Style: Coolest Neighbourhood
Winner: Daikanyama, Tokyo (Japan)
Just a short ride from the sensory overload of Shibuya – the world’s busiest intersection – lies the hipster Daikanyama neighbourhood. Characterised by pedestrianised streets, art galleries and independent boutiques, this charming enclave was voted the coolest neighbourhood in Asia by in-the-know Marco Polo Club members. Highlights include the historic Kyu Asakura House, sakura-spotting in Saigoyama Park, shopping at the T-site bookshop and lifestyle boutique and snacking at the numerous artisan cafes.
Style: Coolest Neighbourhood Shortlist
Dashilan, Beijing (China)
One of Beijing’s most famous historic hutong districts; a hit with shoppers and also a thriving business district.
Hoan Kiem (Old Quarter), Hanoi (Vietnam)
The densely packed Old Quarter offers an intoxicating mixture of old French Indochine architecture, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and lively watering holes, and – of course – a never-ending stream of honking mopeds.
Hongdae, Seoul (South Korea)
Near Hongik University, this lively area is a popular nightlife district with students and the young at heart. The area boasts a thriving indie music, pub and club scene plus a warran of streets lined up the latest fashion.
Ikseon-dong, Seoul (South Korea)
This traditional hanok village-turned-hipster shopping paradise is popular with the Instagram generation and those looking for a cultural hit as well as quirky and crafty gifts.
Nakameguro, Tokyo (Japan)
With a blossom-lined canal at its heart, this foodie paradise is an ultra-modern neighbourhood that a number of celebrities call home.
Nimmanhaemin, Chiang Mai (Thailand)
This road is famed for its coffee shops, especially Ristr8to, where the latte art is as admired as its brews. Cool, crafty boutiques and bookshops make this area a great place for strolling and browsing.
Sai Ying Pun (Hong Kong SAR, China)
Sai Ying Pun is firmly front and centre for hipster restaurants and craft beer spots, all while maintaining a strong local vibe with nearby wet markets and family-run businesses.
Tai Hang (Hong Kong SAR, China)
This little enclave close to commercial hub Causeway Bay is another of Hong Kong’s hipster havens – craft beer, cool eateries, boutique hotels and vintage shops – that’s also retained its local flavour.
Tomigaya, Tokyo (Japan)
From gastro wine bars and gluten-free cafes to trendy toy shops and indie bookstores, Tokyo’s Tomigaya district is effortlessly cool.
More 2018 Style Award Winners:
Explore all the results of the Marco Polo Club Members’ Choice Awards
