The New Business Traveler: Mister Green's Ariel Stark-Benz Will Never Tire of Tokyo Work Trips

21.07.2023 - 13:07 / cntraveler.com / Art

When Ariel Stark-Benz looks back on his time living in Tokyo in 2015, he has no idea how he got so much done: “Tokyo is a relentless workday that turns into a dinner that turns into a party, and somehow a lot can materialize at the end of it,” says Stark-Benz, who spent his stint in the city overseeing brand marketing duties for The New Order Magazine and helping the team at Son of The Cheese—an Americana-inspired Japanese streetwear brand—with a coinciding summer collection and the opening of their flagship store and sandwich shop, Buy Me Stand.

That stint inspired Stark-Benz to launch his own retail concept in Los Angeles: the Mister Green Life Store. A “friendly shop for high-minded people,” Mister Green has led the charge in design- and- cannabis-friendly boutiques, selling vintage psychedelic art pieces alongside stylish ceramic smokewares and well-crafted apparel. The ever-expanding house collections of outdoors- and- cannabis-minded goods reflect Stark-Benz’s ongoing relationships with artists and designers around the world—particularly in Japan, where he typically spends a couple of weeks each year.

His most recent trip hit differently, though. In April 2023, Stark-Benz headed to Tokyo to open a new Mister Green Life Store in partnership with the eyewear brand, AKILA. Here, he shares with Condé Nast Traveler how it went and where he spent his free time in his home away from home.

What was the destination?

Tokyo, the greatest city in the world.

Do you have an airport routine?

I try to arrive on the early side—at least two hours prior to departure—and, should time allow, either have a drink and a snack at the Delta lounge or at a restaurant near the gate.

Regarding the lounge—this is a new thing for me and is pretentious sounding until you use it more than once. When I started dating my partner, she was on a plane at least a few times a month and was pretty shocked by my lack of comprehension regarding points and loyalty. She took me to school on how to travel like a “pro,” and now the tables have turned a bit and she relies on my points and upgrades.

Having an airport routine is a must if you need to be on the road a lot. I think regular travel forces you to create one, and you'll be pretty miserable until you do it.

What was the purpose of this trip?

I opened a shop in Tokyo at the end of April, so it was all things opening-related.

Who were your travel buds for this trip?

I spent half the time with the team at AKILA, which was a nice break from my typical solo travels. Unless I am misunderstanding the term “travel buds” [laughs].

Where did you stay?

I got used to staying at Cerulean Tower for most of my trips last year, but hotels were booked up around the city and Cerulean was