan.

Head to the sauna or take a dip in one of the three different types of baths: a massage, nanobubble or cold water bath. For even more relaxation, hop into one of the massage chairs in the lobby on your way out.

Stop by second-hand clothing store Tam where you'll find a well-curated mix of used clothing ranging from the 1950s to the early 2000s. Cop brand name sweaters for as low as ¥6,000 as well as Tam's original button-down shirts, which are always on-trend. The shop is open until 10pm, so it makes a great place to stop by after work once all the other stores are closed. Plus, if you make your purchase after 9pm, you'll receive 10 percent off your items.

Sempre is your one-stop-shop for famous designer furnishings and homewares offering a mix of beautiful ceramics, tableware, couches, tables, beds, lighting fixtures and more. You’ll probably recognise a few labels as you browse the shop including a lovely collection of Isamu Noguchi Akari lights and Fritz Hansen dining chairs and tables. If you're looking to revamp your home interior, Sempre also offers custom furniture and remodelling consultations where you can build your dream home with the help of the knowledgeable staff.

This west Tokyo neighbourhood is a hub for vintage fashion, vinyl records and independent cafés and restaurants

Discover the best restaurants, cafés, attractions and things to do in Tokyo's western suburb of Kichijoji