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Tokyo

Travel Guide

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Over the year, we built up detailed mental image of what Tokyo was like based on everything we saw in the media; so it was already super high expectations before we even touched down. After a few trips here, can definitely say that it’s met expectations in every way. From the food to the nights out and the street life, every single day was packed with endless things to do. Here’s some ideas to help you plan your itinerary. 

Where to STAY

Tokyo is massive. The subway system is very efficient and fairly easy to comprehend but it can still take a minute to get between different neighborhoods. Staying in the area that you’ll be spending the most time in is probably the most pragmatic. But as long as you’re in a central area with many train stations (like Shibuya or Shinjuku) it won’t be too hard to get around. Plus, the taxis are really plentiful too. Some .. neighborhoods: 


  • Shibuya: Bustling district known for vibrant nightlife and shopping. It’s a major hub for youth culture, fashion, and entertainment. It's also quiet central and easy to get around to other popular areas

  • Shinjuku: A commercial and administrative center littered with skyscrapers and entertainment districts. Shinjuku Station makes it easy to get around

  • Roppongi: Lively district for nightlife and the art scene. A nice blend of local and international restaurants.

  • Ginza: Upscale shopping and dining district, with a good balance between modern and traditional aesthetics


Where to EAT


Where to eat 


In Tokyo, you’ll finding endless variety for dining from casual set lunches, to some of the most elegant and stunning meals we’ve ever had. It’s especially bountiful for seafood lovers. Make sure to get your steps in daily, so you can eat more. 


  • Katsudon-ya Zuicho: Small counter for amazing katsudon; there's usually a queue so get there early; add extra egg and an icy draft beer when prompted

  • Maguro-to-Shari Shibuya: Straightforward but masterfully crafted toro don with a healthy amount of toro

  • Tsukiji Outer Market: Large market lined with cafes and stalls that serve a huge variety of the freshest seafood (the inner wholesale market has now moved to the new Toyosu market)

  • Namiki Yabusoba: Soba in a quiet, lowkey setting

  • Butagumi: Some of the best tonkatsu we've had in this refurbished historical home 

  • Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Long strip with different restaurants and stalls so you can try many different things in one visit

  • Tempura Mikawa Keyakizaka: Small counter restaurant for tempura tasting menu, where you can watch the chef cook each piece of tempura

  • Nodaiwa Azabu likura Honten: Eel-focused menu in a quiet, formal setting

  • Ginza Koiyu: 2 star kaiseki restaurant; very elevated and beautifully presented   menu; prepare for a 3+ hour dining experience in an intimate setting

  • Oreryū Shio Ramen Jingūmae: Ramen chain where you can customize your order at the vending machine outside) 

  • Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory: Studio Ghibli themed cream puffs at this cafe by Hayao Miyazaki's sister-in-law

  • Togoshiya onigiri place: Onigiri set menu cafe; great for a casual lunch

  • Udon Maruka: Smooth and silky udon

  • Whitely: Our favorite coffee shop

  • CAFE REISSUE: Cafe where they can make 3D images of your choosing out of foam

Where to GO OUT

Just like the dining, there’s a wide spectrum of ways to go out in Tokyo — lively izakaya where you can enjoy bars snacks, beer, and sake; craft cocktail spots where the bartenders specialize in one spirit; and nightclubs and lounges to party til sunrise. Just make sure to plan your way home, because most trains stop running after midnight. 


  • The SG Club: Upbeat spot from Shingo Gokan; with 2 floors (Sip and Guzzle), each with their own distinct flavor and masterfully crafted cocktail menu

  • GINZA1954: Understated bar for a quiet cocktail and a good snack menu

  • Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane: Popular nightlife destination with many izakaya tucked away in this alley

  • RECORD BAR analog: Lowkey record bar experience, perfect for starting out your night

  • Shinjuku Golden-Gai: Lively bar district with over 200 bars lining the narrow alleyways; nostalgic vibes of an older Tokyo; interesting to see once during your visit but just a heads up that it can be seedier than other areas (watch out for scammers)

  • Club Camelot: Nightclub with multiple floors, each with different vibes including hip hop and dance music


Things to DO


With such an urban sprawl, there’s a ton of activities to fill the time between meals and drinks. Fill your days perusing historical landmarks, taking in the unique flavor of each neighborhood and digging through some vintage shopping. 


  • Temples: There are a number of iconic temples directly in the city including Sensō-ji, Meiji Jingu, and Nezu Shrine)

  • Harajuku: There’s the well known strip of harajuku full of popular shops and cafes; but then there’s a less populated alley with great boutiques and thrift shopping (around here)  

  • RAGTAG: Resell clothing franchise with wide selections and orderly racks

  • Akihabara: For the otakus; this neighborhood is full of anime and manga focused shops; with maids on the street trying to lure you in

  • Mag's Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing: Perch to get an aerial view of the famous Shibuya crossing

  • Mount Fuji: It's a full day trip to go visit this iconic natural landmark (although you get a pretty fantastic view of it from the city by default

Final Thoughts

Tokyo definitely met our lofty expectations. From the food to the drinks to the art, we really appreciated the devotion and level to detail that residents put into their craft. Ideally, you’ll be able to spend at least a full week here to really explore. It’ll take a few days to acclimate to the city flow and scratch the surface. Just make sure you’re ready to do some walking. 

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