Steve Aoki’s Travel Experience: Favorite Destinations and Snacks

When it comes to globetrotting, Steve Aoki is having his cake and throwing it, too. The DJ—a prominent figure in electronic music—has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, with more than 200 shows lined up for 2023 across Japan, the U.S., Europe, and beyond.

1. Steve Aoki’s Favorite Destination

With extensive travels across the Pacific and being a first-generation Japanese American, it is no surprise that Aoki’s favorite destination is Japan. He shares, “It’s my absolute favorite place on the planet. The food is probably number one. I often find myself thinking about the food there, which significantly influences my visits.”

Besides the culinary delights, Aoki appreciates the unique aspects of Japan. He expresses admiration for the country’s clean streets, vibrant fashion scene, and dedicated fans, stating, “Japan has it all. As a creator in music, I also find inspiration in fashion.” Aoki has collaborated with fashion brands like A Bathing Ape and Yohji Yamamoto, bringing a unique flair to his work.

2. Ibiza: A Second Home

Following Japan, Aoki considers Ibiza his “second home” due to his long-standing residency on the island. He frequently performs at iconic venues like Amnesia, and is captivated by the unseen beauty of Es Vedrà, a mysterious uninhabited island known for its spiritual gatherings and breathtaking sunset views.

Aoki mentions Café Mambo as a favorite spot to watch the sunset, adding, “When you see the sunset in Ibiza, it’s the most beautiful thing. It creates a parade of people admiring nature’s artwork.”

3. Health Regimen and Snacks

Despite being the life of the party, Aoki maintains a strict health regimen on the road. “I focus on my macronutrients, making sure my protein intake remains high. Eating what I enjoy is essential, but I often delay dining until later in the day, starting around 2 p.m. to adapt to a six- to eight-hour intermittent fasting window. Staying disciplined is crucial, although I do snack quite a bit.”

His preferred travel snack has been Quest Nutrition’s protein bars for the past five years. He is so enthusiastic about them that he partnered with the brand to introduce their new cheese crackers, which reflect his commitment to healthy eating while satisfying cravings.

4. Cake Tradition at Shows

Known for his energetic performances, Aoki has also gained notoriety for throwing massive sheet cakes at fans, who embrace the excitement of the experience. He humorously admits, “Promoters handle the cake arrangements. I provide them with a detailed rider outlining my cake expectations, which they must agree to before a performance.”

Through this unique tradition, Aoki supports local bakeries and economies, often meeting bakers who have invested considerable time and effort into creating the cakes. When asked about his favorite cakes, Aoki diplomatically states, “Japan produces my favorite cakes, which are ideal for both enjoyment and, of course, throwing!”