In our Perfect Days column, we ask notable Tokyoites to share how they’d spend an ideal day in their home city.
Hong Kong-born Sarene Chan has been living in Tokyo since 2017, working in graphic design and other creative fields. She’s an art director at Tokyo-based design studio Kigi and also freelances as a graphic designer and illustrator, a career that earned her the JAGDA New Designer Award in 2025.
Here’s how she’d spend an ideal day in Tokyo:
My perfect day in Tokyo is …
Art direction and design work often involve long hours of desk work and constant communication. I make the most of my sukima jikan (small pockets of time), either to catch up on what’s happening around me or to unwind with a small treat.
Half of the week, I commute to the design studio Kigi in Daikanyama. During lunch breaks, I often stop by Daikanyama T-Site to browse the latest printed matter, pop-up events and exhibitions. Another place I frequently spend time at is Ofs.Tokyo — a shop and gallery run by our team in Ikejiri, where new exhibitions and events are held every month. It’s a space that always brings together fascinating people from the creative industry. Every Friday evening, the shop dims its lights and serves a light menu with drinks, creating a relaxed atmosphere to wind down after a busy week.
On days I don’t need to go out, I enjoy working from home. For breakfast, I’d grab a freshly baked baguette from my neighborhood bakery, Aux Bacchanales. When my focus starts to wane in the afternoon, I like taking a walk along the nearby Meguro River and stopping by Sidewalk Coffee. Ever since I lived in Yutenji, I’ve loved them — their oat milk latte is richer than most.
In the evening, as a reward for the day’s work, my husband and I often go out for dinner. I sometimes return to work afterward, but a delicious meal always lifts my spirits and motivates me to keep going.
Tokyo’s best-kept secret is …
Hi is a hidden Japanese sake bar that opened this May in Ikejiri-Ohashi, tucked away on the second floor of an apartment building. Sitting at the counter under softly dimmed lights, you can enjoy fine sake while listening to jazz and nostalgic Showa-era songs played on vinyl — the atmosphere is perfect, and it makes you want to linger long into the night.
A place I’ve always wanted to try is …
Kodomari Fuji, a private rental retreat in Nagano Prefecture. It’s the very first accommodation designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori in Japan. Fujimori’s architectural works are known for their unique designs that make generous use of natural materials. The way he harmonizes with the surrounding environment is stunning — the house looks like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a picture book. From its deck, you can take in sweeping views of the Southern Alps, Yatsugatake and even Mount Fuji.
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Follow Sarene on Instagram here.
AloJapan.com