Don't miss Design Week

This year, Tokyo Designers Week conveniently kicks off on a Friday — previous years have always seen a Wednesday start — ensuring visitors can make the most of the weekend and the national holiday on Tuesday.

Leading the pack is DesignTide, which, like last year, is being held at Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi — in the same location of the shopping center's own Design Touch branded events. Once again, the space is designed by Hiroshima-based architect Makoto Tanijiri, whose use of white fabric and light create the booths of the main exhibition showcasing works by 50 participating designers and studios. Creations to look out for include Kyouei Design's stunning Wire Chair, and a layered lamp by Yumi Terauchi and Seiji Inoue, inspired by traditional Japanese materials.

For shopping, Tide Market and the off-site Tide Extension exhibitions, held in shops and galleries throughout the city, offer everything from acrylic jewelry to stylish household goods.