Mineko Kato works as the pastry chef of FARO, a MICHELIN Green Star and One MICHELIN Star Italian in Ginza. Having spent time overseas from childhood, she developed her career as a pastry chef in Italy. She has been based in Tokyo since 2019. Kato’s most famous work is the Satoyama Tart of Flowers, her creation inspired by a wish to visit different regions of Japan and continue the remarkable culture of satoyama—that space between nature’s forests and mountains (yama) and the areas where people live (sato).
1. Folklore Mixology and Terroir
‘I come here to learn about alcoholic drinks and Japanese liqueurs. Each combination of aromas and flavours is distinct. I’m fascinated by everything the bartender tells me about Japanese sake brewing and terroir. I recommend the "Aromatic Wood Sake" made with fragrant wood. This memorable cocktail was paired during an event for confectionaries that use fragrant wood.
Open a small door that people might easily miss, and you’ll find yourself in a tearoom-like space overseen by mixologist Shuzo Nagumo. Here, the drinks, glasses and other serving dishes express the essence of Japanese terroir. There aren’t many seats, so you’ll want to make a reservation.
G27 Hibiya OKUROJI ,1-7-1, Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku
2. Shiseido Gallery
‘Your way of thinking can become narrow and limited if you solely focus on cooking in the kitchen space. I visit this place whenever I find myself thinking like that. This gallery displays artworks from young artists who have promising futures. Connections across different fields breed innovation. This is an inspiring place for me.’
The oldest existing art gallery in Japan. Since 1919, it has been constantly introducing new art based on a philosophy of ‘discovering and creating new beauty.’ You can experience a different world here in the basement of the Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Building where FARO is located.
10F, 8-8-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku
3. PRESQUILE Chocolaterie
‘Put simply, a chocolaterie treat. With each bite, I feel my inner happiness growing. These are perfect for those moments when I seek small joys in the midst of everyday routine. They’re great for marking the end of the day or the week at home. I can’t choose a particular favourite - whichever one I eat, it always brings me happiness.’
A chocolaterie in Tokyo’s Kichijoji area. The emotions of chef chocolatier Tomohiro Onuki shine through these chocolates which are made with care over time. The cakes here look beautiful as well as delicious, so you’ll want to try those too.
2-15-18, Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino
4. Rikugien Garden
‘This is a place where you can enjoy a beautiful Japanese garden without even leaving Tokyo. Relax leisurely with a book in hand, while experiencing the changing seasons. Just having such a clean and beautiful garden is wonderful in and of itself, but Rikugien Garden also has small hills and lets visitors experience nature with a hint of wildness to it. I also recommend the tea and sweets at the teahouse inside the park.’
Rikugien Garden is a famous example of the ‘kaiyu-shiki tsukiyama sensui teien’ (circuit-style garden) made popular in the Edo period. This garden is even a specially designated national cultural property. It has a garden path tracing around the pond, and you can enjoy the sights of the four seasons.
6-16-3, Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku
5. Il Ristorante - Niko Romito
‘Located in the Bulgari Hotel this restaurant has a glitzy and glamorous look, but the cuisine takes Italian culture and climate seriously. I lived in Italy for a long time, so I feel nostalgic when eating the food here. You might call it visiting Italy without a passport. In fact, when I was starting out, Chef Mauro and I apprenticed at the same restaurant. He oversaw side dishes and I was one making sweets.’
An Italian restaurant with One MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2024. Overseen by Niko Romito, owner and chef of the Three MICHELIN Stars Reale in Abruzzo, Italy. The kitchen is led by Mauro Colagreco, whose knowledge of the philosophy behind this cuisine is second to none.
40F, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, 2-2-1, Yaesu, Chuo-ku
6. Nezu Museum
‘This is the perfect place to spend a day off. I usually bring a book when I visit. Only on display for one month of each year, the painted screens of the work “Irises” are breathtakingly beautiful. And since I also like handmade craftworks from Japanese artisans, I can stay here for hours at a time.’
Located in Minami-Aoyama, this art museum is integrated into a Japanese garden. Known for having ‘Irises’ by Ogata Kōrin in its collection, the museum was designed by Kengo Kuma. The approach to the entrance is impressive, and you’ll leave the roar of the hectic city behind with each step you take.
6-5-1, Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
