Art Director Sarene Chan’s perfect day in Tokyo

In our Perfect Day column, we ask famous Tokyoites to share how they spend their ideal day in their hometown.

Hong Kong-born Sarene Chan has been living in Tokyo since 2017, working in graphic design and other creative fields. She is the art director of Tokyo design studio Kigi and is a graphic designer and illustrator, a career that earned her the 2025 JAGDA New Designer Award.

Here’s how she spends an ideal day in Tokyo:

My perfect day in Tokyo would be…

Art direction and design jobs often involve long hours of desk work and constant communication. I make full use of my several consulates (a small amount of time), either to catch up on what’s going on around you or to relax and have a bite to eat.

Half the week I commute to the design studio everyone In Daikanyama. I often come here during lunch break Daikanyama T-Site Browse the latest prints, pop-up events and exhibitions. Another place I often go to is Tokyo Office — A shop and gallery run by our team in Ikejiri that hosts new exhibitions and events every month. This is a space that always brings together fascinating people from the creative industries. Every Friday night, the store dims the lights and offers a light menu and beverages, creating a relaxing atmosphere to unwind after a busy week.

On days when I don’t have to go out, I love working from home. For breakfast, I buy a freshly baked baguette from a nearby bakery. on bacchanalia. When my focus starts to wane in the afternoon, I like to take a walk along the nearby Meguro River and stop by sidewalk coffee. I’ve loved Yutenji since I lived in them – their oat milk lattes are richer than most.

In the evenings, as a reward for a long day at work, my husband and I often go out to eat. Sometimes I return to work after work, but a delicious meal always lifts my spirits and motivates me to keep going.

Tokyo’s best kept secret is…

Hello is a hidden Japanese sake bar that opened in Ikejiri Ohashi in May this year and is hidden on the second floor of an apartment building. Sitting at the bar under dim lighting, sipping wine and listening to jazz and Showa nostalgia songs played on vinyl records, the atmosphere is perfect and makes you want to linger until late at night.

One place I’ve always wanted to try is…

Kotomari Fujia private rental resort in Nagano Prefecture. This is the first accommodation building designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori in Japan. Fujimori’s architectural works are known for their unique designs and their extensive use of natural materials. The way he harmonizes with his surroundings is stunning – the house looks like it was lifted straight out of a picture book. From the deck, you can take in sweeping views of the Southern Alps, Yatsugatake and even Mount Fuji.

More information

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