Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2013

1 Support local farmers at the Ibaraki Market (Sat 7-9am). The fresh produce goes fast—pick up a Kyowa watermelon, famous for its compact sweetness.

2 Get a cup of Joe and a soufflé at Lauderdale. With a welcoming green terrace, this international café has a solid weekend brunch following. Feel free to linger with bottomless coffee refills.

3 Do some light shopping at TV Asahi. Doraemon fans look no further, as the shop inside sells character goods and items (some limited edition) from the channel’s variety shows. The first floor boasts some mildly interesting rotating art displays.

4 Pamper yourself at May’s Garden Spa. Around since 1925, it’s one of the classiest beauty havens in town. Men are also welcome, if they aren’t put off by gushing pink. A basic 60-minute facial will set you back about ¥14,000, but our sources swear it’s worth it.

5 In spring, stroll through the Sakura-zaka walking trail before picking up a bento at Seijo Ishii, or takeout from 37 Curry—whose 21-day-aged Black Angus Beef Curry is fantastic. Settle on a quiet patch of the Japanese-style Mohri Garden.

6 Soak up some culture at the Mori Art Museum. From April 26 a special 10th-anniversary exhibition titled “All You Need Is Love” will showcase a variety of local and international artists’ take on the sentiment.

7 Watch the sunset from Tokyo City View. Museum tickets get you to the 250m-above-sea-level observation deck. During the summer months access the Sky Deck for an additional ¥500 for open-air, 360º views and some occasional astronomy.

8 Happy hour at the Oak Door Bar. This drinking den by the Grand Hyatt’s steakhouse makes a killer yuzu mojito. The after-work crowd makes for excellent people-watching and mingling. Good cigars, too.

9 Nosh on Kabuki-inspired sushi. Pintokona may be kaiten-style, but the quality is decent and the prices, though slightly up-market, are still reasonable.

10 Catch a flick at Toho Cinemas. Apart from gummy-coke bottles at the candy store, the best thing is the discounts. Every 1st and 14th seats are only ¥1,000—and there’s money off for late-night features.