Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, being the biggest city in the world, has so much to offer and I believe it can satisfy any traveler. With super organized public transport, you can visit vibrant and young city central areas easily such as Harajuku and Shibuya OR experience traditional Japanese atmosphere in Sensoji filled with hundreds of years of history. Tokyo also invites you to many izakaya (Japanese style) bars as well as Michelin star restaurants hidden all over the city. It’s an amazing city that never gets old or boring to people who’re living here for 20+ years.
Know Before You Go
Sushi
You will not be able to eat any Sushi outside of Japan once you experience the authentic Sushi in Japan. Even if you are not a seafood fan, Tokyo offers so many amazing restaurants. From breakfast places to night bars, you will quickly have your favorite spots. It is a term we say in Japanese “hashigo”, ladder translated in English, meaning Japanese people often “hashigo” (hop) many restaurants or bars to continue enjoying the night time with friends.
Fashion Forward
You will see very creative street-style fashion in Harajuku – or you may see so many high brand stores around Ginza where people are so nicely dressed and chic. Tokyo is the perfect city for shopping for clothes especially because you’ll be inspired by many others on the street - and of course, there are many designer stores all over the city.
Hospitality
Tokyo is one of the safest cities I have been in my life (traveled to 15+ countries). We are still working on improving our weaknesses but you’ll often see 5-6 years old children taking trains, going to school, and coming home by themselves. It is extremely safe and a perfect place for anyone wanting to travel :)
Culture & History
Despite being the big city, Tokyo has a quiet and reserved area that offers a traditional atmosphere with hundreds of history. For example, Senso-ji (temple) and Meiji-jingu (shrine) are two famous traditional spots where you’ll be exposed to our culture and history.
Ghost World
In a city this big and lively, you can find just about anything you might be into, culture-wise – and there’s plenty for fans of the paranormal to explore. Tokyo is home to a surprising number of haunted houses, ranging from the unassuming (a home in a residential neighborhood) to the extreme (a labyrinth made to look like a hospital haunted by former patients).
More Than Sake
Naturally, Tokyo is home to thousands of sake bars, from ritzy to standing-room-only. But Japan is also a force to be reckoned with in the craft-beer scene, thanks to breweries like Hitachino, Coedo, Baird, and Minoh, and others you’ve probably never heard of.
Can’t-Miss Neighborhoods
Nakameguro
There is a nice riverside that is surrounded by restaurants and bars. Especially if you visit here in the spring, the river is filled with cherry blossom trees and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s easy to access from central Shibuya and everyone should go visit at least once.
Daikanyama
Daikanyama is a very quiet, clean, and beautiful neighborhood with great restaurants and cafes. You will also find many designer clothing brands around the area.
Asakusa
It’s famous for the temple, Senso-ji built in 645 AD. It’s open to everyone for free and you can try our authentic way of visiting a temple. Around the area, there are many Japanese restaurants that you shouldn’t miss to stop by.
When to Go
Absolutely spring. It is the most beautiful time of year with cherry blossom trees fully blooming :) The city is comfortable for touring around and I highly recommend coming here in the springtime. Please keep in mind that summer in Tokyo is extremely hot and humid. You might want to avoid that time of year if you’re not used to the heat.
Featured Local: Fuuka Omote
I’m Fuuka, born and living in Tokyo for more than 20 years of my life. I have so much passion for food, travel, and outdoor activities. I spend my weekends often visiting my family or taking a small trip with friends. I get inspiration from trying and challenging new things whether that’s cooking a non-Japanese meal or running a race! I also love to help people and share our cultures :) It surprises me that my little help connected some people and me in the past, and now I have some life-long friends that I so value.
Fuuka’s Must-Dos
Yoyogi Park
After some shopping in Daikanyama, I will walk over to Shibuya and go straight to Yoyogi park. This park is very peaceful even though it is located right next to the busiest area in Tokyo, Shibuya. I love spending time here so much, sometimes reading a book or running in the park. You are free to bring some alcohol and enjoy picnic if you would like. There are always many people enjoying picnic, practicing dancing, or running. This park is my most favorite one in Tokyo!
Ohitsuzen Tanbo
This is an old and hidden Japanese food restaurant. You can try the Japanese “Ohitsuzen” dish that comes with rice, seafood, miso soup, and the dashi stock soup. It is a truly traditional and authentic Japanese style restaurant. I cannot recommend this place enough.
Fuuka’s Recs
伽羅 Kyara
This place really has the most delicious Japanese food in all of Japan; my perfect day is not complete without having dinner at Kyara. The menu changes every single day and it is all handwritten. It actually took me a few times to finally be able to read everything on the menu so If you are not used to Japanese letters, just go with a flow. The chef’s delicate and exquisite performance for their meals always blows my mind. I also like their traditional brandy. Please go here and enjoy the true, traditional, and wonderful Japanese food :)
Little Nap
This place is a hidden gem, located next to Yoyogi Park. I’ll stop here to have a cup of coffee and maybe a brownie or ice-cream depending on my mood. Their pastries are freshly baked and very tasty! I like sitting at the counter facing the street and enjoy people watching. The employees are very friendly here and you can customize your milk for almond milk, soy milk, non-fat milk, etc. (It is quite rare to find a cafe that serves almond milk.)
Yukemuri no Sato
It’s a little neighborhood friendly onsen. It’s got quite a range of baths and you can spend the Sunday morning relaxing there. As you’d like, you can add an option of “Ganbanyoku”. It is very therapeutic and famous in Japan where you go into a room with warm stone beds and lay around there. You will immediately feel relaxed and zen.
