Tokyo

A city with so much duality and endless possibilities. There is an undeniable current of energy coursing through Tokyo like no other place. You can feel it as you experience and savor it.

There is so much to eat, see, do, and explore in Tokyo, let alone Japan. I have barely scratched the surface, and this guide is just a few suggestions and recommendations from my trips there. Please feel free to use this guide as you please!

Where to eat and drink

Fuku Yakitori

Intimate yakitori spot near Yoyogi-Uehara station serving up some delicious charcoal grilled skewers seasoned with their own salt from the waters of Shizuoka prefecture’s Suruga bay. The tebasaki (wings), ume-jiso, and green pepper stuffed with cheese are must orders!

Nadoya no KaTte

Hidden gem cafe in the neighborhood of Yoyogi-Uehara. This cute cafe by Nadoya is tucked off in nondescript neighborhood serving some of Japan’s best coffee roasted by Glitch Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a cup in their open garden style space or inside the charming house. One of my favorite finds on the trip!

Stopped in randomly on a shopping day in Ginza and wanted some sushi before heading back to the states. This place is a traditional sushi spot tucked into a building (like a lot of restaurants in Tokyo.) The menu is both okonomi - order what you like or omakase - chef’s choice. Simple, yet refined at the same time.

This was also a spontaneous stop in, but honestly a sleeper hit. They use a chicken and duck based soup that is deeply flavorful with a beautiful chewy wheat noodle. I had the shoyu ramen and tsukemen. Sister ramen place to Ramen Hayashida.

Tsukiji Market

World famous, Tsukiji fish market’s outer market is filled with many different stalls offering all kinds of street foods. The outer market has some of the yummiest offerings including fresh sashimi, Tamagoyaki from Marutake, strawberry daifuku from Soratsuki, and Wagyu skewers from Wagyu jyujyu amongst many other delicious foods.

  • The Matcha Tokyo

    The Matcha Tokyo is a sleek and modern matcha chain in Tokyo serving high quality organic matcha. Multiple locations throughout Tokyo.

  • Boul'ange

    Bou’lange is a Perisian inspired bakery serving your classic French pastries with a Japanese twist. I love their arabiki shiso pastry! I visited the Shibuya location.

  • HenriCharpentier

    HenriCharpentier is a high end sweets focused cafe serving seasonal sweet creations. You can sit in the salon and have the full experience or get dessert to go from the pastry case.

  • Shimokita Railway St & Reload

    Shimokitazawa is trendy for many reasons, but their food offerings at the rotating Shimokita Railway St. and reload space are incredible.

Konbini

The Konibini is a right of passage when you go to Japan. You must get an eggsando from 7-Eleven and a Famichiki from Family Mart. My other snack recommendations are the fresh smoothies, any ice cream, onigiri, pocari sweat, and chu hi. Lawson is also another great konbini. Sometimes they even have oden!

  • Craft Curry Brothers

    Craft Curry Brothers is a charming little curry place with a camping feel hidden outside of the SMI:RE hotel in Yoyogi, serving some deeply spiced curry. I recommend the pork rib or keema curry!

  • Jikasei MENSHO

    Jikasei MENSHO is a ramen empire at this point, but for good reason. I had the Yuzu Tori Paitan with wagyu roast beef..it was so good! I visited the Shibuya location in the Parco.

  • BiOcafe

    BiOcafe is an organic cafe using completely pesticide free ingredients with a focus on health and beauty. All the products are carefully sourced and prepared. The salad bar + bread that come with the main dish are so fresh!

  • Brown Rice

    Brown Rice is a vegan restaurant focusing on whole foods and high quality ingredients from farmers and producers all over Japan. They highlighting those products by creating nourishing whole food focused meals.

Depachika

Depachika is a department store floor dedicated to food. It is usually located on the basement floor (hence the name chika = basement and depa from depaato = department store) and is genius concept. Most major department store shopping buildings have a floor full of a variety of high end food and grocery options. You can get everything from beautiful desserts, to ekiben (train bento), to extra gourmet fruits, to simple deli items. I am like a kid in a candy store in depachika…I love them! A tip for extra discounts is to head to the depachika about half and hour before closing !

  • Azuki To Kouri

    Azuki To Kouri is a kakigori shop run by a pastry chef who formerly worked at a French Michelin starred restaurant. They highlight the beauty of kakigori focusing on seasonal ingredients. They also serve french toast, soup, and tea. There are only 7 seats, so reservations are a must.

  • Bricolage Bread & Co

    Bricolage Bread & Co was founded by a chef and baker after creating a soup kitchen to aid in relief after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011. Now, with a strong following, they aim to share happiness through food, bread, and coffee in their own DIY way.

  • Shirubee Shimokitazawa

    Shirubee is a lively izakaya in Shimokitazawa. I love the atmosphere! A real local spot to grab some drinks and great bites. You take off your shoes in the front and sit at low tables on floor. A real cozy vibe.

What to do

Shopping

  • all BEAMS stores

  • Dover Street Market

  • EVISU

  • BAPE

  • Onitsuka Tiger

  • HUMAN MADE

  • MUJI

  • UNIQLO FLAGSHIP STORE

  • Vintage stores in Shimokitazawa and Omotesando

  • 15/e Organic

  • Don Quijote

  • 2nd Street

  • Stussy

  • Tower Records

  • Mandrake

  • Kith

There is so much shopping in Japan. Be sure to check out all the major neighborhoods and stores in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Omotesando, Shimokitazawa, and Akihabara!

Sights

  • Meiji Shrine

  • Tsukiji Market

  • Piss Alley

  • Senso-ji / Kaminarimon Gate

  • Shibuya Crossing

  • Tokyo Skytree

  • Ryogoku Kokugikan

  • Sumo Stadium

  • Yoyogi Park

  • Tokyo Tower

  • Nezu Museum

  • Yayoi Kusama Museum

  • Ghibli Museum

  • Teamlab Borderless

Where to stay

Minimalistic luxury with a sophisticated elegeance, The Edition Hotel is a relaxing home away from home. Beautiful views of the city and Tokyo tower await you. This bar offers a vibrant green bar and restaurant, meeting spaces, spa and more. This hotel has a Famima!! (Family Mart Kobini) right outside and is conveniently located near the subway stations of Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon, and is steps away from Tokyo’s best neighborhoods and attractions.

Conveniently located in the heart of Shibuya right above Shibuya crossing, the Excel Hotel is a comfortable and functional hotel. On the older side in terms of design and decor, but the location cannot be beat. All the iconic Tokyo attractions are just moments away.